Covid-19 Post-Shielding Research: October 2023

6. Looking to the Future

In this section, we explore attitudes towards future outlook and the potential for introducing measures if a similar situation were to arise.

6.1 Overall outlook

Survey respondents with shielding experience were asked how they see the future (Figure 6.1). Almost half (46%) indicated they believe that will soon no longer think of themselves as being in a separate higher risk group, 34% said that they will remain worried for some time about being at higher risk, but this will not really affect their quality of life and 20% believed that they will remain worried for some time about being at higher risk and this will affect their quality of life.

Base: n=415, ASE

6.2 Acceptability of future measures

All respondents were asked to consider the types of measures they see as acceptable if there was another variant or surge of Covid-19 (Figure 6.2). Around three-quarters of respondents believe public health messaging and provisions in shops and other public settings, such as ‘hand sanitiser stations’ (77%) or the use of face coverings in public settings, where these are not normally worn (73%), would be helpful. Two-thirds (65%) of all respondents think physical distancing measures, such as distance markers on public transport or in shops and other public settings are acceptable. Respondents are split equally on the use of social distancing measures, such as restrictions on the number of people from different households who can meet with 50% accepting this measure. While there is still support, even fewer would find physical restrictions, such as ‘Stay at Home’ orders (39%) or the closure of shops, schools and other public settings (29%) acceptable.

When considering who should have to comply with the measures listed previously, should there be another variant or surge, over half (58%) of all respondents believe the entire population of Scotland should have to conform (Figure 6.3). A fifth of all respondents (19%) believe only those deemed vulnerable to Covid-19 should have to comply whereas one in ten (10%) do not believe anyone should need to comply with measures If there is another variant or surge. Fewer (8%) believe measures should be aimed towards those who are not vaccinated against Covid-19.

Base: n=3,301

6.3 Awareness of recontact

Survey respondents who had experience of shielding were asked about awareness that the Scottish Government would be able to contact those on the HRL in the future.

Of these respondents, 52% were not aware that the Scottish Government could recontact those people on the Highest Risk List while 48% was aware of the option for recontact (see Figure 6.4).

Base: n=433, any shielding experience

6.4 Reflections

Participants who were on the HRL and participated in interviews shared their reflections on how Covid-19 should be managed in the future, drawing from their collective experiences and concerns. Several important themes emerged.

Some participants discussed the need to improve the management of Covid going forward, considering the lessons learned from previous approaches. There was a general consensus that the shielding system could benefit from more effective management, with better identification of individuals who genuinely need to shield and more appropriate guidance. They noted that it took time for people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD, to receive recognition as vulnerable.

Several interview participants expressed gratitude for the early letters they received during the pandemic, feeling supported and looked after. They emphasised the importance of targeted outreach to those who need to shield. Additionally, there was a consensus on the need for more prominent and easily accessible public guidance, as the existing information seemed to fade from public consciousness over time. Participants desired clear and unambiguous guidance, easily accessible to all, to avoid varying interpretations of the overall situation in relation to Covid-19. The suggestion of broadcasting Covid-19 guidance publicly was mentioned to foster a more connected understanding of how individual behaviours impact the risk of contracting or spreading the virus.

Participants that had been asked to shield consistently emphasised the necessity for unambiguous information from the Scottish Government. They believed that precise guidelines would facilitate better compliance with measures like hand hygiene, symptom-related behaviour, and other precautions. This clarity was deemed essential for anxious individuals who would otherwise engage in excessive behaviours to mitigate their fears.

Some of those interviewed who had been shielding regarded Covid-19 as a virus to be lived with, much like the common cold. They believed that advancements in medicine and vaccination efforts provided a way to manage it effectively. However, others disagreed with this perspective. They expressed concerns about Long Covid and its potential long-term impact on individuals. They believed that public health should maintain awareness and educate the population about the risks, emphasising the seriousness of the virus, even for those with mild symptoms. This approach would help prevent the public from disregarding precautions.

Participants also expressed concerns about the lack of information regarding new strains, vaccinations, and the rapidly changing situation. They wanted the government to provide more detailed and updated information to reassure individuals at risk.

‘I think they should give us more information, yeah. Nobody’s got a clue what’s going on. [more information] towards the new strains, what they are, what we should be looking for. In regard to the vaccinations, I’ve no idea what’s going on with that – still haven’t been told to come forward. And I hear other people are getting theirs. I don’t know what’s going on.’

Interview participants, who had been asked to shield, recognised that the severity of Covid-19 going forward would dictate the necessary measures. In the event of a substantial surge, they acknowledged the need for stricter lockdowns, shielding, and increased vigilance, not only for those who had been on the HRL but for the general population.

However, there was a consensus that even if rules were put in place, not everyone would follow them. Some participants noted past experiences where not all individuals adhered to guidelines. They anticipated challenges in enforcing strict measures during any future surges.

In conclusion, participants shared a variety of reflections on how Covid-19 should be managed in the future, considering factors like lessons learned, clear guidance, the perception of Covid-19 as a long-term concern, and the practical measures to ensure public safety. They also acknowledged the challenges of enforcing compliance during potential surges.