Shielding – Covid-19

Staying at home and shielding

You’re strongly advised to stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact if you’re clinically extremely vulnerable to protect yourself.This is called ‘shielding’.Shielding means:1.Do not leave your house.2.Do not attend any gatherings. This includes gatherings of friends and families in private spaces, for example, family homes, weddings and religious services.3.Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough.The Government is currently advising people to shield until the end of June and is regularly monitoring this position.

Letters to clinically extremely vulnerable people

The NHS in Wales has contacted clinically extremely vulnerable people with the conditions listed above to provide further advice.If you have not received a letter or you have not been contacted by your GP but you’re still concerned, you should discuss your concerns with your GP or hospital clinician.

Help with food and medicines if you’re shielding

Ask family, friends and neighbours to support you and use online services.If you cannot get the help you need, the government can help by delivering essential groceries and support. It may take time for support offered through this service to arrive. If you have not received a letter from the NHS then you may not be able to receive the support offered through this service. If you urgently need food or care, contact your local council.

Getting your prescriptions

Prescriptions will continue to cover the same length of time as usual.If you do not currently have your prescriptions collected or delivered, you can arrange this by:1.Asking someone who can pick up your prescription from the local pharmacy (this is the best option, if possible).2.Contacting your pharmacy to ask them to deliver your prescription to you or to help you find a volunteer (who will have been ID checked) to deliver it.You may also need to arrange for collection or delivery of hospital specialist medication that is prescribed to you by your hospital care team.If you receive support from health and social care organisations, such as having care provided for you through the local authority or health care system, this will continue as normal.Your health or social care provider will be asked to take additional precautions to make sure that you are protected. 

Visits from essential carers

Any essential carers or visitors who support you with your everyday needs can continue to visit unless they have any of the symptoms of coronavirus. Everyone coming to your home should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds on arrival to your house and often while they are there.

If you do not want to be shielded

Shielding is for your personal protection. It’s your choice to decide whether to follow the measures we advise.For example, if you have a terminal illness, or have been given a prognosis of less than 6 months to live, or have some other special circumstances, you may decide not to undertake shielding.This will be a deeply personal decision. We advise calling your GP or specialist to discuss this.

Hospital and GP appointments if you’re shielding

Everyone should access medical assistance online or by phone wherever possible.However, if you have a scheduled hospital or other medical appointment during this period, talk to your GP or specialist to ensure you continue to receive the care you need and determine which of these appointments are absolutely essential.Your hospital may need to cancel or postpone some clinics and appointments. You should contact your hospital or clinic to confirm appointments.