Shielding for thousands in Sheffield will continue indefinitely

There are 13,000 people in the city who are shielding - these are people with serious medical conditions or on treatment which suppresses their immune system.

They are more likely to become seriously ill if they catch coronavirus and were advised not to leave their home at all and even distance themselves from family members in the same household as much as possible.

Many people were originally advised to shield for 12 weeks and were given an end date of June 30.

But Director of Public Health Greg Fell said shielding will not come to a formal end now and will continue for the foreseeable future.

"We have 13,000 people shielding and that has required significant mobilisation from the council and voluntary sector.

"Shielding will be with us for some considerable future. I am very clear this is not mandatory quarantine. It's a fairly strong recommendation but it's a risk based judgement for individuals."

It's a very difficult balancing act keeping people safe while appreciating that shielding could impact seriously on their mental health.

Jessica, who wanted to remain anonymous, is a 40-year-old mum and has been shielding since mid March. She said she can't bear to carry on indefinitely.

"I cried when I was told by my doctor that it wouldn't end on June 30. I've had that date in my mind for weeks and have been counting off the days.

"It was just about bearable when I knew there was an end date but it now feels like solitary confinement.

"I have a son who is due back at school in June and I can't keep him housebound forever. I will have to be sensible and use my common sense about who I see and where I go but I'll have to take my chances and that is a constant worry."