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

That's a shame.

I had my flu vaccine today with my adult son. His appointment was today and mine scheduled for next Saturday. Our surgery tell households to come together...it makes sense

@Outnumberedwoman that's good about the extra risk assessment. My Y10 DS school told me to contact Public Health if I'm worried Wtf!

DD Y13 is in college but only goes every other week so that's good. They are both in important years and not great at home learning so we have to push on.

I think there will be more restrictions here on Monday.

I feel like I'm playing Russian Roulette

Up to over 100 cases per 100000 (think I got the zeros right) so we're hitting the red zone (Coventry).

Got my op on Wednesday and had my 5th Covid test this morning-ugh! Still haven't had it confirmed that I can wfh yet, but I'll be recuperating for 4-6 weeks anyway. I've sweetened the deal for them by saying I'll be back to work quicker if I can do it at home.

Had a blood test last week as the diabetes nurse was pressuring me . Sugar is normal now - yeay! But got a call back as my liver enzymes are raised. Fuuuuuuuuuuuck. It's never right. So I have to have another test in a month or so to check that it isn't a blip.

I am getting bored with my sofa now. Cleared out my wardrobe this week, and had to buy a stepladder so I can do the top of it tomorrow. Didn't want to balance on a chair and fall off.

Been buying lots of stretchy bralettes for my new shape next week. One boob wonder. Going to save up so I can have the other one off privately next year.

@Babysharkdoodoodood i wouldnt worry about the cases. We have over 800 here per 100000 and all they have done is close pubs and restaurants and cafes are take away only. people are carrying on as normal like they havent a care in the world. Sure we should all just open up back to normal and let the virus run wild because its only a mild flu for most anyway. Tough luck for the rest of us. if I hear that statement once more i may combust!

Sounds like you have been productive. Glad you decided against the falling off a chair option - plaster casts dont look good on anyone! I have had a few of them so I am speaking from experience!

Really hoping and praying your op goes well and your blood tests settle down and you get good results. I havent had my bloods checked since January! They havent sent for me or mentioned it and I am in no rush to remind them and have to make yet another appointment in the surgery.

@finished31 dc1 is NT and in a mainstream school but it is a very small village school. They have been brilliant. Once they knew I was shielding theydone everything without me asking.

DC2 has SEN and is in a special ed school. Only a few pupils in his class and they too have been so accomodating. He only started in August but they have already been so kind and understanding. It is so important he gets to go to school because i have neither the skills nor the resources that they have to help him at home. I could home ed DC1 but seems silly to keep one at home and one at school so for that reason we are pushing on here aswell and praying thatitdoesnt backfire.

How are we all feeling? Where I am in NI cases are now nearly 1000 per 100k (971). A local school has closed for the whole week due to staff shortages. Another school had to close for the same reason last week. CMO and CSO are calling for tough measures and action now. Even delaying by one week will see the health service really struggling for capacity and staff as so many are off already.

Then our education minister announces schools will not close he wont consider it. The DUP have their heads in the sand it seems.

I wish someone would speak up for shielders. Or even just think of us. Surely now is the time to restart shielding officially at the bare minimum.

What do you all think?

I am just watching the press conference and Chris Whitty has basically said that shielded are at greater risk but just need to be very careful. Very vague and not helpful. He has mentioned being mindful of mental health for shielded people which he's right about but he hasn't really given any constructive advice for people in our situation. I and Mum just feel forgotten by the government.

Yes it was rubbish. Jenny Harries is apparently working on some guidance for ECV people. It’ll probably also be vague statements about being a bit more careful.

I'm angry that shielded people and their carers aren't being considered and their vague advice to just "take extra care" is dismissive and unhelpful,

I'm still shielding but only able to as my consultant wrote a letter for work which basically said "you should still be shielding and WFH"
They need to bring out some more guidance and protection

They need to get off the fence. Apparently our NI executive are meeting tomorrow. Not holding my breath that we will get any more consideration or information.

I think I’m just going to keep following my own rules (i.e. rarely leaving home). The government doesn’t seem to be making decisions with any logic to them - it’s all based on politics more than prevalence and R number.

I agree Egghead. I and Mum are sensibly continuing to shield as much as possible. As autumn / winter closes in the prevalence of bugs in the community is even more of a risk to her so we are taking every possible precaution against unnecessary contact. I agree that the government seem to have abandoned logic and are now focused mainly on politics and economy rather than people.

Here’s our advice - load of nonsense:

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/health-54525067

“ Shielding is not being reintroduced in England, despite rising levels of coronavirus across most of the nation.

Government advisors say that, unlike in March, there are other protective measures in place - such as the rule of six and the wearing of face coverings in shops - to help reduce the spread.

But people should take precautions to avoid getting Covid.

Those who were on the shielding list will receive a letter about the advice with tips on how they should do this.”

On what basis were these decisions made, I wonder. Who was consulted? What calculations were done?

Or did JH just think what’s going to cost the economy nothing, no matter who it throws to the wolves?

And what happened to the idea of individualised shielding criteria and advice? Gone by the wayside no doubt.

ECV who are forced to keep going into the workplace despite high rates in their area - I really feel for you.

What sort of advice is that? 🤦🏽‍♀️ I need to know what our 18yr old ds should/shouldn't be doing! He, of course wants to get on with his life - get a job (he just finished a levels - thank god he didn't have to go back to school and didn't want to go to uni). But he's on immunosuppressants and on steroids. We didn't send any of our other children back to school - they're "at" an internet school, which we've paid for. DH is wfh for the foreseeable and eldest DD is entirely online for uni (she lives at home too).

The way I read it I think we basically have the same rules as everyone else (not sure whether I’ve missed something though).

I particularly like the “very high risk level” advice to:

“Work from home”

But also that

“People in these areas are can still go to work if they cannot work from home”

Here’s the official document:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

Thanks Egghead...like you I'm absolutely appalled. What a load of unhelpful tripe...how on earth is this vague "advice" meant to offer any support or protection to those who are the most vulnerable. The government have basically shrugged their shoulders and seem to have abandoned any pretence at supporting and protecting those most in need of it.

I am appalled but not surprised about the latest update. Waiting to see what Stormont come up with today but I am now living in the area with the worst cases per 100k in the whole of europe apparently.

And to top it all there has been a case confirmed in dC1 mainstream school and several suspected cases so 2 classes are isolating. Thankfully not in dc1 class but worrying all the same. With cases now nearly at 1000 per 100k i think shielding needs reinstated, a total lockdown for a period and that is to include schools. There are only 12ICU beds left here now. That was this morning so could be less now. Our health minister is pleading for something to be done. Will it? I doubt it.

I want to shut the door and lock the world out. Maybe be like bears and hibernate for the winter - yes that sounds like a very appealing idea.

Agreed that sounds like a very good idea and its what we will be doing as much as possible of. We can't rely on government rules and guidelines to offer any protection as they barely seem to work keeping it from spreading amongst the healthy people much less those who are ECV. I'm disgusted but sadly not surprised.

Here’s another thread someone has set up about this (warning - some annoying views are expressed):

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/coronavirus/4049553-New-guidance-just-published-on-Clinically-Extremely-Vulnerable

Ugh...skim read that thread. Some very irritating and ill informed attitudes towards clinically vulnerable people. Ffs

Patient groups are condemning it:

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/13/uk-government-issues-new-guidance-for-coronavirus-shielders