Covid-19 Post-Shielding Research: October 2023

3. Experience of shielding

Throughout the qualitative interviews and the stakeholder roundtable participants reflected on their experience of shielding when the HRL was in place.

3.1 Reflections on the experience of shielding

Individuals shared their experience of shielding during interviews. Some found the experience of shielding more manageable due to their living arrangements, access to outdoor spaces, or practical support.

For instance, participants living with others, having access to gardens, or receiving practical support, such as food deliveries, reported having a relatively easier time during shielding. They felt less isolated and stressed about the situation in comparison to those who did not have access to these spaces, and resources or lived alone. For example, one participant explained:

‘I don't live alone. My wife is here. So…no particular loneliness or anything like that. I think probably socially…It was the biggest difficulty because we didn't really see anybody, you know, family and so on.’

However, the availability of practical support varied among participants based on their geographical location and circumstances. Some received essential supplies delivered to their homes, while others had volunteers or family to assist with tasks like shopping and prescription pickup. In contrast, some had to rely on their own efforts to access necessities, making their experience more challenging.

For qualitative participants who had not been formally advised to shield, this was a particular concern, as they were not able to access any formal support. One participant’s experience stood out as they had not been formally advised to shield until towards the end of the list, despite being at high risk. This participant therefore faced both a lack of practical support and a lack of clear guidance, which led to confusion and challenges in managing their safety:

‘I only found out a month before shielding was ending that I was meant to have been shielding the entire time, but nobody told me. So, I only ended up shielding for one month at the very end…it was just in a passing conversation that I found out from the doctor's receptionist. I had thought I should be shielding the whole time…I had phoned [the doctor] about something else and she just happened to say, “obviously you're shielding anyway” and I said, “no, I've not been shielding. I've had no letter”. And she went, “oh, you should have been”. And I was like, “that's what I thought, but I never got informed of it.’

Stakeholders emphasised the significance of formal shielding advice for individuals and their families, as it often determined eligibility for work-from-home arrangements and adjustments. Delays in receiving shielding letters added stress to an already anxious situation. Some individuals had to quit their jobs to shield their vulnerable family members, highlighting the economic impact of these delays.

Several participants shared the mental toll that shielding took on them. Being immunocompromised and isolated for an extended period was psychologically challenging for many. The fear of contracting Covid-19 was overwhelming for some participants, illustrated by this reflection from a participant:

‘Yeah...that was difficult psychologically difficult, but with having had chemo and being immunocompromised - even out with the covid risk, I think being kind of locked up for the best part of a year was pretty grim’

The distinction in people's behaviour became evident, with some making choices based on a realistic assessment of their vulnerability, while others were driven by an overarching and intense fear of the virus. The fear was not irrational but informed by their understanding of the risks they faced.

‘…[I] was terrified that I would pick it up, or my wife would pick it up, and then it would get brought into the house…I have not been that scared ever in my life. That was the overriding thing of everything. Not an inane fear – not like a phobia – it was an informed fear. I knew what I needed to do…’

In summary, the experiences of individuals during the shielding period were shaped by a range of factors, including their living conditions, access to practical support, and the receipt of formal shielding advice. Emotional and psychological challenges were common among those at the highest risk, as the fear of Covid-19 loomed large in their lives.

3.2 Views on being on the HRL

Several interview participants found being on the Highest Risk List (HRL) to be a source of comfort and reassurance. They viewed their inclusion on this list as a form of protection and recognition of their vulnerability. For them, it felt like someone was looking out for their well-being. One participant stated:

‘…being on the list, I felt that quite a comfort, to be honest. I felt as if somebody was there. Somebody was looking out for me, kind of thing. So, yeah, I was more than happy to be on that list and feel like they were looking out for me’

Another reflection shared in interviews and among stakeholders was that the level of risk being communicated by inclusion on the list was reassuring. The clarity with which their level of risk was communicated, was seen to be helpful. This information influenced their decision-making and behaviour, leading to a more cautious approach. One stakeholder reflected:

‘For our people, they were happy to be on the list, happy that their condition had been recognised, that they were a higher risk’ [Stakeholder].

Stakeholders observed that many individuals were pleased to be on the list because it acknowledged their health conditions and identified them as being at a higher risk. However, there were instances of initial confusion about what it meant to shield, which affected how people perceived being on the list. Some were concerned about the restrictions it imposed and the limited outdoor activity they could enjoy.

Yet, stakeholders noted that the support provided to those on the Highest Risk List did not always meet expectations. Over time, as people were removed from the list, those that remained on the Highest Risk List sometimes felt neglected and unsupported:

‘As time went on and people were taken off the list... I think some people felt very much that they were just being hidden away, and it wasn’t actually supportive, other than it was saying ‘you have to stay in longer’. So it felt almost like a barrier towards the end, rather than being something supportive’ [Stakeholder]

The lack of adequate support diminished the positive aspects of being on the HRL and left individuals feeling isolated and hidden away Instead of feeling like a safety measure, the list became a barrier that restricted their lives further.