Boris Johnson says we must do more to shield the most vulnerable
Boris Johnson has said we must do more to protect the most vulnerable Britons.
Speaking at the daily press conference at Downing Street, the Prime Minister thanked those who didn’t visit their mum for Mother’s Day, but Skyped or called them instead.
But the Prime Minister responded to concerning pictures of people who did not appear to get that message, with crowds of Britons flocking to public places over the weekend.
The PM urged Brits to follow the advice and warned them not think that ‘fresh air in itself automatically provides some immunity’, adding: ‘You have to stay two metres apart, you have to follow the social distancing advice.’
Mr Johnson warned that he would have to bring in ‘tougher measures’ if people continue to ignore social distancing advice.
He said: ‘When we now have to take special steps to protect the particularly vulnerable and you’ll remember that I said the moment would come to shield those with serious conditions – there are probably about one and a half million in all.
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‘This shielding will do more than any other single measure that we are setting out, to save life.’
Mr Johnson added that the ability to go outdoors for exercise was extremely important for physical and mental wellbeing but that people needed to do it ‘responsibly’.
He said: ‘Many many people do not have access, let’s face it, to private green spaces where they can do that and that’s why parks, open spaces are so absolutely crucial for our country and for our society.
‘But when we do that we have to do that responsibly… my message is you’ve got to do this in line with the advice, you’ve got to follow the social distancing rule – keep two metres apart.
‘Otherwise if you don’t do it responsibly… as you suggest there is going to be no doubt that we will have to bring forward further measures and we are certainly keeping that under constant review.’
Some 1.5 million of the most vulnerable people in England will be sent letters by the NHS ‘strongly advising’ them not to go out for at least 12 weeks from Monday.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick warned ‘it will be tough’, adding: ‘But if you are one of these people I want to assure these people on behalf of the Government that you are not alone.’
Mr Jenrick said the Government was creating a network of local hubs to deliver medicines by pharmacists to the most vulnerable and lonely people.
Groceries would be delivered by councils working with supermarkets, with ‘parcels left on the doorstep’.
‘Nobody needs to worry about getting the food and essential items that they will need.’
He said there would be opportunities for members of the public to volunteer.
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