Shielding for months, but now 180,000 toast freedom

SCOTS who have been shielding throughout the pandemic were yesterday able to enjoy new freedoms after lockdown restrictions were eased.

About 180,000 people were told they can get out more, including being able to enjoy a staycation and visit outdoor markets and gardens.

Those who do not live with their partner are also now allowed to meet up without distancing.

It is hoped the need for shielding could be paused entirely by August 1.

The shielding group includes those who are at the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill with coronavirus, such as people with cancer and respiratory conditions.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: ‘We would still encourage those in this group to take extra care.

‘I know returning to something like normal life will be welcome, but I appreciate it is also known to be quite daunting.’

The change in advice means those shielding can now stay at holiday accommodation,

‘Still nervous about going to shops’

including hotels, and visit outdoor markets or public gardens.

However, some of those shielding have said they do not feel confident or are unable to enjoy the new freedoms.

Nursery worker Marie Seggie has a chronic condition that has left her with only 20 per cent lung capacity.

As a result, she has not ventured far from her home in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, since March.

Her condition meant she could not attend her 88-year-old mother Katie’s funeral after she passed away in May.

Speaking to the BBC, she said: ‘It was heartbreaking, the rest of the family could rally round but I was so restricted in what I could do – I couldn’t be there for her at the end. I feel like I’ve not really been grieving either because everything has been on hold.’

Mrs Seggie’s daughter Emily, a midwife, also moved out of the family home to ensure there was no danger of making her mother ill.

Meanwhile, her husband Bobby and their other daughter Laura are selfisolating with her. Mrs Seggie, 57, said: ‘It’s been hard not seeing my family properly and I also feel guilty when you see so many people around you helping others but I’m not.

‘I don’t think the changes will make a huge difference to me. I can’t wear a mask because of my chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and I am still really nervous about going to the shops.’

She added: ‘I think our first outing will be to a garden centre or somewhere outdoors like that, but even that feels like a big step right now.’

It has been an incredibly difficult time for those shielding in Scotland as they navigated lockdown with greater restrictions due to their susceptibility.

Earlier this week it emerged 3,361 patients shielded unnecessarily after guidance issued as a result of ‘cancer misidentifications’.

A Scottish Government spokesman had said: ‘Identifying people with the highest risk who should shield has been complex and forensic.’