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On Monday the Government made several announcements in regard to the shielding guidance, including extending the advice to shield until 31 July.
We write to you now to update you on what these changes mean, and to remind you what support you can access to help you continue following the advice, and protecting yourself from Coronavirus.
Whilst the guidance will be eased over the next few weeks, it is extremely important that you continue to protect yourself, especially washing your hands regularly for 20 seconds, and strictly following advice on keeping physical distance from anyone you do not live with.
From 6th July to 31st July – some changes to shielding:
The Government has sent out letters this week to everyone who is shielding. This sets out the next steps and the changes to the advice that from 6th July.
• There should be no limits for you to safely spend larger amounts of time outdoors – whilst minimising any contact with gates or objects that may be frequently touched by others
• Whilst outdoors, you can meet others outdoors in groups of up to six people - whilst keeping a 2m physical distance.
• People who are shielding can now also create a mutual ‘support bubble’ with one other household. So this means if you live alone, or you’re the only adult in your home – you can now spend time safely inside each other’s homes including staying overnight. It is important to note that this must be an exclusive arrangement.The rest of the shielding advice remains in place.
This includes:
• Strictly avoiding any contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus
• Staying at home whenever possible – including for work, and if it is not possible to work from home, to not work at all
• For children advised to shield, to not attend school in person
• Not allowing anyone from outside your “support bubble” to come inside your home, except to meet essential care needs using protective equipment
• Not going out for shopping
• Ensuring any deliveries are left at the door
• Maintaining a strict routine of regular hand washing for minimum 20 seconds at a time and catching any sneezes or coughs in your elbow (not your hands) using tissues only once, binning it immediately and then re-sanitising hands
From 1st August – a pause to shielding
If the current trend continues during the month of July, that fewer people in England have the virus and so there is a much reduced chance of coming into contact with the virus, it is planned that the advice to shield can be paused.
So from 1st August this would mean that if you are unable to work from home, you may be able to return to work – if you can do so safely, with physical distance maintained at all times. It is advised that you begin talking to your employer about this now – but you should not return to work until 1st August. If you are worried about your employment rights or you are worried that you will not be safe if you return to work, Leeds Citizen’s Advice are available on 0113 223 4400.
From 1st August it is expected that you may be able safely resume shopping for yourself. If you have been receiving government food boxes – these will cease on 31st July. If you are worried that from 1st August you will struggle to safely access food or supplies independently, please do contact us to ask for help. We are currently working with groups and volunteers about what kind of support we can make available in the city so calling after 1st July will mean we know what is available and we can discuss what are the best options for you. The helpline is 0113 378 1877.
Staying Safe
The changes to shielding have been possible because the number of people with the virus has lowered considerably. The Coronavirus remains a dangerous virus and you are particularly at risk from complications if you were to contract it. Therefore, the best way to stay safe is to remain cautious, to stay at a safe distance, to wash your hands regularly and to avoid high risk environments, even after 1st August.
The Government Shielding List will be maintained beyond 1st August– so that if the risk increases in the future and full shielding needs to be reinstated, you can be informed more easily.
The NHS will also be reviewing the shielding list over the coming months to review who should continue to be classed as “clinically extremely vulnerable to Covid-19” now that they understand more about the virus. They will contact you in due course to let you know if they think your risk level can be lowered.
Staying Safe in the Hot Weather
Public Health England have issued a heat warning for the exceptionally hot weather forecast this week. This is particularly relevant to people who have been shielding.
Their advice is to:
• drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. Everyone is at risk of dehydration in hot temperatures, but babies, children and older people are particularly vulnerable
• stay cool indoors: open windows when the air feels cooler outside than inside; shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight; move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping
• slow down when it’s hot: exertion heats up our bodies so plan any strenuous activities (such as exercise and gardening) outside the hottest time of the day, typically 11am to 3pm
• cool your skin with water. You could use a cool wet sponge or flannel, cool water spray, cold packs around the neck and armpits, or a cool, wet sheet
• stay connected and listen to the weather forecast. Knowing the forecast can help you plan ahead and adapt what you’re doing
• dress appropriately for the weather. Protect yourself against the sun’s radiation and keep yourself cool by wearing thin cotton clothes
• eat smaller meals, more often. Cold salads and fruit are the perfect summer foods
Shopping and Supplies
Nationally and locally support measures have been put in place to help you shield. This includes support accessing essentials such as food and medicines, as well as help with basic care needs. You can get the most up-to-date information about the support available on our Leeds website at: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus/advice-for-shielded-residents
Important update: 7 national supermarkets have agreed to continue to prioritise home delivery slots for people who have been shielding beyond the 1st August. To get this, you must have registered BEFORE the 17 July and answer “no” to the question: ‘Do you have a way of getting essential supplies delivered at the moment?’
Even though you have already registered, you can change your answer to “No” now and that will mean you are on the supermarket priority list going forward.
The link to the national registration is here.
The Leeds Directory
The Leeds Directory is another important website, with links to essential and necessary services, such as:
• Vetted and rated trades people that can help with urgent repairs in the home to keep you safe and well.
• Support in the home and keeping you supplied with essentials
• Helping you stay safe but socially connected
R U OK?
There is also a telephone service for anyone who needs someone to talk to. RU OK? has been developed with the Council and Leeds Older People's Forum as an opportunity for positive and friendly telephone support for people of any age and background. Volunteers are trained and supported to provide regular calls to anyone requiring additional support.
If you think you might benefit from talking to someone, just call the helpline on 0113 378 1877 and say you’d like to sign up to the RU OK? service.
The Leeds MindWell website also provides helpful advice on staying mentally well during this time.
Hearing from you
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Leeds Shielding Check In. Over 560 people sent in replies and these have been really helpful in planning what help and support we will continue to provide in Leeds. If you would like to read the report, it is available here.
In the next few weeks, we are also keen to hear from you about shielding and we will send out some surveys and also opportunities to talk online or on the phone to feedback on your experiences and what comes next.
Take care and stay well,
Leeds Shielding Support Team
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