The government failed older people with care homes – it cannot do the same when the lockdown lifts

Editorial: Age-related restrictions should be rejected by Boris Johnson when he outlines his ‘road map’ out of the lockdown. Older people who need to be ‘shielded’ will already be covered by the strict ‘stay at home’ edict

There is still confusion over what the rules will mean for older people (Getty)

As the government considers how and when it will be safe to gradually lift the lockdown, it must devise a much clearer message for the over-70s.

Although the “stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives” slogan has proved a very effective piece of communications, there is still confusion over what it means for older people.

The “stay at home” leaflet sent to every household brackets together “advice for those who are 70 and over, have an underlying health condition or are pregnant.” But Matt Hancock, the health secretary, rejects the idea that a blanket ban has been imposed on the basis of age.