UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said we now have to take special steps to protect the particularly vulnerable from the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak.
Mr Johnson reiterated on Sunday that is is ‘absolutely crucial’ to follow the advice given so far, including around social distancing, and reminded Britons that the measures are under constant review, saying, “We will bring forward further measures if we think this is necessary”.
The PM urged people not to think that fresh air automatically provides immunity, and told people to take the advice seriously.
Speaking at the press conference from Downing Street on Sunday, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick set out details for the ‘shielding’ of 1.5 million people judged to be the most vulnerable to the coronavirus.
These people, identified by health authorities will receive letters in the coming days, advising them to self-isolate for 12 weeks and to stay at home. Military planners are helping to draw up plans which will see food and medicines delivered to these individuals. At-risk people include those who have received organ transplants, those living with severe respiratory conditions and those with particular types of cancers. The full details of those impacted and the advice can be found on the government website.
In the UK, 5,681 people have now contracted the virus and 281 people have died after contracting COVID-19.
