Question: Is it up to me to decide if I want to shield or not?

Answer passage (source: UK):
page_title: Guidance Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19
section_headers: Staying at home and shielding
section_content: If you’re clinically extremely vulnerable, you’re strongly advised to stay at
home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact to protect yourself.
This is called ‘shielding’ and the advice is:

Do not leave your house.
Do not attend any gatherings, including gatherings of friends and families in private spaces, for example, family homes, weddings and religious services.
Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Government is currently advising people to shield until 30 June 2020 and
is regularly monitoring this position.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
This answer is bad because it talks about steps to take. It does not address the question of someone wanting to make a choice.
This is a decent answer. It talks about what shielding is and what the government's recommendation is on it. There could probably be a little more info about whether or not it's voluntary but overall it does a good job providing info

Reviewer ratings:
Bad
Acceptable

Answer passage (source: UK):
page_title: Guidance Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19
section_headers: If you do not want to be shielded
section_content: Shielding is for your personal protection. It’s your choice to decide whether
to follow the measures we advise.
For example, if you have a terminal illness, or have been given a prognosis of
less than 6 months to live, or have some other special circumstances, you may
decide not to undertake shielding.
This will be a deeply personal decision but we advise calling your GP or
specialist to discuss this.
*[GP]: general practitioner (family doctor)

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
This answer addresses the question with a straight to the point answer.
This is an acceptable response because it does answer the question in the first 2 sentences. There's not a lot of information here but it is addressing the question as it was asked.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Acceptable

Answer passage (source: UK):
page_title: Guidance Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19
section_headers: Living with other people
section_content: The rest of your household do not need to start shielding themselves, but they
should do what they can to support you in shielding and to carefully follow
guidance on staying alert and safe (social
distancing).
At home you should:


Minimise the time other people living with you spend in shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas, and keep shared spaces well ventilated.


Keep 2 metres (3 steps) away from people you live with and encourage them to sleep in a different bed where possible. If you can, use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household. Use separate towels from the other people in your house, both for drying yourself after bathing or showering and for hand-hygiene purposes.


If you share a toilet and bathroom with others, it’s important that they are cleaned every time after use (for example, wiping surfaces you have come into contact with). Consider drawing up a rota for bathing, with you using the facilities first.


If you share a kitchen with others, avoid using it while they’re present. If you can, take your meals back to your room to eat. If you have one, use a dishwasher to clean and dry used crockery and cutlery. If this is not possible, wash them using your usual washing-up liquid and water and dry them thoroughly. If you are using your own utensils, remember to use a separate tea towel for drying these.


Everyone in your household should regularly wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, avoid touching their face and clean frequently touched surfaces.


Encourage the rest of your family or household to follow the advice as far as
they are able. There is no need for them to follow the shielding measures
themselves.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
This answer is pretty detailed in its response to shielding. It lists bullet points for what you should do to shield at home. There's also a link to more guidance on the subject which makes this a good answer
This answer talks about what a person can do during the pandemic. It does not address if a person has a choice or not to shield themself.

Reviewer ratings:
Acceptable
Bad