Since the announcement a full description of those advised to take extra precaution has been drawn up and pregnant women have also been told to they could be a particular risk.

The complete list of people at risk from coronavirus includes:

People aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)

Under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (i.e. anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):

People with chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis

Chronic heart disease, such as heart failure

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis

Chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, learning disabilities or cerebral palsy

Diabetes

Problems with their spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have 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 seriously overweight (a BMI of 40 or above)

Those who are pregnant

The list went on to include people who are at a higher risk of a “serious illness.” The categories are:

People who have received an organ transplant and remain on ongoing immunosuppression medication

People with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy

People with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia who are at any stage of treatment

People with severe chest conditions such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma (requiring hospital admissions or courses of steroid tablets)

People with severe diseases of body systems, such as severe kidney disease (dialysis)

The Prime Minister has suggested anybody who is at a higher risk contracting the virus should self-isolate as soon as possible.

Boris Johnson said: "This advice about avoiding all social contact is particularly important for people over 70, for pregnant women and for those with some health conditions."

For information how to protect your mental health read our previous article.