Volunteers step in to help high-risk people in Spain forced to self-isolate

Local community finding ways to support elderly people and those with pre-existing conditions needing to stay at home, Graham Keeley reports

Volunteers from a parish give away bag with food to people in need in Zaragoza, Spain (EPA)

Jon King has had to self-isolate for fear of contracting coronavirus, but he still counts himself as lucky.

Just before Spain went into lockdown last weekend, he was able to get an appointment with a consultant who treats the Crohn’s disease that has dominated his life for the past 25 years.

“The doctor said just isolate yourself from everyone – immediately. I take drugs to treat the Crohn’s disease which weaken my immune system so even a common cold can cause a problem, let alone coronavirus,” he told The Independent.