Over-70s should not be forced to stay in isolation when coronavirus lockdown eased, Sage adviser says

The over-70s cannot be told to continue isolating once Britain's coronavirus lockdown measures are eased, a Sage scientific adviser has suggested. Last month, Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, said older people would be "shielded for their own protection", meaning those aged 70 and over could be asked to stay at home for up to four months to protect themselves from the risk of coronavirus. However, a scientist on a sub-committee of the Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) board, has called for "more reformed and nuanced" guidance. Susan Michie, professor of health psychology and sirector of the Centre for Behaviour Change at UCL, said: "The guidance is based on averages, and as we know there's huge individual differences for every average. "So there are many 70 and 80-year-olds that are much fitter and healthier than those who are a lot younger. I think the problem is that if people don't perceive the guidance to be proportionate to their own situation there will be problems with adherence, and we now know more about who is at risk and the whole progress of the disease."

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