Tonight: Season 2020, Episode 12

2020 - 12: Coronavirus: Protecting the Elderly

The UK is on the brink of a coronavirus epidemic and, with over-65s deemed particularly at risk, Geraint Vincent asks how the general public can protect the elderly from it. The older you get, the greater the chances that the virus could be fatal. Tonight explores why this is and which underlying conditions make people especially vulnerable. With the help of doctors and scientists, Geraint provides specialist advice on what to do if you or a relative has symptoms, tips on how to protect each other from infection, and what to do if you are elderly and told to self-isolate. How are hospitals preparing for what may now be inevitable rises in elderly admissions, and can an already-stretched care system cope? Should we avoid contact with our elderly relatives or should we carry on as normal? With the latest figures, top experts and government advice, the film provides the ultimate guide on how we can protect the elderly from this fast-moving virus.