Who is most at risk for the coronavirus?

People at increased risk are usually 70 or older, pregnant or have a condition that may increase your risk from coronavirus.

Conditions that may increase your risk:

• Lung conditions, such as asthma, COPD, emphysema or bronchitis
• Heart disease, such as heart failure
• Chronic kidney disease
• Liver disease, such as hepatitis
• Conditions affecting the brain and nerves, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy
• Diabetes
• Problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease, or if you've had your spleen removed
• A weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
• Being very overweight (having a BMI of 40 or above)

People most at risk from coronavirus are sometimes called 'shielded' or 'extremely vulnerable' people.

This includes people who:

• Have had an organ transplant
• Are having certain types of cancer treatment
• Have blood or bone marrow cancer, such as leukaemia
• Have a severe lung condition, such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma
• Have a condition or are taking medicine that makes them much more likely to get infections
• Are pregnant and have a serious heart condition.