Covid-19: ‘The danger of infection is a reality to us not just a media story’

• TODAY, as a shielded person, I have my first non-hospital appointment trip out of our house since the start of April, 12 weeks having passed.

It is with some trepidation. I am fast approaching my 80th birthday, the age cohort with a death rate of those with Covid-19 70 times of those half this age.

Around 20,000 residents of care homes, mainly the elderly, have died of the virus so far; between 30 and 50 per cent of the total deaths, depending on whose figures you believe.

My concern for me and my wife is that for many people social distancing is no longer important, judging by the pictures on TV and in the papers, whether as shoppers, protesters or nearer home, the recent “mass brawl” of young people on Hampstead Heath.

If people wish to expose themselves to infection, that is their choice, but the elderly do not have a choice in catching it from them.

We are personally very fortunate but rely very heavily on neighbours for support, including taking me to hospital for essential treatment and collecting our medications from the local pharmacy.

If they get, or are suspected of getting, infected and go into isolation we will lose this essential support. Five people known to me have had the virus, two of whom very nearly died. Thus the danger of infection is a reality to us not just a media story.

To those who are breaking the social distance rules, just stop and think carefully of the possible consequences of your behaviour, please.

MICK FARRANT
Address supplied