Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reasons the Government guidance that over-70s are at increased risk of severe illness from covid-19 differs to the World Health Organisation guidance that identifies over-60s as at increased risk from that disease.

The 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 in this regard is based on a review of the scientific evidence by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies which is available at the following link:

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