At the start of the pandemic, people with certain medical conditions were asked to shield to reduce the risk of getting coronavirus. Shielding means staying at home at all times and many members of our Community were asked to shield during the height of the pandemic.
Since then shielding guidance has changed for some, and with lots of information in the media about shielding, it’s understandable to have questions and concerns. However, it’s important that you are getting answers to your questions from the right sources such as the NHS website or the Government website.
Here on the Community team we know that a lot of our members have had questions about shielding, and we wanted to put some information together to help. Do remember you can find up to date information on coronavirus and support for people living with cancer on our Coronavirus Hub on the Macmillan website.
Should I be shielding without a letter?
If you have not received a letter, but think you should be in the shielded patients list, you should speak to your GP or specialist. You should continue to follow advice for shielded patients on nhs.uk. until you are advised otherwise.
There have been ongoing issues with the current system, which have resulted in some people being removed from the shielding list in error. You can read about some of these on this page, under the heading “Known issues”.
You should also register yourself for support on the gov.uk website if you need extra help and support.
Useful resources:
NHS: Advice for people at high risk from coronavirus (shielding)
Where does the shielding letter come from?
Letters and text messages are being sent from the NHS and UK government to around 1.5million people who are at high risk of becoming severely unwell due to coronavirus.
This explains who is at high, moderate and low risk of becoming seriously unwell due to COVID-19; how this information is used and disseminated; known issues with the current system; guidance for patients. GPs, hospital trusts, local authorities and other organisations, such as Clinical Commissioning Groups, NHS111 and mental healthcare providers.
Scot.gov: Coronavirus (COVID-19): shielding letters Includes BSL, other languages and easy read versions.
My relative has cancer/is currently going through treatment. Should I be shielding too?
Shielding guidance applies to clinically extremely vulnerable individuals only. Others living in a household with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable are not advised to follow this guidance. They should instead follow the general advice and regulations set out in the national lockdown guidance that came into effect on 5 January 2021.
Useful resources:
Gov.uk: Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19
Scot.gov: Coronavirus (COVID-19): shielding advice and support
Does a shielding letter mean the employer has to allow the employee to work from home or go on furlough?
If someone who needs to shield cannot work from home, the employer should talk to the person about:
If they cannot work, the employer may be able to put the person on furlough (temporary leave). Otherwise, they may be entitled to one of the following:
Useful resources:
NHS: Get a shielding note
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS): Coronavirus: shielding and vulnerable people
Is it ok to visit an elderly/sick relative who is shielding?
People who are shielding can still meet with their support bubble, but they cannot meet others they do not live with unless they are part of the support bubble. Outdoors, they can meet one person from another household for exercise. This is part of the wider national regulations that apply to everyone.
They can still receive informal care at home from people within their support bubble.
Useful resources:
Gov.uk: Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19
Gov.scot: Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for unpaid carers
If you’d like to post a question about shielding on the Online Community, consider asking our Macmillan nurse specialists in the “Ask a nurse” section. You can also see some questions they’ve already answered about shielding:
Please remember however, that these answers may become outdated when new information arises. The NHS website and the Coronavirus hub on the Macmillan website, are both being regularly updated with new information.
Looking after your mental health and emotional wellbeing whilst shielding
Just because you are shielding, doesn’t mean you are alone. Our Community cancer forum is a safe space where you can access peer support 24/7 and connect with other members in our discussion groups about anything you may be going through.
Since the start of the pandemic, members of the Community have been pulling together to share their tips for keeping busy whilst staying at home. Why not read Community member Lass’ thread in the ‘Living with incurable cancer – incurable patients only’ group which has some amazing resources and suggestions. From where to go to watch Broadway shows online, to educational websites for children and craft ideas, there’s something for everyone.
Taking up a new hobby or craft can be a great way of staying busy. You can always share what you’re working on with the Community. Many groups have their own ‘Arts and craft’ threads like the below, but if there isn’t one in your group why not start one?
There is also the ‘Express yourself group’ where you can share any writing, poetry, art or anything else creative with other members.
Looking after your mental health is important and there is support out there so make sure you are asking for help if you need it. Our Macmillan Support Line is here 7 days a week 8am-8pm to provide emotional support - even if all you need is a listening ear. That number is 0808 808 00 00 or you can live chat to our advisors during these ours via our webchat facility.
There are also some great sources of support and information online that can help:
Everyone’s situation is different, so do remember that you can speak to your GP or medical team if you have further questions about shielding. Whatever you’re going through, the Online Community, and Macmillan are here to support you. Our Cancer Information Nurses and other experts are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm. You can contact the Support Line over email, live webchat or by calling 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm.
