Over-50s – especially Britons who are overweight – should stay at home during the coronavirus crisis to protect the NHS, expert claims as scientists argue over-60s should be included in Government’s total isolation guidance (5 Pics)

Mike Fischer CBE has warned over-50s should stay at home during the coronavirus crisis

Over-50s – especially Britons who are overweight – should stay at home during the coronavirus crisis to protect the NHS, an expert has claimed.

Mike Fischer CBE, who runs a medical research lab in Oxford, warned those in the actions of those in their 50s and beyond will be 'critical' for the NHS.

Official data shows more than 54 per cent of COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital are aged between 50 to 69 years. 

The majority of critically ill people are within in a healthy weight range, but 31 per cent have a BMI over 30. This is in line with population data.  

It comes as scientists argue people in their 60s should be included in Government’s total isolation guidance because they are at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness or death.  

They point to data from countries such as China and Italy that show those in their 60s are at high risk of complications and death from the novel coronavirus.

This risk is lower compared with those aged 70 years or older, however.

Current Government guidance suggests those aged 70 or older should be more rigorous in following social distancing measures.

The guidance also applies to those under 70 who have underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system.

Official data shows more than 41 per cent of COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital are aged between 50 to 69 years. A total of 17 per cent are 70 years and over

The majority of critically ill people are within in a healthy weight range, but 31 per cent have a BMI over 30. This is in line with population data

Mr Fischer, who runs Systems Biology Laboratory in Abingdon, told BBC Radio 4: ‘I think the message hasn’t really gone out that the numbers show that the 50 to 60s have as much reason to be diligent and disciplined and make sacrifices to isolate themselves as the over-70s. 

'Over half of the people admitted to critical care in Britain are in the 50 to 69 category.

‘So if you want to reduce the load on NHS beds in a few weeks’ time, the actions of the 50-69s are the critical factor.’  

Data from the first reported 5,578 patients critically ill with COVID-19 in the UK shows that 19 per cent were men in their 50s, and 7.8 were women in their 50s. Men account for more COVID-19 patients overall.

More than 22 per cent and eight per cent were men and women aged between 60-69 years, respectively. 

Mr Fischer is in the midst of establishing a network of labs in the hopes of dramatically increase coronavirus testing, and donated £1,000,000 of his own money to do so. 

His comments come as scientists publish an article today, in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, that argued over 60s should be shielded from society. 

Professor Azeem Majeed, head of the department of primary care and public health at Imperial College London, said: 'The UK's policy is at variance with the World Health Organisation, which states that those above the age of 60 years are at the highest risk, requiring additional preventative measures.'

In an article published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, the scientists said data from countries such as China and Italy show those aged between 60 and 69 are also at high risk of complications and death from the novel coronavirus (stock) 

He added: 'To reduce hospitalisations, intensive care admissions and death we recommend that those aged between 60 and 69 are particularly stringent when implementing public health measures such as social distancing and personal hygiene.'

Examples of these measures include avoiding face-to-face contact with family and friends as much as possible, and using telephone or online services to contact their GP or other essential services.

The lockdown imposed by the Government means everyone regardless of their age or health conditions is expected to follow the guidance on social distancing.

But experts suggest the 7.3million people aged between 60 and 69 are at an increased risk of severe illness and death and therefore should be extra stingent in following guidelines.

People under 70 can still undertake activities like going to work and grocery shopping, Professor Majeed, who co-authored the article with colleagues from University of Exeter, said.

He said case fatality rates for those aged 60-69 are 3.5 per cent in Italy and 3.6 per cent in China.

Professor Azeem Majeed (pictured), head of the department of primary care and public health at Imperial College London, said those in their 60s should be shielded

Other countries, including Switzerland and France, have encouraged those aged 65 and older to follow strict public health measures, the authors added.

Commenting on the article, Dr James Gill, an honorary clinical lecturer at Warwick Medical School and locum GP, said one of the benefits of extending the isolation to those aged 60 and above is that it would lead to a further reduction in pressure on the NHS's intensive care unit resources.

He added: 'The risk of mortality from Covid-19 in the 60-69 years age group remains substantial, compared to younger members of the population, however it must be acknowledged people in their 60th decade have a mortality risk six times lower than those 70 years and older.

'Thus whilst it may be reasonable to question whether measures should be extended to those in the 60-70 years group, this should not cause significant concern for those people.'

Responding to the article, Dr Nick Phin, deputy director of National Infection Service at Public Health England, said: 'England data shows that the groups most likely to die from Covid-19 are men and those over the age of 70.

'Sadly, two thirds of deaths have been in men and 79 per cent of all deaths are among those aged 70 and over.'