PREGNANT women are “at-risk” of coronavirus and should avoid all social contact for the foreseeable future, Boris Johnson said tonight.
The Prime Minister made the announcement today as he updated Brits on the new approach to battling the virus.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
He said: “Even if you don’t have symptoms and even if nobody in your house has symptoms there is still more that we need you to do.
“Second now is the time for everyone to stop non essential contract with others.
“We need people to start working from home where they possibly can, and you should avoid clubs pubs theatres and other such social venues.
“This avoiding all social contact is especially important for the over 70, pregnant women and those with health conditions.”
Early stages of understanding virus
Chief medical officer, Chris Whitty moved to reassure pregnant women, telling the public it was a precaution.
“We are very, very early in what we know on this,” he said.
Although the limited evidence suggests there are no complications in pregnancy, for many infectious diseases, “there is a small but appreciable additional risk”.
As this is a new virus he added: “Infections and pregnancy are not a good combination and that is why we have taken the very precautionary measure while we try to find out more”.
Last week the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) said pregnant women don’t appear more susceptible to the virus, based on the current evidence.
They also said there is no evidence the virus can be passed to an unborn baby in the womb.
Their guidance also states there’s no proof at the moment that Covid-19 can be carried in breastmilk, so new mums are still encouraged to breastfeed.
Deaths spiral in 24 hours
It comes as the number of UK deaths reached 55 deaths – with 19 new deaths recorded in one day – and around 1,500 cases.
Mr Johnson also told Brits they must stop going to the pub and out for dinner to stop the coronavirus outbreak.
In a bombshell statement this afternoon he drastically ramped up Britain’s battleplan – banning public gatherings, stopping any non-essential travel. and telling everyone to work from home if they can.
The number of cases could DOUBLE every five or six weeks if Britain didn’t take “draconian” action now, he warned the country, in the most drastic action taken so far to tackle the disease.
“We are asking people to do something difficult and that will disrupt their lives,” Boris admitted.
But he stressed that the most vulnerable were the focus of today’s new measures.
The PM announced major crackdown rules today including:
- Urging Brits not to go to pubs, clubs or other social venues to try and stop spreading it around
- The elderly must be shielded for at least 12 weeks to stop them from catching it
- Whole families with symptoms such as a cough or a temperature should stay at home for TWO WEEKS to stop spreading it on to anyone else
They should not go out of the house – even to buy food or essentials. Exercise is allowed, but only at a safe distance.
How to help elderly relatives cope with isolation
STAY AWAY IF YOU’RE SICK
Public Health England (PHE) says that people with coronavirus symptoms – dry cough, fever, and a general feeling of listlessness – should avoid seeing older relatives to avoid passing it on.
Ahead of new guidelines being published next week, the advice is the same as for the rest of the population.
HELP WITH SHOPPING
A great way to keep stocks of food and supplies is to mobilise elderly people with internet shopping.
But if they do not have access to the internet or are not handy with a computer, Age UK recommend that healthy, more active people help with running errands like picking up bits of shopping.
The Government is in talks with major retailers to ensure the elderly and vulnerable can still get access to supplies, such as through a telephone hotline where they can place orders.
AVOID VISITING GPs
Anyone showing symptoms, whether they are confirmed to have coronavirus or not, is advised to stay away from visiting their local GP surgery.
People suspected of being infected should check the NHS – and should only call 111 if they are directed to do so by the website, to avoid jamming the phone lines.
STAY ACTIVE
Part of the mental battle of isolation is remaining as active as possible – even if this means standing up 10 times in one hour and walking between rooms in the house.
If the elderly person you are helping has a garden, encourage them to walk around it – and make sure they are not immobile for long periods of time, watching television for long periods or remaining bed bound.
ENSURE STRICT CARER GUIDELINES
GET MEDICINE DELIVERED
A number of pharmacies around the UK are making plans to deliver medication to elderly people in the event of self isolation.
USE THE INTERNET
However, older people are increasingly getting online – data from the Office for National Statistics show that 83 per cent of people aged 65 to 74 had used the internet in 2019, up from 52 per cent in 2011.
It may be worth ensuring that the older people in your life are set up with online shopping accounts now, are able to access social media to stay in touch with other or have been introduced to streaming services such as Netflix.
MOST READ
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.