‘We’ve been told for so long that we’re at increased risk of dying, it’s hard to let go of that’

IN JUST over a fortnight, a number of changes will be made to the rules on coronavirus shielding for the most vulnerable people in Wales.

Announced by the Welsh Government earlier this month, from August 16 people who have been staying indoors to protect themselves from Covid-19 will be permitted to undertake certain activities like shopping or returning to work – providing the workplace is virus secure.

It is an important development for some of the most vulnerable people in Wales – many of whom have been stuck indoors for four months and unable to see their families or work.

But, while it will be good news for some, others face a difficult decision – just how far will they return to ‘normality’ when Covid is still very much out there. Here’s what some of those people had to say about the longawaited changes.

‘We’ve been told for so long that we’re at increased risk of dying – it’s hard to let go of that’ – Abi Reed, 43, Bargoed

Abi has been shielding since just before lockdown.

“I started on doctor’s advice, as I have severe asthma. I’ve been working from home along with homeschooling my 10-year-old son,” she said.

“It is hard to find the motivation when you’re in the same room every day. It’s been soul-destroying to be honest. I’m fed up with the same four walls.

“I was doing the daily walk very early in the morning when nobody else was around, but I haven’t been in a shop since early March.

“I managed to get a priority delivery slot for Tesco, but I’ve been relying on other people.

“A council volunteer has been getting my prescription, and my mum has been helping out.

“It’s little things like popping to the corner shop if I’ve forgotten something. You lose that independence, you know? And you don’t like asking other people, as you don’t want to put anyone else at risk just for you.”

Abi said she felt hesitant to return to complete normality, despite the upcoming changes.

“It’s scary. I certainly won’t be going into supermarkets, as from what I’ve heard there are not many people social distancing.

“I went to Porthcawl the other day and it was my first trip out, and I’m not sure if it was me being anxious as it’s been so long, but people were not really observing social distancing. They were getting very close.

“I want to get out so much – you have to think about your mental health, too – but I can’t trust other people.

“At least when it’s me and my son we know where we have been, but we don’t know that about other people.

“We’ve been told by the government and the news for so long that we’re at increased risk of dying if we get the virus – it’s hard to let go of that. I can’t see myself being much different at the moment. I certainly won’t be rushing out to the supermarket or the pub.”

‘There have been days I haven’t gotten out of bed – what is there to get up for?’ – Sarah Hartrick, 46, Aberystwyth.

Sarah is a diabetic and has high blood pressure, and has been off work since lockdown.

“It has been emotional,” she said of life indoors.

“I hadn’t been keeping up with the news much, but my doctor put the fear of God into me about the threat of the virus to people who are vulnerable.

“I’ve not been anywhere at all. My daughter was ill and is being tested for possible asthma, so my husband and I wanted to stay in to protect her too.

“The only people we’ve allowed in the door have been my mum and dad, the Tesco shopping deliverer and a vet who had to come in to see my collie after she had a stroke three weeks ago, which she’s recovering from.

“There have been days I haven’t gotten out of bed – what is there to get up for?”

Sarah’s younger sister lives in England and caught coronavirus in