Vulnerable people are being advised by the government to stay at home for 12 weeks amid the coronavirus crisis.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the measure this afternoon as he gave the first of his daily press conferences concerning the outbreak.
The "prolonged period" means people considered vulnerable should shield themselves from social contact.
And this includes those over 70 and other adults who would normally be advised to have the flu vaccine, including people with chronic diseases such as chronic heart disease or chronic kidney disease as well as pregnant women.
The Prime Minister said: “In a few days’ time – by this coming weekend – it will be necessary to go further and to ensure that those with the most serious health conditions are largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks.
“This avoiding all social contact is especially important for the over 70, pregnant women and those with health conditions.
“It is now clear that the peak of the epidemic is coming faster in some parts of the country than others.
“People over 70 might feel there is something excessive about these measures.
“I believe they are overwhelmingly worth it to slow the spread of the disease reduce the peak save life minimise suffering and give our NHS the chance to cope".
