People Shielding From Coronavirus Question 'Confusing And Contradictory' Government Message
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Millions of ‘shielders’ – people considered extremely vulnerable to Covid-19 and their families – in England are, as of Monday, now able to leave the house.
Under new guidelines, people shielding are now allowed to venture outdoors once per day, either with members of their household or one person from another household – as long as social distancing and strict hygiene is maintained.
But after months of going no further than their own front doors, and just weeks after receiving advice that told them to shield until the end of June, households across the country have been left confused by the sudden change in approach – and fearful they still may not be safe.
Mother-of-two Shelley Simmonds and her family have not left their home in Essex for more than 10 weeks, in order to protect her son.
Seven-year-old Fraser has the rare genetic disease Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and associated respiratory weakness, which has left him extremely vulnerable to the virus.
Little more than a week ago Shelley received a letter, dated May 9, which stated: “The safest course of action is for you to stay at home at all times and avoid all face-to-face contact.
“The government is currently advising people to shield until 30th June and is regularly monitoring this position.”
She said the sudden announcement that they could leave the house came as a “total shock”, and fears it will cause confusion amongst many of those most vulnerable to the virus.
“We were told on Thursday that those shielding should carry on shielding, those were Boris’ words,” she explained. “And now overnight it seems like something’s miraculously changed. I can’t say that anybody is going to feel comfortable trusting the government after what has happened so far.
“When you talk to your own healthcare professionals they are specifically telling you to shield until...
