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

*And forcing the economy down the tubes, lots of business going bust won't have any mental health consequences? Lots of children stuck at home for long period where their communication is reduced to social media? (notorious for cruelty and bullying)

Mental health is important but whichever route is taken has the potential to destroy mental health*

Agreed

Some people are still working - factories etc seem to be open - but many businesses are closed.

I do get that but aren't people still working in Italy, Spain etc?

Not sure, thought Italy was pretty much locked down fully x

I'd heard that the northern factories were still open and a lot of the workers were not impressed.

This was 4 days ago in the FT

" Giuseppe Conte, prime minister, said cafés, restaurants and all other retailers not deemed essential would be closed during the outbreak. Other businesses including factories and agriculture, as well as the public sector and transport would remain open, as would banks and tobacconists."

And forcing the economy down the tubes, lots of business going bust won't

Sadly this may happen as people will natural not go to pubs etc. As we haven't this weekend.

Sadly this may happen as people will natural not go to pubs etc. As we haven't this weekend.

But it might mean people do start going again if they’re not afraid of getting the bug and infecting older and vulnerable people because they aren’t there.

But it might mean people do start going again if they’re not afraid of getting the bug and infecting older and vulnerable people because they aren’t there.

Maybe but there are still a lot of younger cases that may need hospital treatment.

This was posted on my local Facebook looks in his twenties. Just the old population in isolation isn't enough.

People are scared.

Message for family and friends. I’m Currently in isolation in xxxxxhospital after been bed bound .....

I just wanna say it’s no joke at all. I’ve have never ever been so sick in my life I feel like I’m breathing through a straw it feels like someone is sat on my chest.. I’m coughing blood my fever is through the roof and I haven’t ate in 4 days. Please just look after yourselfs and the older people in your family especially. Start taking this seriously people I wouldn’t wish it on me worst enemy.

Of course some will anyway, but not as many as if you went for a large scale shutdown.

It's a horrible numbers game, basically. Whichever choices are taken will have a detrimental impact somewhere - so if you look at the mental health impact comparing social distancing for elderly vs Spain/Italy shutdown vs Wuhan, the short term (i.e. during the outbreak) vs long term (i.e. after it's owner and we're dealing with the ongoing repercussions.

Friends in Italy (Tuscany) are still working. Their clients still want their products, their suppliers are still open so they work then go do their shopping and go home. As they own their own business they can take their son to work with them now he's not at school.
(This was in a message I received from them on Friday 13th March - it might all have changed tomorrow!)

There’s a bit of me that thinks the planet’s fighting back. The human race has abused it for so long, now it’s fighting back. It seems that the environment in China is massively cleaner than it was three months ago. It’s definitely a lesson in humility.

Yep. Awful illnesses that kill millions of people happen in places like poor countries in Africa frequently. Why should we be immune.

Yes but @Janemarpling it’s still a mild illness for most people. Of course there are exceptions but that needs to be keep being communicated too.

And if the ICUs aren’t clogged up with older people they will be best placed to help those who do need it, whilst the elderly also say as well as they can.

We are now in lockdown in Austria. Big list of rules and if you break them, a minimun fine of €3.5k.

All bars and restaurants to close, you can only be out of the house with members of your own household and then only on essential business. They are calling in army reservists to manage it.

To be honest, I am relieved. It is far easier to have the choices taken away than to have to constantly question your every action and rely on others to do the same.

But, there is a social system in place which will mitigate a lot of the losses individuals will suffer.

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?

MGMidget - your father can always decline carers coming in. It's not compulsory.

Never doubt the self pity of teachers...

You’re not being sacrificed. You’re being asked to do your job. As all other professions are.

I’m a doctor. We’re exposed. As are many others. We just have to get one with it.

Agree but its bad enough without the over 70s . Some people think this is a miracle answer.

Not meaning you fwiw

Cracker is that everyone or an age group? Did you get any warning?

I have friends and family members who still work at 70 plus! Some by choice, others by necessity.

I believe the over 70's isolation it won't apply in Scotland - thank goodness.

Seems the definitions of 'being elderly' changes when it suits the government as does 'risk'.
The Cheltenham Races went ahead, with lots of Irish participants, while Ireland was tightening its restrictions at home!

4 months of the over 70’s watching Homes Under The Hammer, Loose Women, Countdown and Tipping Point

Suicides in over 70’s with kill more than this fucking virus

It certainly makes more sense to isolate the vulnerable rather than schoolchildren and employees who most likely will not suffer greatly if infected and will hopefully become immune as a result. I wonder if those spiritedly people in their 70 s who are active, working and volunteering are perhaps less vulnerable. I know some sedentary 50 year olds who are less healthy and active than some 70 year olds.

Realistically even if Scotland gives out slightly different advice it's likely that most Scottish 70+ will follow the UK advice. It'll dominate the news for a start.

I'd also be surprised to see us taking a softer stance from a political perspective.

Just had a chat with my mum (a healthy, active 86). She agreed it's terrible and that she'll be so bored. We discussed stocking up on gardening stuff and jigsaw puzzles to pass the time. Then she said But of course we'll be going out to do the shopping anyway.

When I explained that the idea is that she won't be going out at all, she was appalled. Talk of internet deliveries and doorstep drop offs didn't seem to sink in. But they HAVE to let us go shopping!

I suspect it's not only people of her age group who just aren't getting what it all really means.

This is another stupid off the cuff remark by a government minister in an interview with the BBC, without any thought, leading to shortages. The BBC is already to blame for shortages when there aren't any, because they said there would be shortages. There wouldn't be any shortages if the BBC journalists stuck to reporting facts.

Like with all health decisions, your mileage may vary. Not all 70+ year olds are the same.

I think it's sad that older people who live alone and may not have many opportunities to socialise may lose the few they have. That could be just as bad for their health as coronavirus: social isolation = depression = weakened immune system. I would keep activities and day centres running and let the elderly make up their own minds what quality of life compromises are worth it to them. Unless they are suffering from dementia they are still rational people who deserve agency in their lives.

Shut the media down for a month - we will all be better off. They have a lot to answer for! Creating a frenzy of panic and conjecture. The BBC and ITV included!

Muncher75

New black out would create worse problems