The Palace Pier has no lights on after closing early in Brighton, on the south coast of England on March 21, 2020, on the day that UK regions traditionally desperate for tourists, pleaded for people not to visit the coast or the countryside for fear of spreading the coronavirus. AFP
LONDON 鈥� Up to 1.5 million vulnerable people in Britain, identified as being most at risk from the coronavirus epidemic, should stay at home for at least 12 weeks, the government said Sunday.
Those with underlying health conditions such as bone or blood cancers, cystic fibrosis, or who have had an organ transplant have been advised by health officials to do all they can to shield themselves from the virus, including confining themselves at home for a long period.
鈥淧eople聽should stay at home,聽protect our NHS and save lives,鈥� Communities secretary Robert聽Jenrick said in a statement.
He added that the government was asking 鈥渆xtremely vulnerable individuals鈥� to take 鈥渆xtra steps to shield themselves鈥�.
A statement from the communities department outlined the time frame the government wanted the most vulnerable to follow.
鈥淧eople identified as belonging to one or more of the at-risk groups will聽be contacted by聽their GP practice, specialist or both聽strongly advising them to stay at home for a period of at least聽12聽weeks.鈥�
A dedicated phone line and arrangements to deliver groceries or medicines will also be announced.
Paul Johnstone, director of Public Health England, said those contacted should 鈥渘ot go out for shopping, for leisure or for travel鈥�.
Latest figures show 177 people have died in UK from the coronavirus.
On Friday, the government announced stronger measures to try and combat the spread, including the closing of bars, pubs and restaurants.