'I had an active life': How are shielders surviving lockdown?
Millions of people with underlying health conditions have not left the house for more than two months
Shielding is lonely, hard work and stressful," says Vicki Milner, 26, in Bristol. Her asthma means Milner's lung capacity is that of someone in their 50s. She is one of millions of people with underlying health conditions in the UK who are shielding during the coronavirus pandemic, meaning they are not leaving their home at all, even for exercise or food shopping.
Milner, who works as a solicitor, is not on the limited government shielding list but like many others at risk, has chosen to stay indoors to protect herself. Unable to go out herself and living alone, Milner is finding relying on other people to deliver food and medicine hard. I was really independent before this," she says. I had a very active life and I miss my friends, family and boyfriend. I don't think people realise how hard it is."
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