Shielded, what does it really mean?

The letter received by those who are shielded
Who, or what defines anyone as shielded in order to receive "The Letter"? Are there any penalties associated with breaking the Rules, similar to here in OZ? Not just a slap on the wrist either. I'm 75+, so the only way I'll be allowed out is in an ambulance or..
Good Health Everyone
OoRoo

The special privilege Rufus is getting on the government’s List of Highly Vulnerable. This means you can have a food box delivered once a week if you can’t get food from anywhere else. We had two when it first all kicked off and deliveries hadn’t got organised. It’s a bit random but you certainly wouldn’t starve. The main supermarkets have access to the government list and apparently we do get priority but it’s still difficult to get slots.

The Chosen Ones are those with a low immunity which means you’re more likely to need a hospital bed if you catch the virus. Especially if over 70 but it includes many other disabilities. The Letter was the scariest thing I’ve read in a long while! Basically DH had to act as if I was infected and he was incredibly likely to catch it if he came within six feet of me! Eat separately, sleep separately, use your own bathroom if possible and certainly all your own towels and kitchen utensils. Live separately. For twelve weeks! Hence I’m shielding as well!

I have the letter too Meg's and it does give those instructions. It also states in my letter it is up to the individual whether s/he follows the instructions or not, as long as they still follow social distancing rules that are in place for everyone. I think, personally, if all members of the household are not coming into anyone at all outside that household, eg. leaving the confines to go to collect medications, then the more stringent aspects of making meals separately etc etc are not be necessary.

From last night’s news...

We are shielding as DH’s medication is immunosuppressant. No, you didn’t mis-read the advice/rules. Living separately would be nigh on impossible in our house so I’m shielding along with DH. It makes life a lot easier as we can live normally as long as we both stay in. The letter said not to leave our home so no walks for us. No shopping either. Everything is delivered. And then washed in soapy water (and rinsed well!) as per instructions or left for 72 hours if it can’t be submerged. This mornings delivery from the green grocer is drying on the draining board as I type. No one has come into our house or back garden - except us.

However, seven weeks and with the R rate now less than one, we did drive to check on our little boat as we knew the boatyard is closed and we met no-one. And we did go a little way up the road last night to join the VE celebration. It felt really weird and a bit scary to be so close to other people - even though no one came closer than three metres!

With so much emphasis being put on the importance of getting out and exercising I am quite surprised that there hasn’t been a ruling that Shielders can drive to somewhere fairly isolated and maybe walk around a field. I live in hope!

Hi Megs 3. I am ‘shielded’ too. Well, you are quite right, we have to stay in (ok to go in your own garden) not allowed out at all. Divide up the house (if you can) , and generally become a hermit!
Those who are going out to shop and are allowed to exercise are classed as ‘vulnerable’. I believe vulnerable is a catch-all for everyone over 70 and people who have been eligible for flu jabs.
The letter received by those who are shielded was couched in extremely strong terms and frightened the life out of me to be honest.

Megs You read my mind! I was going to ask the same question in my Saturday epistle. No idea what else "The Letter" states, but it would seem a tad superfluous, if you are getting the same string of continuous warnings as us!
Do you get any special privileges being "shielded"?
Does anyone living on their own qualify?
I'd look after it; it will be a collector's item in years to come.
Good Health Megs to you and your family!
OoRoo

You haven’t misread the instructions, but they are advised instructions.
We are still going for a daily walk well away from everyone.
No stopping to chat or seeing family.
I have to do the shopping, but take precautions by cleaning and leaving things in the open air.
Some people who say they are shielding are in fact in the vulnerable group.
I think common sense dictates most of it. The aim after all is not to catch Coronavirus. And yes it is very isolating. Stay safe.

They shouldn't be meeting up with other people, even family, as those other people are not isolating, and could be in contact with others who have the virus. As it takes a week or so for symptoms to appear, it could reach you without whoever gave it to you being aware that they have it. Not everyone seems to understands that!

depends how old you are? and married ? health problems? if you are vunerable? if not i would go out for a walk round the block .keeping distances with other people.