UK Government To Tell Over-70s To Self-Isolate Within Next Few Weeks

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed that the government will be telling the over-70s to self-isolate 'within weeks', in order to help protect them from the spread of coronavirus.

Hancock told Sky News that he appreciated the new measure was 'a very big ask of the elderly and vulnerable', but said 'it is for their own protection'.

Asked whether or not the advice would be in place for four months, as reported, Hancock said: "We'll be setting it out with more detail when it is the right time to do so."

PA

Hancock explained the move had not yet been implemented because the length of time required is 'very long'.

The UK death toll has risen to 21 - of which, 20 were specifically in England - following a further 10 deaths that were confirmed yesterday (14 March).

As of yesterday morning, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK has also reached 1,140, while 37,746 people have been tested.

So far, those who have died in the UK have all been over the age of 60, or with underlying health conditions.

PA

Confirming the 10 deaths, Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, said: "I am sorry to confirm 10 further patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 in England have died.

"All 10 individuals were in the at risk groups.

"I understand this increase in the number of deaths linked to Covid-19 will be a cause for concern for many. The public should know every measure we are taking is seeking to save lives and protect the most vulnerable. Every single one of us has a role to play in achieving this.

"If you have a new continuous cough or high temperature, please stay at home for seven days. I also encourage everyone to be washing their hands for 20 seconds regularly.

"I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends who have received this difficult news. I ask that their privacy is respected at this time."

It's okay to not panic. LADbible and UNILAD's aim with our campaign, Cutting Through, is to provide our community with facts and stories from the people who are either qualified to comment or have experienced first-hand the situation we're facing. For more information from the World Health Organisation on Coronavirus, click here.

Topics: uk news, News, coronavirus

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

@Jess_Hardiman