Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason his Department is targeting advice at people aged over 70 when the World Health Organisation advice targets people aged over 60 as being at risk.

International data shows that the hospitalisation rate is greatest in the vulnerable, including those aged 70 and older. Asking this group to be most stringent with social distancing is important for reducing the pressure on intensive care beds. The United Kingdom policy is based on a review of the scientific evidence by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/scientific-advisory-group-for-emergencies-sage-coronavirus-covid-19-response