Coronavirus: What does Shielding mean?
Information about shielding
At the end of March, the Government wrote to around 1.5 million of the most vulnerable NHS patients by letter, with guidance and information on shielding. GPs and hospital consultants are reviewing the initial list to ensure that all those in ‘high risk’ categories are identified and informed about the action they should be taking to stay safe.
If you did not receive a letter, but you are worried that you might be vulnerable and should be shielding, you should contact your GP or hospital team. You can also check the list on the Gov.uk website to see if you are in the most at risk/extremely vulnerable group.
If you think you have a condition that makes you extremely vulnerable or have received a letter from NHS England you are strongly advised to shield yourself, to reduce the chance of getting coronavirus (COVID-19).
Government Guidance
Government guidance states the following the measures are required to shield yourself:
- Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough.
- Do not leave your house.
- Do not attend any gatherings. This includes gatherings of friends and families in private spaces, for example, family homes, weddings and religious services.
- Do not go out for shopping, leisure or travel and, when arranging food or medication deliveries, these should be left at the door to minimise contact.
- Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.
- Do use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services
You are advised to carry out these measures for a period of 12 weeks.
Help and advice
If you are shielding, you should ask family, friends and neighbours to help you with getting essentials such as food and medicine, as well as using online services. The Government has also put support in place for people who are shielding
you can register online by clicking here
or call this number: 0800 028 8327
For the full Government Guidance on Shielding, please click here
Update 18/05/2020
A “conditional plan" to begin easing England’s coronavirus lockdown was announced by the Government on the 10th May. However, it is important to note that the new advice does not change the “stay at home” measures for people who are most medically at risk and who are shielding. To find out if you are in a clinically extremely vulnerable group, check the list here
The recovery strategy also states that people who are considered clinically vulnerable such as those who are 70 or older, those with liver disease and pregnant women are advised to stay at home as much as possible and to minimise contact with people outside their household.
Support services for those shielding, such as food and pharmacy deliveries and care can be accessed via the NHS Volunteer Responders App.
Update on shielding 03/06/2020:
On the 1st of June, guidance for those shielding changed. To read our update, please click here
