yes, thanks for the input Carol.

I think the public is pressurized into 'Do the right thing'

well, i do not  want anyone saving me -if you asked me that is.

Is there a poll option on this forum?

I don't think so as its set up as a cancer chat forum, not a political stance but our opinions are free.  Carol

I do agree with shielding and I don't see it as 'being locked away'. Yes it's difficult but it's not just set up to protect the vulnerable but also everyone else. You could go out & catch it & not only suffer badly because of cancer treatment you could also give it to your loved ones.

My dad lives alone & has to shield. He didn't want to but I sadly had to give him the hard word because he was being selfish. If he didn't shield he could get the virus, be very ill & give it to me. If I caught it, who would care for him, do his shopping, deal with his finances etc (I am 10 years post cancer treatment)? I could then give it to my 72 yr old husband. What's the point in me staying home except for once a week to do our food shop & take it around to my dad if dad doesn't shield? My 56 yr old brother is having to shield and his wife works at a hospital. None of us have seen our grandchildren in months but that's how it is for the moment, if it means we all stay alive, so be it. Everyone has to consider their nearest & dearest, not just themselves.

I think it should be entirely up to the individuals if they decide to shield or not. Especially for us incurables!

They still don't know if you would be immune from Covid again. I think until the scientists no more it's better to err on the side of caution.

My dad lives alone so has the whole house to himself. My brother lives in half his house, his wife in the other half. My interpretation is not relaxed. You have to shield from those you live with but you are allowed to cook your own food in the kitchen as long as you clean surfaces before another family member uses it. You are also allowed the bathroom, again cleaning down and any outside space you may have. 

You also don't take into account the strain on the NHS if there was no shielding. Lots of high risk people would end up in hospital. Is that fair?

I just found this:

'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.'

Basically no one has to be shielding it is a personal choice. correct me if I am wrong.

Hi there,

We just wanted to let you know that we have a range of information on our website here about coronavirus and cancer, and the appropriate guidance around this. Also (it looks like you may already have seen this), the government site here has information too, including what to do if you do not want to be shielded.

All the best,

Ben
Cancer Chat Moderator

I'm sorry if you are finding shielding difficult & you have every right to decide not to do so as per the information you added. You did, however, ask what others thought & I replied with my thoughts. 

As I said earlier it's a personal choice, you can be careful without locking yourself away.  My husband has incurable lung cancer, why couldn't we go for a ride in our car over the moors, see the scenery as we have always done, we never left the car but his spirits were raised and we came home happier.  So it's not selfish to make yiur own decisions as everyone is in a different state of health, life is full of risks and living in fear of catching a virus when we've all been staying home but still can't see our nearest and dearest is no way to live.