Updated Shielding Advice – 1st June 2020
The government has updated its guidance for people who are shielding. People who are shielding remain vulnerable and should contain to take precautions but can now leave their home if they wish, as long as they are able to maintain social distancing. For up-to-date guidance, please click here.
Over the last few weeks, people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from Covid-19, including around 200,00 cancer patients, have received a letter from the NHS advising them to stay at home until at least the end of June to minimise their risk of infection.
Zoe Bounds, Project Officer at Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance, received her letter on 7th April and has now been shielding for five weeks. Having had a first hand experience of shielding and needing to access NHS services during the coronavirus pandemic, Zoe is sharing her top tips for shielding and encourages anyone experiencing symptoms of cancer not to delay contacting their GP.
Zoe’s top tips whilst shielding during the coronavirus pandemic:
Whilst shielding, Zoe needed to contact her GP after becoming concerned about a potential symptom of cancer:
A few weeks into shielding, I experienced some pain and symptoms that could have been linked to cancer and particularly with my history of cancer, I wanted to get them checked out.
Worried about the risk of infection, Zoe was anxious to attend a GP appointment but after being reassured by the measures that had been put in place, Zoe is now urging others to contact their GP if they are experiencing signs and symptoms of cancer:
For the latest information and shielding guidance, please visit gov.uk.
If you or someone you know is shielding at home because of coronavirus, you can request support from NHS Volunteer Responders.
