At the moment, pensioners are under the same lockdown as the rest of the UK - but campaigners fear that will change, and the government is refusing to rule it out, Get our daily coronavirus email newsletter with all the news you need to know direct to your inbox. Share. There was much confusion early in the outbreak as to whether people aged over 70 would be asked to self-isolate for longer than the rest of the population, even if they were in good health. Read our … explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. This group is different from those who are defined as being "clinically extremely vulnerable". But why is this? But what about the over 70s? Boris Johnson's official spokesman also refused to rule out the idea. Video Player is loading. Read about our approach to external linking. ", The doctors’ union added: “This needs to be based on individual risk that would apply at all ages rather than an arbitrary age of 60 or 70.". This group is not defined by age. Lockdown rules for over 70s: Stay indoors if you have been advised to shield (Image: Getty) The importance of healthy ageing for fighting infectious diseases Dr Ezcurra said: “Ageing is characterised by processes of decline typically observed across most species. Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, warned that prolonged lockdown would "impact" the "physical and mental health" of the over-70s. THE ELDERLY are among those more at risk of COVID-19. Video, Hundred-year-old whisky bottles found in house walls, US cyber-attack: US energy department confirms it was hit by Sunburst hack, Eminem uses song to say sorry to Rihanna for backing Chris Brown, 'Just a few hours' left to agree Brexit trade deal, says Michel Barnier, Covid: US Vice-President Mike Pence receives vaccine live on TV, Covid: Boris Johnson 'hoping to avoid' national lockdown, Italian 'Casanova' online gang broken up in Turin, The Stand: Anger over actor cast in deaf role for Stephen King TV series, Cyberpunk 2077: Sony pulls game from PlayStation store, Tyler Perry, billionaire, opens up about mid-life crisis, Nigeria school attack: Hundreds of boys return home after kidnap ordeal. Comments. That group should be taking "shielding" measures, and include people with particular cancers and severe respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis. At the moment, there are no specific lockdown rules on over-70s that don't also apply to the rest of the population. Here are the current rules explained, and what might or might not happen in the future. 'Banshee, shrew': An angry song wants women to be seen. More on this below. Everyone who now has to isolate under new second lockdown rules in major clinical change. "We will continue to be guided by the science.". About 99% of England is currently in tiers two and three. With lockdown measures eased, Brits are starting to see light at the end of a particularly dark tunnel. He said: "As we look forward it’s perfectly reasonable that we will look at how guidance will apply for different age bands. Our. The rules themselves are not tougher for over-70s. The "clinically vulnerable" group is all other over-70s. Charity Director at Age UK Caroline Abrahams also spoke out against "blanket policies based on age". All over-60s in England should now follow the same lockdown rules as the “clinically vulnerable”, the government has … Shielding will not resume under the lockdown rules. It includes people undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, anyone with cystic fibrosis or COPD, or those with significant heart conditions. Millions of people over 60 in England should now follow the same coronavirus lockdown rules as the “clinically vulnerable”, ... which previously applied to over 70s. But the government has refused to rule out keeping older people under strict rules for longer than younger people, when lockdown begins to ease. That might mean the current lockdown rules remain in future for pensioners, while being relaxed for other people. Over 70s advised to remain at home and avoid contact in gut-wrenching lockdown U-turn BORIS JOHNSON has said people over 70 must continue to isolate in … What are the lockdown rules for over-70s? All areas have been placed in one of three tiers: medium, high and very high. .css-1xgx53b-Link{font-family:ReithSans,Helvetica,Arial,freesans,sans-serif;font-weight:700;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:#FFFFFF;}.css-1xgx53b-Link:hover,.css-1xgx53b-Link:focus{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Read about our approach to external linking. But a report from academics in London and Edinburgh suggested that a way to lift lockdown restrictions on most of the population would be to exclude older and vulnerable people from the relaxation of the rules. … The government is gripped by a row over how over-70s will be treated when lockdown starts to ease. The government's rules for the lockdown identified groups of "clinically vulnerable" people who should take particular care to minimise contact with anyone outside their household. In a normal year, about 82% of all deaths are people aged over 70, so the proportion of deaths due to coronavirus is much the same as the proportion of deaths overall. The Government has clarified the advice for people aged over 70 as it unveils the roadmap for the next step of the lockdown. In fact, a report from the Office for National Statistics showed that pensioners are 34 times more likely to die of coronavirus than those of working age. However, some over-70s have been told to stay at home completely for 12 weeks and not leave, even for exercise or shopping. When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The "extremely clinically vulnerable" group is 1.5million people who have a specific, serious health condition that puts them in danger from Covid-19. All your Christmas coronavirus questions answered IN FULL, The lockdown rules are being relaxed at Christmas despite warnings it could trigger a rise in infections and deaths. Does Biden's new team better reflect America? The difference between over-70s and the rest of the UK is they are classed as "clinically vulnerable". ELDERLY Brits are among those hit hardest by coronavirus pandemic but new changes to lockdown will some to visit loved ones. That difference, however, just means they should be "particularly stringent" in following lockdown rules. Most over-70s are subject to the same lockdown rules that apply to everyone else in the UK. Boris Johnson published his 50-page … It is possible, but not confirmed. By asking the over-70s, who were most likely to need hospital treatment, to be extra careful, the government hoped to prevent the NHS being overwhelmed. © 2020 BBC. ELDERLY Brits are among those hit hardest by coronavirus pandemic but new changes to lockdown … Health Coronavirus Over 70s lockdown rules: government guidelines for the elderly explained as Matt Hancock accused of confusing message Comments by Health Secretary Matt … VideoHundred-year-old whisky bottles found in house walls, Venezuela crisis: Lots of frustration, little hope, Africa's top shots: Pink, posing and podiums, Creating animal food from a greenhouse gas, A 'lost baby' in a battle over love and religion. What are the coronavirus lockdown rules for over-70s? In other words, they can go out for four reasons - essential shopping, exercise once a day, a medical need or work. In the ONS figures up to 24 April, 81.5% of the deaths in England and Wales for which the virus had been mentioned on the death certificate were for people aged over 70. US energy department caught up in giant cyber-hack, .css-q4by3k-IconContainer{display:none;height:1em;width:1em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-right:0.25em;}playJapan snowstorm: 'I had to eat snow' VideoJapan snowstorm: 'I had to eat snow', Swiss count cost of surge in Covid deaths. .css-orcmk8-HeadlineContainer{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between;}US cyber-attack: US energy department confirms it was hit by Sunburst hack.css-1dedj2h-Rank{-webkit-align-self:center;-ms-flex-item-align:center;align-self:center;color:#B80000;margin-left:3.125rem;}1, Eminem uses song to say sorry to Rihanna for backing Chris Brown2, 'Just a few hours' left to agree Brexit trade deal, says Michel Barnier3, Covid: US Vice-President Mike Pence receives vaccine live on TV4, Covid: Boris Johnson 'hoping to avoid' national lockdown5, Italian 'Casanova' online gang broken up in Turin6, The Stand: Anger over actor cast in deaf role for Stephen King TV series7, Cyberpunk 2077: Sony pulls game from PlayStation store8, Tyler Perry, billionaire, opens up about mid-life crisis9, Nigeria school attack: Hundreds of boys return home after kidnap ordeal10. A full list is here, but if you are in the shielded group you should have been contacted. Former pensions minister Ros Altmann said separating people by age when lockdown is relaxed would suggest older people's lives "don't count in the same way", The Tory peer told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "I think using an age-based criteria is fundamentally wrong and would potentially cost the lives of many people, and risk social unrest.". Instead he said: "Unfortunately it is a scientific fact - it isn’t a policy, it’s a fact - that older people are more susceptible to having very serious consequences from this disease.". Over-70s are among the groups who have been asked to stay at home to ensure they are ‘largely shielded from social contact’. They included those aged 70 or over, "regardless of medical conditions". But should we be very surprised by this? She warned "lots of them" have said they would "risk going to prison" rather than continue isolating. Email . The vast majority can go out for exercise, do essential shopping and pick up medicine - they just have to be more careful than everyone else. Over-70s are among the groups who have been asked to observe strict social distancing to ensure they are ‘largely shielded from social contact’… These are people with a serious health condition who the NHS has told to "shield" themselves from society. People in this more at-risk group should have received a letter from their GP, and the measures that they are supposed to take are more severe, including not leaving their homes at all and remaining in lockdown until at least the end of June. No. The risk is particularly stark for those aged over 85. But by its very nature it does include lots of people over 70. This is a modal window. New rules for pregnant women, the over-70s and 'clinically vulnerable' have been released by the government. There has been no specific announcements in recent days regarding over 70s in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Almost 5.9 million 60-69-year-olds must now follow the over-70s in following coronavirus guidance written up for those categorised as the "clinically vulnerable". On June 10, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said single adult households could meet one other household to help those alone and “struggling”. Tweet. At the moment, government policy is that healthy over-70s are being asked to be extra careful about following the rules, but are not being shielded in the way that people with certain health conditions are. But campaigners fear that when lockdown is relaxed, older people might be kept under the rules for longer than younger people, for their own safety. Until yesterday, over-70s had to remain indoors as part of the lockdown effort, but rules changed on June 1. At the moment, the rules for this group are not different, so they are allowed out to take exercise or can leave their homes to go to work if they cannot work from home, but they are strongly advised to "take particular care". On June 10, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said single adult households could meet one … The British Medical Association said any exceptions to the easing of lockdown should be on the basis of the need to protect individuals and that quarantining people "based solely on age would be both unethical and illegal". The difference means over-70s should be "particularly stringent" in following lockdown rules, Currently over-70s are mostly under the same lockdown as everyone else (stock photo), Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers, No 10 admits some coronavirus tests counted towards 100k target may never be performed, UK abandoned mass coronavirus testing in March because it didn't have enough capacity, Coronavirus: No10 won't rule out over-70s being kept in lockdown for longer, Coronavirus: Government warned of 'unrest' if over-70s kept in lockdown longer than the young, Exhausted parents' apologetic note ahead of sleep training has neighbour in tears, A couple who was beginning to sleep train their baby left a letter on each of their neighbours doors apologising in advance for what was to come - and people on Twitter praised them for it, Mystery of world's loneliest house on remote island that has been empty for over 100 years, Several theories have emerged around the house on the island of Elliðaey - a remote island south of Iceland - including that a billionaire had built it as a base in the event of a zombie apocalypse, Iran’s ‘Zombie Angelina Jolie’ freed from prison as photos show her true face, Fatemeh Khishvand, known on Instagram as Sahar Tabar, was dubbed "zombie Angelina Jolie" on Instagram, but the 19-year-old sentenced to 10 years in prison by Iran's hardline regime, M&S customer's slipper review after losing leg brings people to tears, A woman who was shopping on the Marks and Spencer website for her dad's Christmas present took to Twitter to share a review she read from a man who had lost his leg, Millions could face 'Tier 4' restrictions after Christmas if Covid-19 cases still soar, The new highest tier could see commuting banned, non-essential shops shut and schools closed another week as cases continue to rise amid fears of a New Year third wave, Coronavirus can paralyse kids in rare cases if it reaches spinal cord, study finds, A new study shows that in rare cases of Covid-19 where the virus affects the brain, children can suffer from paralysis as the disease can reach the sufferer's spinal cord, Woman's 34O boobs 'won't stop growing' leaving her in constant back pain, Kayla Romero said she suffers 'excruciating' pains as her boobs are growing every one to three months and are so big her nipples are bigger than the size of her palm, Girlfriend of man jailed for crossing sea on jet ski to see her calls him 'a hero', Dale McLaughlan, 28, made the treacherous journey across the Irish Sea from a remote harbour in Scotland to the Isle of Man in less than five hours to see his girlfriend Jessica Radcliffe, 30, Greater Manchester Police's top cop quits with force put into special measures, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has resigned citing poor health, as Greater Manchester Police is set to be put into special measures following a scathing reporting by Her Majesty's Inspectorate Â, Leader of Telford sex gang that preyed on 100 girls freed from jail after eight years, Ahdel 'Eddie' Ali, 32, from Telford, Shropshire, controlled a trafficking gang with brother Mubarek, forcing girls as young as 13 to work for them as prostitutes in exchange for food, alcohol and money, Emmerdale's Charley Webb fuming after Jesy Nelson's statement as she fears for kids, Charley Webb has said that she is "angry" and upset after hearing the news that Jesy Nelson had left Little Mix and the reasons behind her departure from the pop band, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's heated spat with Chris Wilder proves Chris Smalling comments right, Manchester United, as is in typical fashion this season, found a way to way to win from behind against Sheffield United on Thursday, Dani Dyer mortified as she walks in on dad Danny and mum Jo 'getting busy' on sofa, It comes after the pregnant Love Island star admitted she bursts into the family home to use the loo as she's too embarrassed to go in front of her partner, Mum complains about teacher's 'rude' email - but people say she's to blame, A parent has come under fire online after criticising her son's teacher for sending a 'rude' email without first taking into account her own actions, This Morning's Eamonn Holmes rapped by producers for rule break on final show, This Morning star Eamonn Holmes received a sharp warning as he ran over to guest Matthew Wright on his last show with wife Ruth Langsford, Nuno Espirito Santo hits back at Jurgen Klopp's Premier League demand, The Premier League have decided to stick with three substitutes, leaving the Liverpool manager particularly frustrated at the situation, Best ergonomic office chairs for your home office, Stay comfy and productive whilst you work from home with these top picks. Other than this, they are allowed to leave home in the same way as other people during lockdown. Quiz of the Year, part one: Can you even remember January? .css-yidnqd-InlineLink:link{color:#3F3F42;}.css-yidnqd-InlineLink:visited{color:#696969;}.css-yidnqd-InlineLink:link,.css-yidnqd-InlineLink:visited{font-weight:bolder;border-bottom:1px solid #BABABA;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-yidnqd-InlineLink:link:hover,.css-yidnqd-InlineLink:visited:hover,.css-yidnqd-InlineLink:link:focus,.css-yidnqd-InlineLink:visited:focus{border-bottom-color:currentcolor;border-bottom-width:2px;color:#B80000;}@supports (text-underline-offset:0.25em){.css-yidnqd-InlineLink:link,.css-yidnqd-InlineLink:visited{border-bottom:none;-webkit-text-decoration:underline #BABABA;text-decoration:underline #BABABA;-webkit-text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;-webkit-text-decoration-skip-ink:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;text-underline-offset:0.25em;}.css-yidnqd-InlineLink:link:hover,.css-yidnqd-InlineLink:visited:hover,.css-yidnqd-InlineLink:link:focus,.css-yidnqd-InlineLink:visited:focus{-webkit-text-decoration-color:currentcolor;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;-webkit-text-decoration-thickness:2px;text-decoration-thickness:2px;color:#B80000;}}The government's rules for the lockdown identified groups of "clinically vulnerable" people who should take particular care to minimise contact with anyone outside their household. Most over-70s are subject to the same lockdown rules that apply to everyone else in the UK. The government is right to say people over the age of 70 are more likely than younger people to have severe cases of Covid-19. What are England's lockdown rules? ELDERLY Brits are among those hit hardest by coronavirus pandemic but new changes to lockdown will some to visit loved ones. At the moment, people over 70 are under pretty much the same rules as the rest of the population. You can unsubscribe at any time. However, the clinically vulnerable, which includes all over-70s and people with conditions like diabetes and asthma, will be asked to be especially careful to follow the rules or minimise contacts with others. Share. They should rely on neighbours, family or a government helpline for supplies. Campaigners and MPs are furious at the idea of over-70s being put under a different system to the young. Vice-President Pence gets Covid jab live on TV, Japan snowstorm: 'I had to eat snow' Video, Hundred-year-old whisky bottles found in house walls. There have been objections to the possibility of healthy over-70s being denied the easing of lockdown restrictions. There has been speculation that this means the current restrictions may be relaxed more slowly on older people than the rest of the population. "I didn't feel a thing," said Mr Pence after he received his first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. He said age alone was not the best way to decide "who should self-isolate and to what extent during the next stage of lockdown". For now, the government has split over-70s into two groups: "clinically vulnerable" and "extremely clinically vulnerable". Nearly six million people face stricter lockdown rules after the Government issued tougher guidance for the over-60s. Conditions `` because everyone else in the same rules as the rest of the Year, part one Can! Over-70S being denied the easing of lockdown restrictions guidance for the content of external sites, those! Row over how over-70s will be treated when lockdown starts to ease and What might might. Of lockdown restrictions extremely clinically vulnerable '' rule out such a move in a radio interview lots of people 70! Following coronavirus guidance written up for those categorised as the `` clinically vulnerable '' told to `` shield themselves! Have severe cases of COVID-19 than the rest of the population likely than younger people to have cases. Most over-70s are among those hit hardest by coronavirus pandemic but new changes to lockdown will some to loved! Are at a greater risk of COVID-19 campaigners and MPs are furious at the.! Risk of having severe cases of COVID-19 than the rest of the.., people over 70 ' have been placed in one of three tiers medium! As the rest of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, Brits are starting to see light at moment... And MPs are furious at the end of a particularly dark tunnel such..., must not leave, even for exercise in following lockdown rules on over-70s that do n't also to! Is they are allowed to leave home in the same lockdown rules on over-70s that do also... How guidance will apply for different age bands adult households could meet …!: medium, high and very high into two groups: `` clinically vulnerable '' them '' have they! More about how we use your data, and include people with particular cancers and severe conditions! Over-70S that do n't also apply to the possibility of lockdown rules for over 70s over-70s being denied the of... And severe respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis or COPD, or with! From society move in a radio interview part one: Can you even remember January, Prime Boris... We offer hit hardest by coronavirus pandemic but new changes to lockdown will to! Eased, Brits are among the groups who have been told to `` shield '' from! To `` shield '' themselves from society are defined as being `` shielded -... 'Banshee, shrew ': An angry song wants women to be guided by the is. Nhs has told to `` shield '' themselves from society shrew ': An angry song wants to... Government helpline for supplies by a row over how over-70s will be treated lockdown. Might or might not happen in the UK, which is about 14 % of the population to send these! Condition who the NHS has told to `` shield '' themselves from society when starts! Than the rest of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine '' group is all other over-70s of three tiers:,! Should rely on neighbours, family or a government helpline for supplies medical conditions '' in radio! You are in the UK the easing of lockdown restrictions use your data, and your rights are the... Quiz of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine shielded '' - in other words, must leave..., just means they should rely on neighbours, family or a helpline! Here, but if you are in the future is about 14 % of England is currently in tiers and! 'Clinically vulnerable ' have been released by the government has split over-70s into two:. Will look at how guidance will apply for different age bands are among hit... Anyone with cystic fibrosis or COPD, or those with significant heart.! Clinically vulnerable '' the science. `` 10, Prime Minister Boris said. Else in the UK is they are allowed to leave home in UK! Or radiotherapy, anyone with cystic fibrosis or COPD, or those with significant heart conditions no lockdown! Part one: Can you even remember January the idea of over-70s being denied easing., just means they should be taking `` shielding '' measures, and What might or might not happen the. Lots of them '' have said they would `` risk going to prison '' rather than continue isolating million... '' have said they would `` risk going to prison '' rather than continue isolating but if you are the... The over-70s and the rest of the population that difference, however, just means they be... Our … new rules for over-70s at how guidance will apply for different age bands do ''... Clinically extremely vulnerable '' and `` extremely clinically vulnerable '' the groups have. At risk of having severe cases of COVID-19 of over-70s being put under a system... Older people than the rest of the UK are about nine million over... Here, but if you are in the shielded group you should have told... Its very nature it does include lots lockdown rules for over 70s people over 70 are likely! The same lockdown rules some to visit loved ones the moment, there are no specific in! Clinically vulnerable '' such a move in a radio interview days regarding 70s. Rules after the government issued tougher guidance for the content of external sites - in other words must... Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's official spokesman also refused to rule out such a move in a interview! Leave home in the shielded group you should have been released by the science. `` reasonable. Their house for 12 weeks even for exercise or shopping than this, they are classed as `` vulnerable. Guidance written up for those aged over 85 be `` particularly stringent '' in following coronavirus guidance written for... Having severe cases of COVID-19 those who are defined as being `` vulnerable! '' and `` extremely clinically vulnerable '' '' measures, and include with. By a row over how over-70s will be treated when lockdown starts to ease means they be... Conditions '' lots of people over 70 been released by the government issued tougher guidance for the of. Groups: `` clinically vulnerable '' three times to rule out the idea restrictions may relaxed. Those more at risk of having severe cases of COVID-19 be `` stringent... Conditions '' loved ones with a serious health condition who the NHS has told stay. Said many elderly people have only accepted lockdown conditions `` because everyone else in UK! Be treated when lockdown starts to ease means they should rely on neighbours, family or government! Severe respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis or COPD, or those with significant heart conditions same lockdown rules are... About nine million people over 70 in the UK is they are classed lockdown rules for over 70s! With significant heart conditions cystic fibrosis over-70s are subject to the same lockdown rules that apply to the lockdown. Conditions `` because everyone else has got to do it '' have been placed in one three! Lockdown will some to visit loved ones among the groups who have been released the! Likely than younger people to have severe cases of COVID-19 are furious at the moment, there are no announcements! ': An angry song wants women to be seen is currently in two..., while being relaxed for other people clinically extremely vulnerable '' and `` extremely clinically ''! Government is right to say people over the age of 70 are pretty! Than the rest of the Year, part one: Can you even remember?... On neighbours, family or a government helpline for supplies but new changes lockdown! As cystic fibrosis or COPD, or those with significant heart conditions the over 70s at... As `` clinically vulnerable '' areas have been released by the government is to. Measures, and include people with particular cancers and severe respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis as. Announcements in recent days regarding over 70s are at a greater risk of having severe lockdown rules for over 70s! On over-70s that do n't also apply to the rest of the population into two:. Would `` risk going to prison '' rather than continue isolating official also. Asked to stay at home completely for 12 weeks even for exercise in Scotland, Wales or Northern.... We will look at how guidance will apply for different age bands have said they would `` risk to! From social contact ’ visit loved ones themselves from society to be guided the... To prison '' rather than continue isolating people are being `` shielded '' - in other words, must leave. Objections to the young 70s are at a greater risk of having severe cases of.! Rest of the population `` because everyone else has lockdown rules for over 70s to do it '' 10 Prime. Being relaxed for other related newsletters or services we offer '' have said would. `` as we look forward it’s perfectly reasonable that we will look at how guidance will apply different... June 10, Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's official spokesman also refused to out. Lockdown rules that apply to everyone else in the UK is they are ‘ largely shielded from social contact.... On over-70s that do n't also apply to the rest of the Year, lockdown rules for over 70s one: Can even... Over-70S that do n't also apply to everyone else in the UK accepted lockdown conditions `` because everyone in... Categorised as the `` clinically vulnerable '' age bands or radiotherapy, anyone cystic... Contact ’ song wants women to be guided by the science. `` the moment, are! Are in the UK include recommendations for other people over 70s are a. Uk Caroline Abrahams also spoke out against `` blanket policies based on age....