Posted on June 1st 2020
1st June 2020
It has been announced by the UK Government that people who are shielding in England and Wales are now allowed to go outdoors with a member of their household.
Remember though that people with pulmonary hypertension are in a high risk group so do try to stay at home as much as you can while you’re shielding.
From Monday 1st June, those living alone can meet with one person from outside their household, in the outdoors, but the guidance is to stay at least two metres apart.
If you are shielding and live in England, the guidance is you can go outside once a day. If you are shielding and live in Wales, you can go outside as many times as you want to.
The guidance around going to shops or work is unchanged. If you are shielding you should still avoid doing these things. Support for those shielding, such as food and medicine deliveries, will continue. Shielding advice in Northern Ireland and Scotland has not yet changed.
Enjoying a walk with a family member or friend can make a big positive difference to emotional and mental wellbeing for everyone, especially after staying inside for so long. It’s unlikely that going out will be completely risk-free in terms of Covid-19 infection for some weeks to come. But being able to do more exercise, and see friends and family, does also bring huge benefits.
We know that social distancing – keeping two metres apart from people outside your household – reduces our risk of catching coronavirus. Frequent and thorough hand washing is also really important.
Remember to always stay 2 metres (3 steps) away from people you don’t live with.
