Shielding chat continues - thread 2

[AuntieSocia1]

Shiny new thread for anyone shielding.

You can vent/moan/cry/chat/lurk whatever you need.

I don't get the you can go out now but have to shield for longer either. We will hopefully know more when the guidance is properly issued later. What does "go out" even mean? A walk? The garden? Park? Beach? Shopping? Surely if we are out out then we are no longer shielded??

It kind of makes sense - going out and avoiding people should have been ok all around. Going to work surrounded by people- not good at all.

@Bercows I'm assuming he means you can't go the shops, school or back to work. Indoor things basically.

Jenrick just said a walk with your household. It's so busy though near me. I'd love a walk but I wouldn't be able to socially distance.

so it really is indefinite then?im not sure im really understanding tbh

He sounds genuinely shocked that some of us haven’t been out at all for 10 weeks.

They just asked Jennie Harries if the shielding categories were likely to change. I found her answer a bit unclear but I think she was saying that (a) for the moment they are going to leave things as they are but (b) going forward they are going to look at a more individualised approach on the basis of age and conditions.

What they've done is given us a little bit of freedom so we don't all kick off about the fact they've done sweet FA to work towards getting us out and about again, sweet FA to protect us from income/employment issues, sweet FA to get us face-to-face medical and mental health support yet and then quietly slipped it that as it stands this is definitely indefinite and will be reviewed on two week intervals

Better get ready for managing our life without knowing what will be happening in the next two weeks.

I’m hearing “It’s all your choice. Tally ho. Good luck then”.

The fact that they are looking to individualise this as well means we are in it for the long haul - given how long it took for them to do the lists when it was not individualised.

@Bet owns the going out is once a day socially distanced exercise. You can go with members of your household or, if you live alone, one person from outside your household. You still can’t go to the shops, work etc.

@Bet owns = @Bercows

Agree with what @DragonTrainedByLucy said (both points).

Harries is being very cautious with this. I think she doesn't fully agree with the easing from what she is saying and not saying. Quite guarded.

Jenny Harries said “we are hopefully looking at something more relaxed over the next couple of months”

I'm hearing the subtext from harries of "just because you can doesn't mean you should."

Jenny Harries perpetuating the myth that most people shielding are elderly, even though Robert Jenrick said only 50% are.

Why can they not instigate a time each day for the shielded to be able to go into parks and green spaces without everyone else?
Someone mentioned other countries have managed this - does anybody know which countries?

I guess it would be difficult to enforce without putting police on the streets (which costs money).

I'm hearing the subtext from harries of "just because you can doesn't mean you should.

I just heard the message that “it’s advisory” I.e. we are not forcing you to do this so don’t expect any financial compensation.

I'm a SAHM so I wouldn't have heard that. I am doing a TA course though and wondering what I'm supposed to do about that as distance learning isn't ideal and I can't do the placements. Plus I can't get my dc to school and shield.

We are at level 4 currently but seem to be making changes planned for lower levels.

It must be a huge worry for those with jobs

Yes it is! Huge worry for all of us though. Plenty of worries for non-shielders too.

Hopefully all will become a bit clearer in a couple of weeks, in the meantime it would be wise to take baby steps if you do want to go for a walk.

I’ve been lucky and have gone out for walks but the area where I live is predominantly countryside and easy to avoid people.