Thread 3 shielding chat

[AuntieSocia1]

I hope this unimaginative thread title doesn't put off all the amazing posters from this group!

As we transition into this new phase things could get interesting....

Waves to lurkers

Still washing shopping here too, and TESCO delivery folk have been great - very understanding of why its like a military operation. Where are the A Team when you need them?

Feeling less stressed about shopping though these days, maybe we have just got used to it. Did go into a shop last week as well, and it felt OK. Think its saving me money not popping to Sainsburys every other day. Silver Linings!

Just emailed school to say we are going to carry on with home ed until a clearer picture re: second spike emerges.

We can just about do it between me and DH and work times, so fingers crossed. DS is thrilled and tbh he has been good at cracking on with his work.

Classroom of 30 (and double at lunchtime), feels like too much of a gamble - I know schools are stuck between a rock and a hard place though (no space to distance a whole class). Maybe I am being over cautious but we will see.

Going back to work in Sept but employer is good and I expect it will be pretty Covid 'secure'. Certainly I won't be in a room with no protection/space with 30 others. Eek!

@Teaistheanswer, I know what you mean. Some weeks ago we were on schedule for a Morrison’s deliver between 11 and midnight and I was totally overthinking it. (We ended with a better, daytime slot) DH was unlikely to be awake at that time, and though I’m more of a night owl, I’m deaf and unlikely to hear the bell. I was thinking I’d have to sit by the door wrapped in a blanket (draughty hallway, cold nights, my wonky thermostat), gloves, mask/face covering , outside door on the snib but me behind the inner door in case Bill the Burglar was our and about. Also, account uses the joint acc but I rarely use it and often forget the PIN. Was worried I’d forget the number for paying. Aargh, I’m about to do another order and still fretting.

We’re still washing shopping too - and taking some items out of packaging. For example, oatcakes put in a plastic box and we chuck the cardboard. Well, recycling gets it.

@UnholyStramash it is quite a palava isn't it?! I think this whole shielding process has given me a whole new set of things to get anxious over and believe me I was pretty good at getting anxious before!

If it wasn't for lovely fellow shielders I think I'd be convinced I'd lost the plot completely

This is what we do for home deliveries / still cleaning the shopping.
We have a weekly 9-10am spot. So first thing in the morning dh takes the wheelbarrow out the front. Delivery driver puts it all in the barrow and eh takes to round to the back door where we wipe and get the frozen stuff in asap and can then be a little more leisurely with the rest of the shopping. We clean it then it goes into other bags for a few days , then we put it away.

Is anyone else going to still avoid unnecessary exposure after shielding ends? People have suggested going to a cafe, a restaurant and the theatre (all in crowded parts of central London) and I just don’t feel comfortable. I am worried I might be being too extreme though.

I'm not intending on mixing with anyone unless I really have to.
At work I have to mix with three classes of infant children but they are all in the same year group. Therefore also a team of ten staff including me who I will work with at a distance. Out of school I intend to just see DD and partner and my closest two friends but all outside only. Other than that I shall continue in my well practised hermit ways

@Egghead68

Is anyone else going to still avoid unnecessary exposure after shielding ends? People have suggested going to a cafe, a restaurant and the theatre (all in crowded parts of central London) and I just don’t feel comfortable. I am worried I might be being too extreme though.

I'll be going back to work because I have to it but I won't be doing anything else. Certainly no restaurants, cinema, theatre, gym etc.

Yes still hermit crab mode here too.

Seeing a friend or two outside for walk/garden and DS having play dates outside too. 'Holiday' locally - just need to look at places we haven't been for a while to go too. Helps being rural. Avoiding shops but have mask on order so may pop into the odd shop when mask arrives in post.

Doing well with decluttering though - and the cat is enjoying our company. She has us in the palm of her...er...paw.

I'm not ready to mix or go to the pub any time soon. DD 18 has met her friends for the first time today in a pub. She's loaded with hand sanitizer and knows the rules on social distancing.

She's will be getting Jet washed when she comes home!

Thanks everyone. I was worried I was going a bit overboard.

How is everyone? I hope we’re all okay, no big crises, just keeping going doing what’s required. As the shielding guidance in Scotland eases somewhat I’ve realised being a second class citizen (no car in a rural area) is a great disadvantage. I’m trying to persuade my sons to come here soon as I don’t think the requirement to SD from people from other households, especially indoors, is going to be gone in August for Scotland’s shielders. Although we’ll be able to use public transport from next week (I think) I can’t see that I’ll be rushing onto the buses. So I’ve asked DH to phone and get the sons moving sooner rather than later. From my viewpoint, if I have to be cautious around my own family, I’d like to get on with it. I dread a further peak that shuts things down again (though I know that’s unlikely in Scotland). Oh well, whatever.

Ok thanks. Yes it’s hard without a car. I wish I had one.

Thinking of doing some outdoor socially distanced socialising from next week.

Still shielding here....

Not planning on stopping for atleast another 4 weeks, Then will see how things go....

Even after 4 weeks, will limit contact, only see people outside, still wont go into shops, restaurants or anywhere else really.

Will still wear a mask and be very careful.

If my partner or i caught it and got very sick, doubtful the hospital would put either of us on a ventilator....
Nice thought isnt it

I went out for the first time today, have only been to hospital appointments since lockdown, no walks etc. Went to the big park and met my friend who has been shielding as she’s part carer for her parents. It was great and was lovely to see mine and her children running around in the forest. Took a picnic and we’re going again next week (weather permitting). It was busy around the play area so we walked about 20 mins further in where there was the occasional person walking but not busy. I was quite nervous but so glad we went.

I've told my supervisor at work that I'd like a phased return to work. I'll need retraining for the radio as I've forgotten how to do it

Also we have a spare multi function room that is used in emergencies when the other dispatch areas go down so I've asked if I can start back in there so I'm away from the crowd to start with. Had a big Skype staff forum the other day, for a brave talk and it was shocking how desperate and scared some of us are. A lot of crying over Skype going on.

Ah well, que sera and all that.

My consultant has told me to continue shielding past August as much as possible - going against government advice. It isn't really encouraging.

I’ve just had a lengthy post swallowed in the ether. CBA to do it again. All the best, everyone. I’ve also made a knitting mistake which I must fix while the light is better.

I had a phone consultation yesterday and my consultant suggested I continue to sheild. He said it's not safe for me to go back to work yet.

I'm still here, still keeping on keeping on.

Got a bit annoyed with MN as I posted to ask opinions on whether I should continue with my holiday to Italy at the end of August as shielding will be paused, or cancel and lose the money. Was quite shocked at some people's assumptions that shielders have all not been working and have been relying on other people for shopping etc, as though we were some great burden on society.

Anyway, following my successful trip to pick up my Farmer's Market order last weekend, this weekend I have booked tickets to the gardens of a National Trust property. A day out!

I wish we knew exactly what the guidance will be once shielding is paused. We are apparently going to have letters, but I don't know when. I hate the uncertainty.

wish we knew exactly what the guidance will be once shielding is paused. We are apparently going to have letters, but I don't know when. I hate the uncertainty.

My consultant had no idea what the guidance for shielding was. I think the professionals are disgusted by it tbh.

I thought the guidance when shielding is paused is to follow the same rules as for everyone else.

I won’t be doing that and will continue to stay at home as much as possible.

The guidance is: shielding is paused- you can return to work/go out and about but don’t forget you are still at high risk of complications.

I’ve got two different consultant appointments (one in person, one telephone) next week so I’ll see what they suggest. I’ll have three household members going to two different schools everyday from September. I’m also expected back at work (although I mostly work from home anyway).

I went to a garden centre this week. That was exciting! I decided as it was outside, it was low risk.

@Is2020OverYet

I'm still here, still keeping on keeping on.

Got a bit annoyed with MN as I posted to ask opinions on whether I should continue with my holiday to Italy at the end of August as shielding will be paused, or cancel and lose the money. Was quite shocked at some people's assumptions that shielders have all not been working and have been relying on other people for shopping etc, as though we were some great burden on society.

Anyway, following my successful trip to pick up my Farmer's Market order last weekend, this weekend I have booked tickets to the gardens of a National Trust property. A day out!

I wish we knew exactly what the guidance will be once shielding is paused. We are apparently going to have letters, but I don't know when. I hate the uncertainty.

Did you not get a shielding pausing letter? The advice in it was quite basic - maintain 2metre social distancing, go back to work if workplace is Covid secure, other than that stay at home as much as possible.

I don't think it's clear what pausing shielding means. Does it mean that we don't have to behave any differently to anyone else - we can go shopping, eat out in restaurants, get on a plane? Or does it mean behaving how the over 70s were advised to during lockdown?