WHO IS THE MOST AT RISK - AND WHERE?

The government has announced impending plans to ask anyone in the UK who is aged over 70 to maintain ‘social distancing’ and self-isolate for up to 12 weeks. But why?

And which areas of Kent could see the worst of the virus? Figures from Italy - and indeed worldwide - have shown that barring underlying health conditions, the elderly are the most at risk of more serious symptoms. This also unfortunately means the death rate rises with each 10-year age bracket.

In Italy the mortality rate for ages 40-49 is just 0.1%, and 0.2% for those aged 50-59, but it increases exponentially from there.

For those aged 60-69 in Italy, the death rate is about 2.5%, while for 70-79 year-olds it is 6.4%.

The over-80s are most at risk, with a mortality rate of 13.2%. One key factor that will affect the overall figures in Britain - if we do see similar rates in the coming weeks - is that we have a significantly younger population than Italy.

While 17.1% of the Italian population is over 70, this age bracket only accounts for 12.4% of the British population.

These figures differ in various areas of Kent. According to the most recent population data from Kent County Council, some districts have almost 18% of their population aged above 70.

The highest are: Folkestone and Hythe District: 17.8%

Thanet: 17.2%

Dover: 16.7% Sevenoaks: 15.7% However, there are other factors that will affect the severity in Kent’s affected areas. This includes population density; for example, the Folkestone and Hythe District also includes Romney Marsh, in which a large portion of the elderly population resides.

The Marsh and other rural parts of the county should find it easier to avoid contact with the virus than city or town centres. They may also find it easier to avoid public transport; however, as many elderly people rely on buses to get around, attempting to avoid it - as per the government’s advice - will be harder. There are, of course, many things that we can do to reduce the risk to ourselves and our loved ones no matter where in the county - or indeed the country - we are.

The most recent advice from the government is to avoid unnecessary public gatherings, including sporting events, pubs and theatres.

Other vulnerable people, including those with underlying health conditions such as chronic heart and lung diseases, diabetes and hypertension should also listen to governmental advice.

This also extends to pregnant women, as while it is still not clear what effect the virus may have, if any, it is better not to risk exposure if possible.

■ More information can be found on the NHS website at www.nhs.co.uk.

Keep up to date with all of the latest developments regarding the virus and its effect on Kent on our website’s dedicated coronavirus page: www.kentonline. co.uk/categories/coronavirus/