THE chairman of Worcestershire County Council has spoken of his fears as over 70s face a prolonged period of self-isolation in a bid to protect them from coronavirus.

Peter Tomlinson, 76, said he and wife Ali were prepared but fearful at what the next few months might hold.

And he urged his fellow over 70-year-olds to take any coronavirus self-isolation “seriously” to protect themselves.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Sunday that, within weeks, anyone over the age of 70 will be told to stay at home for potentially four months, as part of the government’s effort to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak. At the age of 76, Councillor Tomlinson falls into that category and he said his wife, Ali, is also one of those at risk as not only is she 72, but she is currently having chemotherapy as she battles cancer.

Cllr Tomlinson said: “We are obviously very concerned, especially as I’m on tablets and my wife is especially vulnerable. We are concious of the fact that at any moment now the government will issue the decree that those over 70 have to self isolate. You have to take it very seriously. We have booked a little break away, and (if we are able) we are still going to take that, but it is changing all the time. We haven’t stockpiled, or prepared. We are fortunate our family will be able to help us, and our neighbours check in on us regularly “

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Cllr Tomlinson said he would follow the advice to stay at his Ombersley home until August, and will encourage and expect others to do the same when the government presses ahead with the plan.

“We are not going to panic though, just do the sensible thing,” he said.

Cllr Tomlinson is supporting Worcester News’ campaign to support the elderly in our community.

He said: “We have had so many differences in recent years (such as Brexit) now is a chance to forget those, come together as a community and help others to get through this. Every cloud does have a silver lining so despite the tragedies some families will experience with people passing away before their time - and who knows, that could be us - what we will have at the end of all this will be a closer community spirit. That is something I wish for.”

Caroline Abrahams, from Age UK, said: “Many people will be deeply shocked about the four months quarantine. But if the science is clear that it’s what is necessary to save many older people’s lives then it must be the right thing to do. We will all need to step up and help older people get through it in what is going to be several months of real national emergency.” Some older people can rely on great support from their families but not everyone is so lucky so we’re going to need to put some infrastructure in place and fast to help them get through.”

Meanwhile the government and BBC have agreed to delay the end of the free TV licence for over-75s until August 1. In a joint statement they said they had recognised the exceptional circumstances, and did not want anyone to be worried about any potential change at this time.