Isolation Guide For Elderly & Vulnerable

Officials warn measures could last months

- Amy-Clare Martin

Boris Johnson last night unveiled dramatic measures intended to tackle the spread of Covid-19.

More details are likely to emerge in the coming days as the country gets to grips with the tough new guidance.

But at this early stage, the Mirror has pulled together some answers to your key questions...

AM I IN AN AT-RISK GROUP?

Some over-70s and people with significant pre-existing conditions will be asked within days to be “ largely shielded from social contact” for 12 weeks.

According to Public Health England, Covid-19 poses the biggest threat to those who have weaker immune systems and longterm or chronic illnesses.

These are likely to include heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer – but a definitive list has not been published yet.

Those who need to be shielded will be contacted by the NHS, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said.

WHAT DOES ‘SHIELDED FROM SOCIAL CONTACT’ MEAN?

It is not yet clear if these shielding measures will be as tough as those for people with symptoms, who are self-isolating.