Son of 98-year-old says Stop Ignoring COVID-19 Rules

A man has urged people to stop ignoring COVID-19 lockdown rules to help prevent vulnerable people like his 98-year-old father from being at risk.

Prakash Patel, aged 40, has spoken out after there were a number of instances of people ignoring rules on social distancing, brought in to tackle the spread of the virus.

The Government earlier announced strict measures, prohibiting gatherings of more than two people.

Mr Patel, who lives with and cares for Devchand Patel, has been left horrified at the continued disregard for the rules which are designed to save lives.

His father is vulnerable due to the fact that he suffers from lung disease COPD and asthma.

Mr Patel described how his father had been advised to avoid all face-to-face contact for 12 weeks in order to shield himself from the virus.

Mr Patel explained that the pair have not left the house at all.

He said: “We’ve told family to stay away as well and haven’t even been to the shops.

“If we need anything, we ask family to get it for us and drop it off on the doorstep.

“We’ve been video calling family instead – hopefully they understand. But this is very serious and my dad is particularly vulnerable.

“I would advise people to respect what the Prime Minister has said and stay inside. It’s not just for people like my dad, it’s for everyone’s sake.

“We need to pull together at a difficult time like this.

“But some people don’t seem to be grasping the seriousness of the situation.”

“I’ve heard of people going out to the park in groups or having barbecues, continuing as if nothing is happening.

“What they are doing is simply being selfish. These youths at Lister Park the other day, they could be taking the virus home to the people they live with.

“They just need to stay inside.

“I know the measures the Prime Minister has announced have been coming in stage by stage, but maybe we just need to go to a total lockdown, so people can understand how serious this is.

“People are dying, and the most vulnerable, like my dad, need shielding.”

Despite the COVID-19 lockdown rules, the Telegraph and Argus reported that a group of youths were seen playing at Lister Park, Manningham.

A separate group were criticised after they met up around a campfire and enjoyed a barbeque. They fled when the police arrived at the scene.