Old People and People with Medical Issues
COVID-19 proves fatal mostly in old and people with underlying medical issues (both present and past). This guide outlines extra precautions to be taken.
People above 70 years of age and people with medical issues either currently or previously are at the most risk from COVID-19. This data shows the elderly are at a much greater risk than young people.
Age Group | Mortality Rate % |
80 + | 14.8 % |
70 - 79 | 8 % |
50 - 59 | 1.3% |
40 - | < 0.5 % |
With the available data there are no reported deaths of children under 10 years of age, and children seem to have a very low mortality rate from COVID-19.
The people with preexisting medical conditions tell a similar story. People with underlying medical conditions are at a greater risk than people without any predisposed medical condition. (source)
Medical Condition | Mortality Rate % |
Cardiovascular Disease | 10.5 % |
Diabetes | 7.3 % |
Chronic Respiratory Disease | 6.3 % |
Hypertension | 6.0 % |
Cancer | 5.6 % |
No Health Condition | 0.9 % |
This all indicates that if you belong to any of the above said category you are at High Risk from COVID-19. You will need to take special precautions.
Extra Precautions for People at Higher Risk
The above said people in the high risk category should follow these extra precautions to the ones specified in the guide.
Stock up on groceries and home supplies to avoid grocery visits and/or orders.
Take extra care to maintain safe distance (1 metre ideally) from others
When out in public on an absolutely necessary errand, limit contact and wash your hands often.
Avoid crowds as much as possible
Avoid all non essential intercity travels
Supplies
Contact your healthcare provider (doctor/clinic/hospital) to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications in case of an outbreak - you might need to stay indoors for a prolonged period of time.
Over the counter supplies (tissues etc) and medicines could be procured and kept ready in case you fall sick and need basic home treatment. Most people will be able to recover at home.
Have enough household items on groceries on hand to avoid unnecessary outside contact
If COVID-19 is spreading in your area
Take extra measures to ensure safe distance from others
Stay at home as much as possible
Consider ways of getting supplies delivered to your home through
family, social or commericial networks
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