Over 70s to self isolate

[Dodie66]

Over 70s are going to be told to self isolate even if they don’t have the virus and this will be coming in 5-20 days and last 4 months
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/breaking-coronavirus-over-70s-told-21694397?fbclid=IwAR2k9MqPf7vOzNcnqfVroLXVp0sQjYRmihHKBiL9pvdhSi5780WpYkgFNnI

we need to remember when the talk about the 1% death rate. The vast majority of those deaths would be elderly with underlying health conditions.

If those very people were on lock down for 4 months while the rest of us got the virus, the death rate would be much much lower than 1%.

The virus doesn't just pick 1 out of every hundred people to kill... it just so happens 1 out of every 100 that get it will tend to be an elderly person with underlying health issues.

This is the same with the need for ventilators etc being at 5%. it is the type of people that catch it that makes these figures so high. so if we decrease the amount of elderly with health conditions that get the virus these numbers should not be so high!

This week we may be finding out about the type of people who were getting it 2 weeks ago, if we are allowed to know the information.

The idea of loved ones being seperated now, and not being able to be together in their final moments is horrifying, and very sad.

Howeverz when the numbers start ranking up on this in a few weeks, that's what we will be getting a lot of. The seriously ill in Italy don't die with their family at their side (though the staff sometimes facilitate a video call). Even funerals are banned. Iran is digging mass graves. It's not slipping away gradually due to pneumonia. It's unpleasant and like a slow drowning. And we could be looking at half a million, a million, 2 million deaths... Many of these because even when using operating theatres as extra.beds, we have less than 9,000 critical care beds. Each of which would be needed for 1-2 weeks. We may have 10, or 20 people competing for every bed, and those that don't get it will die unnecessarily. This policy will give time for the NHS to cope, for more ventilators to be manufactured ( arrangements are being made) and for a vaccine/treatment to be developed.

We need to work out a way to make this as bearable and as compassionate for people as possible, and it may be that there is a need for some exceptions. Some of the people who would be in isolation could have a good 20 years ahead of them, and we should be doing everything we can to save them.

What this shows, to me, is the importance of the older generation being computer literate. My parents will be fine, as we can Skype, we can play online games together. They can order their own groceries ( though obviously I'd be happy to deliver them). They can download books for their kindle. I worry for elderly people who dont have these options, especially as it's now too late to teach them because of the needed for distancing.

spring months....the over 70's will not listen, they just won't comply

Yes. My mum is 73. She's very worried about the virus but apparently she thinks it's ok to go for a walk in the countryside.

So my mum lives 200 miles away on her own. How is she supposed to survive for 4 months without going out?Genuine question.

That's because it is ok to go for a walk in the countryside and it will keep her healthy.

My DM is 79. I cannot see her being pleased with this if it is true. She will implode with boredom and frustration. She also has several short trips planned within the UK and won't be happy if she can't go.

My elderly father is housebound and has carers visiting four times a day. He desperately needs company as the carers do no more than give him meds and put a meal in front of him. He has mild dementia and wont know who we are if we don’t visit for four months. However, I am also wondering how he can possibly remain protected from the virus when he has four different carers a day from an agency (and not always the same four). One is bound to bring the virus into his home, surely?

It may not be possible to self isolate for some elderly, but if they can it’s wise and can stop the spread

@AJPTaylor how would you expect it to be any different if the whole country was on lock down?

@ivykaty44 I love that its such a simple way of explaining it.

Forgone90 Taken from twitter

Of course some people won't be able to self-isolate. But if everyone does what they can it will make a difference.

And to those talking about fit and healthy people in their 70s, DM is one of those - she was horse riding every week as well as being active in her daily life.

But she caught pneumonia when she was 70. It took her 2 years to fully recover. She is now a fit and active woman who is nearly 80 but I do not underestimate what this illness could do to her body.

Everyone seems to want action to be taken but whenever action is announced, people immediately reject it because it affects them.

For older people who can, self isolation is safest for them, reduces the risk of them needing equipment in short supply and allows medical resources to be used on those who are unable to self isolate because of dementia, living situations or other circumstances which make it impossible.

The rest of us can help by reducing social contact, supporting older people with running errands, calling them every day to help with the loneliness and not stockpiling anything so everyone can get what they need.

@Loppy10. I hear your point but many of these are not baby boomers. The oldest baby boomers are about 74 (boomers 1946-1964) so majority of those who would be isolating are not. That earlier generation saw really serious economic post war hardship.

Yes everyone wants action. This is it.

On another thread someone in Italy was outraged that old will be kept from young. They came together at a difficult time. This natural reaction makes it worse. I’m glad the U.K. is considering our potentially damaging reactions to keep exposure down.

If they don't comply, they're putting themselves at risk and they should be able to make any decision, surely?
It's not law. It's a protective step.

They'd be foolish not to listen but it's up to them.

My father hasn’t been out of the house since Tuesday, I am looking after him and trying to get his shopping....but with all the stock piling it’s not easy and I had to visit 3 supermarkets to get him food.

I have a pretty much emoty fridge myself but quite a bit store cupboard stuff that is always kept pretty full

But me traipsing round doesn’t help as I’m more likely to be infected

Hopefully those that have panic purchased and cleared the shelves will now stay home

MG they may look to try and limit the amount if people coming to help your DF?

May he worth speaking to the company.

I know one company is doing that as much as they can.

Please clarify, which authority has told the over 70's to self isolate ?

The UK press are suggesting it.

It has most likely been 'leaked' by the government to get the reaction of the population before they make a formal announcement.

Can't speak for other countries.

On Thursday we told MIL & SIL to self-isolate totally in the house.

MIL is 70 and has lupus and quite poor general health. She cares for SIL who is 28 and has Down's syndrome and always gets quite heavily hit by viruses.

It's heartbreaking and SIL is struggling to understand why she can't go to her usual activities etc but we consider them both to be high risk, and SIL is totally dependent on MIL.

We live 30 miles away and will be dropping supplies off at their front door once a week. MIL has quite bad anxiety about things like online deliveries.

DH is prepping them to understand that this may take several months. Luckily MIL is very sensible and will be totally compliant with DH's advice, helped by the fact that DH is a doctor.

Convincing his two other siblings (who have small kids and a very "oh well, we'll ride it through" attitude) that they are under no circumstances to visit MIL & SIL was harder, but they finally got the message.

My DM is 79. I cannot see her being pleased with this if it is true. She will implode with boredom and frustration. She also has several short trips planned within the UK and won't be happy if she can't go.

FFS I'm in my 30s and have had to cancel my uk trip this week because of cough, temp and cold symptoms. To protect people like your DM who are at risk. I'll be seriously pissed off if I'm doing everything I can to protect others despite the fact the illness is not likely to impact me, when they won't even bloody help themselves. I despair.

Here in France we over-seventies have been told to self-isolate as much as possible, but the lack of internet food shopping will make it difficult. We have built stocks up so will now stay at home and see how the Mairie organises things once the elections are over. We have a large vegetable and fruit garden and will be busy sowing and planting. The community will work together and there will be no shortages of dairy, eggs, cider and calvados.

Belay it was on ITV news last night and in various other outlets since then. Like PP said, sounds like a typical "leak" to prepare us for the bigger announcement

@RainbowPenguins I didn't say she wouldn't do it. I merely said she would be very frustrated. I've had to cancel a holiday as has my niece do she knows this could happen. She has had a shitty year which includes my DF dying and she was looking forward to some fun trips. I don't think she is wrong to be upset about it. But she will do what she can if she has to remain in self isolation.