The next set of lockdown measures aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus may just be targeted at the most vulnerable groups - including the over 50s and people who are obese.
According to The Telegraph the Government is working on a more sophisticated lockdown plan - using NHS data to identify the people most at need of protection.
Instead of the entire country, or an entire area, being placed into lockdown in the event of a second wave, just those most at risk of the most severe outcomes of Covid-19 would be told to stay at home.
People who are over 50 or obese would be among those banned from going to pubs, restaurants and shops or meeting with people from other households.
Those who are younger and healthier would face fewer lockdown rules.
A Cabinet minister told the Telegraph: "They are understanding that age does come into it.
“The shielding cohort is way too broad - you can't say that every fat person has to shield. It will be more subtle.”
Research from Public Health England found being overweight or obese put patients at greater risk of serious illness or death from Covid-19.
Almost two-thirds (63%) of adults in England are overweight or living with obesity – and 1 in 3 children leave primary school overweight or obese, with obesity-related illnesses costing the NHS £6 billion a year.
