Sheffield OAP's fears for the survival of elderly residents living alone

The 69-year-old who lives in the city centre, has no family or friends in Sheffield to rely on for basic shopping and medication.

Despite the government advising people considered most vulnerable to Covid-19, to self isolate for the next three months – many elderly people have no one to turn to.

Maxwell currently leaves his home every few days, in order to top up his gas and electricity payment cards at the local Post Office.

The former chef is concerned about how he will be able to access gas and electricity if newsagents are forced to during lock-down.

"I'm very worried there's just been nothing said about it,” Maxwell said.

“If they change their minds and shut down completely then what am I to do?

"They're telling me to stay inside but there's nobody there to get the things that I need or help me top up my gas and electricity.”

Currently Post Offices are classed as ‘key services’ that are allowed to stay open as part of stringent new measures.

Maxwell also explained how the lack of social interaction during lock-down is effecting him.

"I don't see anybody at the moment apart from shop assistants at Tesco, that's my sole contact with the public.”

A Post Office spokesperson said: “The Post Office has been deemed an essential service by the UK Government and branches will remain open wherever possible, even during the lockdown.

“We know how important the Post Office is to communities and our Postmasters are working tirelessly to serve customers across the UK ensuring we continue to provide vital services to our customers, some of whom are the most vulnerable members of society.

“Unfortunately, some Post Offices will be forced to close, or modify opening hours due to postmasters going into isolation or becoming unwell themselves.

“Where this is the case, signposting will be provided to the next available branch and opening hours will be available through Branch Finder on the Post Office website.”