A very drastic measure.
In an interview on Sky News this morning, British Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted that the United Kingdom’s plan for coronavirus involves the elderly self-isolating for four months.
While Hancock made it clear that the UK hadn’t reached this point yet, the measure would eventually be implemented.
“That is in the action plan, yes, and we will be setting it out with more detail when it is the right time to do so because we absolutely appreciate that it is a very big ask of the elderly and the vulnerable, and it’s for their own self-protection,” Hancock said.
Pressed on when this measure might come into place, Hancock said “certainly in the coming weeks.”
The UK has already faced criticism over its approach to dealing with coronavirus, which has seen them keep schools open, and decline to suspend major sporting events like the Cheltenham Races. Schools down the road from schools in the Republic of Ireland, where schools are closed, will remain open.
Sophy Ridge asks Health Secretary @MattHancock to confirm that those over-70 will be asked to self-isolate and stay at home for up to four months.
He says "that is the plan" but "not yet".
Follow #Ridge live: https://t.co/8xbsmjBX8F pic.twitter.com/VhvZJMCZ8W
— Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge (@SkyPoliticsHub) March 15, 2020
At present, 21 people have died in the United Kingdom as a result of the coronavirus. Over 1,100 people have tested positively for the illness.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
