DO OR DIE
Coronavirus news LATEST: UK death toll hits 281 as 1.5m vulnerable people are told to lock down for 12 weeks
BORIS Johnson has told 1.5million vulnerable people to go into lockdown for 12 weeks in the fight against coronavirus.
The PM said it was "crucial" that Brits listened to government advice and stayed away from parks, cafes and resturants.
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It comes as:
- Boris Johnson thanks Brits for their ‘sacrifice’ after 1,000s cancelled Mother’s Day plans
- Britain’s coronavirus death toll hits 281 as cases rise to 5,683 amid pandemic crisis
- Selfish crowds ignored government advice and flocked to parks and beaches
- Tory minister refuses to rule out tougher coronavirus lockdown measures
Mr Johnson told a press conference from Downing Street: "The reason we're taking these unprecedented steps is, of course, that we have to slow the spread of the disease and to save thousands of lives.
"Today we have come to the stage of our plan that I advertised from the outset when we first set out the plan of the UK government.
"When we now have to take special steps to protect the particularly vulnerable and you'll remember that I said the moment would come to shield those with serious conditions - there are probably about one and a half million in all.
"This shielding will do more than any other single measure that we are setting out, to save life."
Please follow that advice and don't think that fresh air in itself automatically provides some immunity.
Boris Johnson
The PM spoke as Britain's coronavirus death toll reached 281 with an 18-year-old becoming the country's youngest victim.
The UK has now seen the number of people infected with the killer bug more than quadruple to 5,683 in just six days.
Despite the concerning figures crowds were spotted flocking to beaches and parks this weekend.
The government has previously warned that people must stay two metres away from each other when out and about.
Mr Johnson was reluctant to criticise Brits for exercising but he said attitudes have to change if we are to defeat the virus.
He said: "It's crucial that people understand that tomorrow that the schools are closed.
"I want, of course I do, people to be able to go to the parks, open spaces and enjoy themselves.
"It is crucial for health, physical and mental well-being.
"But please follow that advice and don't think that fresh air in itself automatically provides some immunity.
"Take this advice seriously, follow it, because it's absolutely crucial."
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WHO WILL BE TOLD TO STAY HOME?
People with serious conditions, including cancer and respiratory diseases, and transplant patients should get a letter in the next 24 hours.
Brits who are having chemotherapy or who have recently had it will also be at risk.
People who are pregnant should also take greater care and stay at home.
Of those affected, 40 per cent are over the age of 75. All those over 70 had already been told to expect to socially distance themselves for 12 weeks.
'YOU ARE NOT ALONE'
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick spoke alongside the PM to assure vulnerable Brits that they would not be alone during the lockdown.
This morning it was announced that each of the 1.5million would be sent a letter with information about how to live under the new conditions.
Mr Jenrick explained that their medicines would be delivered by community pharmacists, while military personnel could be mobilised to help deliver their groceries alongside local councils and supermarkets.
He said: "I don't underestimate what we're asking of people. It will be tough. But if you are one of these people I want to assure these people on behalf of the Government that you are not alone."
The Tory MP added: “We need to remember our neighbours when we shop, we need to pick up the phone to our loved ones”.
Mr Jenrick said the drastic measures were being taken because it was time to "go further" to shield clinically vulnerable people.
"In recent weeks heroic workers in the NHS, social care and public services in local government have been shouldering the country's burden," he said.
"I think we owe it to them and the most vulnerable in society to stay home, to protect the NHS and, by doing this, to save lives.
"And so today we have to go further to shield the most clinically vulnerable people to help save their lives."
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How to help elderly relatives cope with isolation
STAY AWAY IF YOU'RE SICK
Public Health England (PHE) says that people with coronavirus symptoms – dry cough, fever, and a general feeling of listlessness – should avoid seeing older relatives to avoid passing it on.
Ahead of new guidelines being published next week, the advice is the same as for the rest of the population.
HELP WITH SHOPPING
A great way to keep stocks of food and supplies is to mobilise elderly people with internet shopping.
But if they do not have access to the internet or are not handy with a computer, Age UK recommend that healthy, more active people help with running errands like picking up bits of shopping.
The Government is in talks with major retailers to ensure the elderly and vulnerable can still get access to supplies, such as through a telephone hotline where they can place orders.
AVOID VISITING GPs
Anyone showing symptoms, whether they are confirmed to have coronavirus or not, is advised to stay away from visiting their local GP surgery.
People suspected of being infected should check the NHS - and should only call 111 if they are directed to do so by the website, to avoid jamming the phone lines.
STAY ACTIVE
Part of the mental battle of isolation is remaining as active as possible - even if this means standing up 10 times in one hour and walking between rooms in the house.
If the elderly person you are helping has a garden, encourage them to walk around it - and make sure they are not immobile for long periods of time, watching television for long periods or remaining bed bound.
ENSURE STRICT CARER GUIDELINES
GET MEDICINE DELIVERED
A number of pharmacies around the UK are making plans to deliver medication to elderly people in the event of self isolation.
USE THE INTERNET
However, older people are increasingly getting online – data from the Office for National Statistics show that 83 per cent of people aged 65 to 74 had used the internet in 2019, up from 52 per cent in 2011.
It may be worth ensuring that the older people in your life are set up with online shopping accounts now, are able to access social media to stay in touch with other or have been introduced to streaming services such as Netflix.
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