To wonder what people think of those shielding now

[Flamingofolie]

I've seen the shielding mentioned negatively 3 times this morning. What do you think, they get preferential treatment? They're just doing as they're told? It's just an excuse to avoid work?

To clarify I'm talking about those who have been explicitly told to shield, not people who have decided to do so of their own accord.

Couldn't care less. If they don't want to shield they don't have to. It's up to them.

As someone who has to shield, it's frustrating seeing people shielding who really don't need to. Thankfully I work remotely for a tech company anyway so I've been able to continue working. The shielding helpline calls every other week to check in. My GP has had someone call me each week to check in. My hospital appointments are over the phone now. ASDA sorted me out with a recurring delivery slot and our shops have been really good, good dates etc.

It's just super frustrating seeing those who don't need to shield complaining about shielding

ClientQ that's awful, I think people forget how isolating this all is. I hope you manage to get it in as contactless a way as possible

However, my SIL is a GP and her surgery has inundated with people demanding a shielding letter. Hardly any of them needed one and fewer still understood just how restrictive the instructions are for people shielding.

I've heard a lot of this - people who want the "perks" (reader there are no sodding perks) of not going to work, or their partner not having to go to work but don't want to actually follow the shielding guidance.

My mother has emphysema and my MIL has lung cancer and they both want to work, but they could be lying.
My 5 year old niece with cancer, I reckon she's just making excuses not to go to school

FFS. There's a reason people have been told to shield.

I am still working my normal hours btw, everyone in my organisation at my level and below has been furloughed, I haven't. Make of that what you will.

I'm shielding. But I am going for a walk once a day away from people. I even cleared this with my asthma nurse as it's keeping me sane and keeping my lungs fit. I'm shielding for other reasons the asthma is just an added problem.
I'm still working every day.
Aside from the walks I've not been in a shop or near anyone since a week before lockdown. Our whole household is following the same practice as I couldn't cope with being locked away from them for months.
Not seen any negative opinions of those shielding but by all means bring it on

@ClientQ Call the pharmacy when you are outside and someone can bring it to car for you?

PierceHawthornes - But if you're going out for a walk, then you're not shielding 🤷🏻‍♀️ You're social distancing the same as the rest of the population.

I have been told to shield and I'm sticking to the shielding rules. Going out for a daily walk is not shielding

We are shielding. It’s not exactly fun, and yes the letter and call came as a shock despite knowing we were in the shielding category.

The only negativity I’ve seen is on local Facebook about the food boxes. We got one despite having told the shielding hotline when they called that we didn’t need one. It went to the food bank but fortunately we haven’t received any more.

Delivery slots - yes we get priority slots, but I was already getting a weekly Tesco delivery through good luck or whatever, I don’t know.

You wouldn’t know to look at us that one of our family is very unwell.

But if you're going out for a walk, then you're not shielding

I disagree.

Those who have been told to shield - and are doing it - are helping to flatten those peaks, preserving access to NHS ventilators for those who need them, and are to be commended.

No, they are told to shield because they are likely to be more adversely affected by covid than others. They aren't being told to stay in just in case other people need ventilators, and they have no more responsibility for helping to flatten the curve than anyone else- what a weird attitude to have.

The guidance is to not go out for a walk if shielding to be fair, obviously personal choice and no one is enforcing it.

Flaming - have you been told to shield? The letter specifically says you can't go out for a walk. That you have to stay away from people you live with. It's really difficult.

I have family members saying "oh well so and so is shielding but they're going out every day" - good for them! I've been told to shield and I will continue to shield properly. I won't risk my health

Shielding advice - stay in your home.

Personal risk assessment - totally up to an individual, particularly if there are social or emotional factors to consider as well.

Yes, I've had the letter and also had a text update this week to extend the amount of time. I'm carrying on as normal, going out for a walk, sleeping in the same bed as my wife, helping out with everything at home.

The hysterical would call me selfish, a murderer, whatever else they can come up with at the time, grow up!!

It's the choice of the individual and no, we don't have any preferential treatment because I'm "on the list".

What exactly is your AIBU question?

There's no point in posting in that section and then getting pissy when people answer as if it was an AIBU

The hysterical would call me selfish, a murderer, whatever else they can come up with at the time, grow up!!

No they wouldn't, it's you who is more at risk than others, therefore you can make any choice you wish regarding it, it's you that it affects most.

@DissociatedDinosaur I have to pay so need to go in. I can wait in the car until it's quiet though

I feel for them, it must be really difficult. I hope they continue to be properly supported in all ways if it goes on longer than initially anticipated, which seems likely

Well most people would feel sorry for them surely having to stay in- i would have thought

I think people might feel a bit differently about others who have chosen to 'self shield' though, without being advised to..

Those who genuinely need to shield I have every sympathy and society as a whole should assist where possible - eg allowing delivery slots for them and helping with the things they need in a safe manner. I can’t imagine having a seriously ill child fir example and having the added worry of this on top

I dont mean permanent lockdown I mean taking extra care with hygiene, whereas in the past I may have gone to work with a cold etc I’d stay at home now, wash hands more, but definitely just being a bit more vigilante in trying to not spread germs

Flaming - have you been told to shield?

I have. I understand that. But theres a huge difference between going a walk where you see no other person and going to supermarkets, busy work places etc. A lot of shielders are going walks to keep themselves sane.

I think it must be very hard, perhaps unbearable, to be shielding and face it continuing for an unknown length of time. Virtual hugs to anyone in that position.

No they wouldn't, it's you who is more at risk than others, therefore you can make any choice you wish regarding it, it's you that it affects most.

Oh trust me, they have.