WE asked for Leader readers opinions on the changes due to come into effect later this month for those shielding from the coronavirus.

Around 130,000 people in Wales have been advised to take shielding measures since the start of the pandemic because they are at high risk of developing serious illness if they contract coronavirus.

The changes in the advice on August 16 means that people in the shielding group can go to work or to school and go shopping but they should continue to take steps to protect themselves from coronavirus by keeping a two metre distance from others and washing their hands frequently.

Dozens of Leader readers shared their thoughts on social media and through direct messages and emails.

Alison Stevens said: “It has frightening to think of as nothing has changed outside, seems to me to have been a pointless five months inside.

“We have had no help or support and I personally think we’re just going to be cannon fodder like the care homes were. There does not seem to be any social distancing or face coverings either. Will we be first in line for a vaccine?”

Jane Bennett added: “I just don’t understand, after all this time locked in I am just supposed to open my door and go out start going into shops and back to work! I have COPD and asthma, so I am very vulnerable! I am very scared!”

Parents to shielding youngsters are also conflicted about making the choice which is best for them.

Amanda Blackwell said: “My child is shielding. He is a little anxious about going back to school as we have stayed away from everyone and only gone out in the evening for a little exercise, now they are saying children do not have to social distance. Does this mean shielding children to?

“It’s all so confusing and really stressful. I have kept him safe all these months and now what am I meant to do? Just let him go by everyone and hope for the best?”

Susan Davies commented how it will be “very nerve racking coming out of shielding”.

She said: “We have been shielding for 5 months due to my husband’s health issues and it's been hard. Two members of our family have had Covid 19 during this time and very poorly with it and we could not even visit them.

“We have kept well by abiding to the restrictions only seeing family outdoors on our patio. I have not been in a shop since March. We were very much looking forward to hugging our grandchildren again and maybe just visiting a garden centre but with all these new cases emerging we are very sceptical of venturing out from our safe haven. Seeing crowds gathering everywhere with no social distancing or facial coverings is making us more nervous.”

Some welcome the new freedoms that will arrive in just over a week.

Judy Nichol said: “I think I will need to go out and do a few things before we get locked in again over the winter. I do not think I could cope with a whole year of being locked in. Getting a haircut is number one priority.”