There are 2.2 million people who are shielding as part of the current COVID-19 pandemic, plus those people shielding on behalf of someone they are living with. Those being asked to 'shield' (including myself, age 30, on immunosuppressants) have now been told we can go outside once a day after over 12 weeks of staying indoors.

What should be a relief is actually still quite concerning. This is due to the restrictions being eased for others, as there could be groups of up to six individuals (2m apart) making outside space crowded.

The 'shielded' need some protected time to be able to get out of the house safely once a day without worrying about walking into crowds of people who have been outdoors and are likely to have been mixing with others. This includes on pathways and pavements where it can be difficult to maintain social distancing at all times.

Let's lobby together to bring in 'Shielding Hour': those who are shielding get priority of using outside space (such as parks) for one hour a day, and others can help support us by avoiding being out at that time.

Help 'the shielded' to finally get outdoors after over 10 weeks and feel safe. We're all in this together.

#protecttheshielded #shieldinghour