Coronavirus UK poll: Elderly should NOT be ordered to stay in 'THEY aren't the problem'
PEOPLE over the age of 70 should NOT be forced to stay indoors as the coronavirus crisis escalates - because they are not the ones ignoring advice about self-isolation and social distancing, voters in an Express.co.uk poll have concluded.
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With Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing unprecedented measures to control the spread of the virus, ordering everyone in Britain to say in their homes except to visit shops for food, medicine, and once a day for exercise, Britain is in a situation unique in its history. An overwhelming 72 percent of those asked "Should over-70s be banned from leaving their homes?" answered no. Just 26 percent (2,074) answered yes, with two percent (207) undecided.
In total 7,970 people voted in the poll between 10.30am and 9pm yesterday.
Many respondents believed it was fundamentally unfair to expect them to do so when it was younger people who were ignoring instructions to avoid large gatherings.
Pictures over the weekend showed vast numbers of people heading for London's busy parks, with the associated risk that anyone infected with COVID-19 could pass it on to people around them.
One Express.co.uk reader commented: "According to the pictures over the weekend it's the 20-40's who want locking indoors."
Another said: "No, while this age group is probably the most vulnerable, they are also the most respectful of rules.
"Apart from, of course, being unable to shop due to the appalling behaviour of younger people stripping the supermarket shelves."
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A third added: "I have just come back from a walk with the dog, in the country. I only saw two other people so took route to give them a big berth."
Meanwhile Rita Bishop said: "I am a VERY fit over seventy living alone. I am not on ANY MEDICATION WHATSOEVER, plus I've never smoked, I don't drink and I DO NOT take drugs, NEVER HAVE.
"SO DO NOT TRY AND IMPRISON US PENSIONERS, especially when we live alone and already feel imprisoned in our own homes."
One reader doubtful of the practicalities of the arrangements, said: "If someone brings my groceries once a fortnight I'll stay in, but I know it won't happen, looking at photos of supermarkets I wouldn't say it's the over 70s causing the problems!"
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However, another believed the Government had been left with little choice, posting: "My parents live next door to me and both are in their seventies as well and I'm in the 'at risk' category but find myself trying to cater to them to avoid them going out.
"There are no easy choices and confinement other than to obtain essentials such as food surely is a better approach than simply trusting it'll all be ok?
One commenter said: "It does seem somewhat counter-intuitive to have a blanket ban on 0ver 70s, when very often they're fitter than many of the younger generation, and also they seem to have more intelligence by understanding what self-distancing actually means!
"I rely on my 2 hours walking day to maintain my mental, physical, cardio fitness.
"It would be ironic if my immunity were to drop as a result of false imprisonment without access to nature and all its benefits!"
The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 now stands at 5,687, according to the World Health Organization's latest situation report.
The death toll stands at 281, up 48 on the previous day.
The Government is planning to send out 1.5 million letters to elderly people and those the underlying health conditions, telling them to stay at home for the next 12 weeks.
Speaking to the nation live from Number 10 this evening, Mr Johnson said residents will only be allowed to leave their homes for shopping for basic necessities – as infrequently as possible.
One form of exercise a day will be allowed - for example a run, walk or cycle – alone or with members of the same household.
Travelling to and from work will be permitted, but only when absolutely necessary where work cannot be done from home.
Mr Johnson stressed police would have the power to enforce the new rules.