Shielding chat continues - thread 2

[AuntieSocia1]

Shiny new thread for anyone shielding.

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

Finally getting my laptop tomorrow so I can wfh. Also got a call from the shielding line just to see if there is anything I need. First call in 8 weeks.

Waiting for the news update but it's all about the ridiculous shopping

We've been told we can officially not shield anymore from DS's local and specialist centres. Talk about out of nowhere. I'm not sure wether to jump for joy or sob with fear. I'm trying to put my sensible head on.

Titslina (I have admired your name for many years btw) it is a mad feeling isn't it?? My manager has already called to see if I can come back to a patient facing role...

I’m pretty sure they’re announcing it today but it might be at some point this wk.

The shielding guidance regarding furlough has changed slightly though, don’t know when. It now states shielded employees can be continued to be furloughed from the 1st July!

Luckily (if you can call it that) I do have a hospital apt this week so depending on what’s announced I can hopefully get some clear guidance on whether I still need to shield after 30th June!

I’m like many others here, I’m half dreading, half hoping but the not knowing and radio silence is stressful!

I think we've decided to gently start going out a bit, we haven't up until now. No where busy like shops or town and we'll keep our Asda slot for as long as they'll let us.

DS's clinics will remain video call for the foreseeable which is fine.

We're speaking about DD going back to school, she's in. Reception class with only 7 children back (it's a very small school) and she's so isolated being so much younger than her brothers, they've leant on each other where as she hasn't had that. They've got bubbles at school and seem to have everything worked out well so it's a consideration.

I am also going to speak to my boss about returning in some capacity to work. I'm a dementia support worker and I have a particular client in mind who lives very close to me, she has 1 visit a day and never leaves the house and has no family so if I were to take her over as my own client I figure it would be safe to do.

DH's office is likely to be closed for the rest of the year anyway and the boys schools won't be returning until September so not a lot else will change.

I've been going for a walk every day for the last month or so but I live rurally so very rarely see anyone. I want to return to normal life but if truth be told, I'm just scared.

@TitsalinaBumSquash It must be a really big change to not be shielding any more, and as a result be really difficult to go out after so long. Do you now follow the advice for vulnerable people, or is there a higher level of distancing needed?

Our specialist nurse on Friday was still talking about my DC being shielded, and I haven't yet asked directly as we had other medical things to talk about. But I guess the conversation will happen at some point.

Sweet FA about the shielded!

They are reviewing shielding this week and there will be an announcement later in the week (or early next, I suppose).

I thought shielding update was today ? Have I got it wrong ?

They must know by now. Wish they would just announce what they are planning. Scotland and Wales have announced their plans!

Very frustrating. I want to get my head around either going back to work or not.

I really was under the impression it was today.

No press questions about it so far either which tells me they’re briefed on what to ask!

And without the scientists there how could questions about the shielded be confidently answered!

We won’t know tonight sadly.

Sorry, think I’d built myself up to knowing the way forward at this briefing.

I shall now back away from the room.

LucyTrainsDragons I thought it was today too. Not a peep.
Hello Government, we still exist and aren't going away, however much you'd like it that way.

Don’t those of you moving out of shielding just move down into the middle category, as in the group with over 70s who are supposed to socially distance stringently? You don’t- in most cases - suddenly have no risk at all. I’m sorry if that’s a bit blunt and I suppose there will always be exceptions to that.

Well, I decided to open my post from Saturday. DH mentioned a letter postmarked Livingston and I assumed it was about the extra CA the Scottish govt is paying (I’m in an odd situation being at extra risk from covid19 but receiving CA for my son - yes, I’m still caring for him in spite of shielding bc he doesn’t suddenly have no problems just bc I am shielding). Anyway it’s not about CA but my shielding letter to extend it to the end of July AT LEAST. The ‘at least‘ is of course crucial as dear knows when this will be. I hoped I’d maybe be taken off the list (but I was being unrealistic, I know).

Oh and DH gave me my breakfast this morning on a dirty plate. So if he’s brewing covid19 then I’m likely to get it too. Mistakes can happen, yes I know, but it’s bloody careless of him. I’m most annoyed that he has failed to express his regret. I’ve been reminding him for years to clear used dishes off the table after using them, just because it’s cleaner. Of course he didn’t need to do that today bc he knew he hadn’t finished eating and was going to eat more toast after giving me mine. Aargh. So we know how it happened but not that it won’t happen again. and It’s all just the usual excuses and arse saving talk from him.

And breathe.... . He does have some redeeming features.

I reckon the update will be Wednesday with Boris

I should have said to all of you in England waiting to hear something updated about shielding, I’m sorry the omnishambles that is the UKG hasn’t come up with anything yet. and

I think when they made the announcement it was advice would be reviewed the week commencing 15th June.

I agree that people being moved out of the "highly vulnerable" group will likely now be classed with the "vulnerable" group instead. I know if my asthma wasn't as severe as it is I'd be in the "vulnerable" group instead, ie stringent social distancing.

Feeling for you guys in England waiting for confirmation about an extension. I remember feeling the same as we got closer to the end of the first period and didn't know what happened next. Although knowing that it's been extended until August isn't great, the not knowing was worse.

@UnholyStramash the shielded update was to let us know when we were supposed to be shielding until, those told they don’t now need to shield is different to the update those still needing to still shield we’re expecting tonight.