Petition · past parliament

When easing Covid 19 lockdown Not forcing over 70’s to remain in isolation

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

To bear in mind that a large proportion of elderly are fit and well and extended isolation would cause more problems than it cures particularly in regard to mental health.
To prevent community unrest by individuals ignoring lockdown.

Why it was rejected

The UK Government or Parliament was already taking the action it asked for.

The NHS, not the Government or House of Commons, is responsible for determining who is at a higher risk from coronavirus. The NHS has stated that people who are 70 or older are at moderate risk, and clinically vulnerable: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/people-at-higher-risk-from-coronavirus/whos-at-higher-risk-from-coronavirus/

The Government’s advice on social distancing states that the easing of restrictions applies to healthy 70 year olds and over, but that they should take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do#vulnerable-groups-shielding-70-year-olds-and-over-and-care-homes

There are no regulations or laws that apply to 70 year olds differently to other age groups.

You can find out more about coronavirus and how you can protect yourself and others here:

www.gov.uk/coronavirus
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

The Government has also created an online service to help you find out what you can do if you’re struggling because of coronavirus: https://www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-support

You can read NHS tips to help if you are worried about coronavirus here: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-anxiety-tips

You can read impartial analysis of the Government response to coronavirus and policy developments here: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/coronavirus/

You may also be interested to know that because of the large number of petitions that have been started in relation to coronavirus, the Petitions Committee has been questioning the Government about its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Find out more: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/192/the-governments-response-to-coronavirus/

Timeline

3 May 2020 Petition opened for signatures
8 Jul 2020 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21
Status Rejected
Rejected 8 Jul 2020

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.