'I think it's crazy': What do Northampton residents told to shield from coronavirus make of national pause?

Many people told to shield in Northampton because of their potential vulnerability to coronavirus are worried about the policy being paused when cases are rising again.

After months stuck indoors anxious about the thought of catching Covid-19 and being seriously ill, 'shielders' in England have been allowed the same restrictions as the rest of the population since Saturday (August 1).

Far from feeling free to see family and friends, go shopping or enjoy a meal out, 'vulnerable' people of all ages are unconvinced it is the right time and are concerned about being forced to go back to work or losing their job.

Laura, who wished to only give her first name, from Spencer, has been shielding since early March due to her losing her spleen 10 years ago, leaving her with a weakened immune system.

"I think it's crazy, it's absolute madness, we are talking about local lockdowns here and all over the country yet shielding people all over the country are being told we can go out," she said.

In March, the NHS wrote to the two million people considered the most vulnerable of being seriously ill or dying if they contract Covid-19 ordering them stay indoors and limit all social contact.

Laura, 39, and her partner, Jon, 48, has been shielding with her so they do not have to live separately in the house, getting by with supermarket deliveries and Netflix.

When lockdown started, the panic buying meant they were left relying on neighbours and food parcels until supermarkets provided priority booking slots.

Borough councillor Gareth Eales even dropped off a load of shopping and paid for it himself after Laura asked for help in an online support group.

But tragically their pet cat David had to be put down due to a liver issue but they could not go to the vets with him, saying goodbye at the doorstep as a friend took him.

"I don't remember normal life, it happened so long ago it's crazy," she said.

"Obviously people have lost family members and we only lost the cat but we couldn't be with him and that was c***.

"We've had to rely on other people - it's been a really tough journey."

Laura's family all live in Essex so she has relied on Zoom chats and quizzes to 'see' them, even when her brother's wife gave birth to a baby boy.

Jon only went out once a day in the early hours of the morning to walk the dog but Laura has rarely left the house.

Laura works as a carer for adults with learning difficulties so she has been furloughed during the lockdown, but with shielding officially pausing, she is worried about losing her job if she does not return.

"Jon's employers have been great as he's furloughed too to protect me but they don't want him back until October so I could go back before him yet I could die if I get the virus as I won't be able to fight it," she said.

Laura has few plans now shielding has been paused - she is bravely venturing out to get her hair done but only when no one else is around and with reassurances from her hairdresser.

But she is so anxious about the public with worries about those who are not sticking to the social distancing guidelines and reports of a second wave that her plans outside the house will be kept to a minimum.

"People seem to think we're being freed but the reality is very different, it's made out like it's a good thing which is great for those that want to but what about those who aren't and have no option?

"Of course I want to go back to work and see my family but at what cost?"

In response to a request for the views of people shielding about the pause on the Chronicle & Echo's Facebook page, most echoed Laura's concerns but some shared how they have done different things since Saturday.

Leanne Brown commented: "I have been shielding since mid-March. I have worked from home throughout and am anxious to get back to my work out of home as I have to deal with people face to face.

"I have booked a meal out tomorrow and will get over my anxiety am sure until we go back into lockdown the help I have received throughout lockdown has been fantastic and can’t complain at all especially from friends family and neighbours."

Sharron French posted: "I’ve been shielding on my own with three kids, 13, seven and one.

"It’s been so hard that I wouldn’t wish it on anyone and I don’t feel safe anywhere, as why now we face a local lockdown can I go out and fear getting the virus which could potentially kill me and leave my kids orphans!

"So I have been up all night worrying as I have to go to a single shop today, I already suffer from anxiety and depression and have physical disabilities and this anxiety is on a totally different level but who cares as no one calls to ask.

"So no I am not planning anything unless vital and then home to my four walls that feels like prison where I’ve been without any help for months.

"I feel most sorry for my kids as they haven’t been out at all either. We were forgotten and left and I feel we have been let down yet again as cases rise."

Hazel Goulstone added: "My husband has shielded since mid March. He is 69 and in relatively good health but he has had a kidney transplant and non-hodgkins lymphoma in the past.

"He had a consultation with the kidney specialist recently and raised the question of re-entry to normal life as the announcement had been made that shielding would end on August 1.

"He was told that for him the risk was far too great so carry on as before. I believe this decision was made by the government purely for economic reasons and not because it was safe medically to do so."

And Iain Wilson wrote: "I have shielded since mid March due to severe asthma but had a house in total of seven people as kids and grandkids live with us.

"Worked from home during the period and had to do lots of Skype calls. On Saturday went away with the caravan for a weeks holiday until return to work next Monday."