Sports Direct has shown exactly what not to do during this pandemic. If we’re to beat coronavirus, we have to be selfless

As a country, we must do what will save the most lives. That’s true of the government, people across the country and medics on the frontline, writes Rosena Allin-Khan

Sports Direct has now decided to close over coronavirus following initial plans to stay open, despite government ordering all non-essential businesses to close (AFP)

There seems to be a view amongst some under-70s, that coronavirus doesn’t really affect them and they don’t need to worry too much about it. I’ve listened to 69-year-olds tell me that because they themselves are fit and healthy, that it couldn’t possibly happen to them. Having just done a shift as a doctor in A&E over the weekend, I want to take this opportunity to warn people that this virus does not discriminate by age.

It was deeply, deeply eye-opening. Previously healthy people in their thirties and forties were seriously ill, some of them on ventilators. Being young does not grant you immunity to this disease. The symptoms of Covid-19 at its worst, are horrific. There can be no room for complacency.

Our health service is facing an unprecedented crisis. There is a limited amount of vital equipment, including personal protective equipment for healthcare workers and precious ventilators. Every extra person in hospital requiring treatment means there are fewer resources available for others.