Despite growing concerns over the severity of the coronavirus, many young people are failing to heed health warnings. 

The U.K saw its first reported fatality after a woman in her 70s died from the disease in early March, and with the second confirmed death being a man in his 80s the message seemed to be clear: coronavirus is only affecting the old, and young people are immune. Despite elder people and those with pre-existing health issues being more vulnerable to the virus, young and more healthy individuals are still advised to fellow health regulations, and this includes staying indoors too.  

The World Health Organisation has busted the immunity myth stating, ‘people of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus’. WHO also advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, and that includes, social distancing and washing hands with soap and water for no less than 20 seconds. 

According to the BBC, ‘current estimates from Imperial College London are that the death rate is almost 10 times higher than average for those over 80, and much lower for those under 40’. With these figures, it’s natural to assume that young people are therefore more safe from contagion, but that is not the case. Chloe Middleton, a 21 year old passed away from the illness, despite having ‘no underlying health conditions’ the BBC reports.

The rising number of confirmed deaths accompanied by the Prime Ministers televised crackdown on social distancing guidelines, is evidence that the coronavirus is not a trivial illness, therefore in order to stop the disease from spreading, people, including the young, must remain home.

So how can young people stay safe? Firstly through social distancing, as the Prime Minister advised, ‘If your friends ask you to meet, you should say ‘no’’. This has been the hardest pill to swallow over the last week as the UK saw its first bout of sun. With outside contact being limited to essential food shopping, daily exercise and work if absolutely necessary, boredom is inevitable; here are a few ways to stay entertained whilst staying safe in lock down.

[Featured image by cottonbro from Pexels]