Thread by @JuliaHB1

I spoke with an A&E consultant about the threat of coronavirus last night. It’s been a sobering reality check about just how bad things are going to get and why we MUST prevent our elderly relatives from getting coronavirus. Please read this thread and retweet... 1/

We already know that over-70s are more likely to have underlying health problems or to get more critically ill if they get coronavirus.
But that’s NOT why they are more likely to die of coronavirus.
The reason for that is far scarier. 2/

Older people (not just the very frail & very old but anyone over the age of 65) will be at the bottom of the list when critical care has to be rationed.And it WILL need to be rationed. There is no scenario where the NHS will have enough beds, staff & equipment to save everyone 3/

When thousands are critically ill, doctors will have to choose who lives and who dies. As they are already doing in Italy.
Over-65s will NOT be intubated if there are younger patients who need that life saving equipment. And there will be plenty of younger people who need it 4/

So it is absolutely vital that we keep anyone over 65 away from potential coronavirus infection.

That means:
- DON’T visit your parents/grandparents for the next few months.
- DON’T allow your children to have ANY contact with over 65s. Your children are a risk to THEM.
5/

Far too many of us think that, because we’re young and healthy, and our parents or grandparents are in good shape, that we’ll be okay. That just isn’t true. We need to take this seriously. It’s going to get VERY real in a few weeks. Act now to keep your loved ones safe. 6/