The country has been stepping up measures to fight the virus that have so far been less stringent than elsewhere in Europe. They will be contacted by their doctor strongly advising them to stay at home for a period of at least 12 weeks. British health minister Matt Hancock said last Sunday that people aged over 70 would be shielded from the virus by self-isolating for up to four months, with an announcement "in the coming weeks". The government is working with a partnership of grocery retailers, local governments, local resilience and emergency partners, and voluntary groups, to ensure that essential items can start to be delivered as soon as possible. "Members of the armed forces, already in local communities helping Local Resilience Forums and local councils on their coronavirus response plans, will support this effort and are at the heart of local planning in response to this crisis," it said.

Source: bd News24 March 22, 2020 07:41 UTC