Covid-19 update 13 March: Over 65s with Underlying Health Conditions

Friday, 13 March 2020 17:42

People over 65 who have underlying health conditions are asked to avoid non-essential contact with other people to protect them from Covid-19.

Public Health says the virus hits this particular group of people harder than others.

It's suggested that they avoid non-essential closer contact as much as possible, such as not going out to group meetings, dances, meals out and shopping.

The virus which causes Covid-19 is new and can cause pneumonia in some people. As it is a new virus, there is no immunity in our population.

It seems that people who are older or have underlying health conditions are more vulnerable to the complications of this infection with this virus.

Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health, said: 'The scientific evidence we have so far indicates that Covid-19 hits the older population with underlying health conditions harder which means we have to ensure that they are aware of measures to protect their health and wellbeing.

Public Health advice is not saying that our older community can't still go out for a walk or for exercise in an open outdoor space.

However, we are suggesting that they avoid non-essential contact as much as possible such as not going out to group meetings, dances, meals out and shopping.'

Full guidance can be found at www.gov.gg/coronavirus.

Targeted advice will be sent to households with residents who are over 65 as soon as possible as Public Health is aware that not everyone has easy access to the internet.