The government says 50,000 of the most vulnerable people in Britain will care packages by the end of this week. The packages, for those most at risk whom the government has asked to shield for the next 12 weeks, will contain vital food and supplies, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said.
It came as he announced council across the country were on an "emergency footing" to ensure those shielding themselves got the support they needed ans vital public services continue.
People with a number of serious underlying conditions - including serious lung conditions - have been asked to avoid as much contact as possible with the outside world as part of Government plans to reduce fatalities.