The Government has urged people over 70 and those with underlying health conditions to shield themselves from social contact for 12 weeks from this weekend (March 21/22) in a bid to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. There are currently 8.7 million people aged 70 or older across the UK, representing about one in eight people.

“During this time of great uncertainty and anxiety, it’s been so heart-warming to see the groundswell of support for older people and other at-risk groups,” said Caroline Abrahams, charity director of Age UK.

To help stop the spread of coronavirus and safeguard the health of those at greatest risk, the Government has said we all need to take steps to reduce close contact with other people.

Being asked to stay at home and stop having close contact with family and friends probably sounds difficult. You might be feeling worried, scared, sad or even a bit angry. That’s normal, but it’s important to know you’re not alone.