Shielding and the Covid-19 pandemic

Dudley Council Public Health team approached Healthwatch Dudley for help with getting the views of vulnerable people who had or should have been advised to shield to protect themselves from getting Covid-19.

 A sample of individuals, provided by the council, were contacted, by telephone, to gauge how they felt about their health and wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic period.  They spoke to 22 people.

Some people who are shielding felt they get sufficient support with their health and wellbeing from the community, neighbours, friends and family. Others are struggling and are not getting all of the help they need from the community or neighbours, friends and family.

Messages on shielding and the help that was available worked well for some but not all individuals. Some shielding individuals have been able to work at home or stay employed but on furlough. Others have lost their jobs or are affected by a reduction in their income.

There are those who have the technology, equipment and access to the Internet that they need. And those who don’t have the technology, equipment, access to the Internet, confidence and skills needed to do things effectively online.

Many shielding individuals are anxious about the ending of the requirement to shield and going out more as well as the relaxation of regulations on how people can meet up, social distancing, and the wearing of masks.

The report contains 4 recommendations about information and support for people who are shielding.