Ask the Express Doctor

ANSWERS YOUR CORONAVIRUS QUESTIONS

Q We are pensioners of 68 and 71. Our grandson comes round every weekday for his dinner as his mam works. He is concerned about the risks of passing on covid to us. Should he keep away for a while?

AYes, absolutely.The whole idea of “social distancing” is that you only have contact with those you live with – no one else.You certainly should not be having someone who lives outside your home coming round for meals, as this will inevitably mean you are closer than two metres from each other. This means that if your grandson was infected, and came to see you, he could infect you too. And though most young people do make a quick recovery, the virus can cause much more serious illness in older people like you.

I know this seems harsh, but until the social distancing rules have been relaxed the only contact you should have with other members of your family is via a phone or a computer.

My 30-year-son lives only five miles away, but I have not seen him from the moment the lockdown started, and like everyone else I have no idea when I will actually see him again in the flesh.

It’s tough, but everyone has to play their part in helping to stop the spread of this horrible virus.

● If you have a health question for Dr Leonard, write to her in confidence at the Daily Express, One Canada Square, CanaryWharf, London E14 5AP, or email yourhealth@express.co.uk. Dr Leonard regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence or reply to everyone.