Self isolating, 'high risk', Sheffield couple slam Boris Johnson for 'avoidable' coronavirus outbreak

Edward and Carol Fowler, both suffer from pre-existing health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and lung problems.

The couple in their 60s, decided to self isolate 12 days ago after the government advised those with compromised immune systems to stay home.

Edward, a retired factory engineer, has criticised the government for their handling of the ‘avoidable’ global pandemic.

Boris Johnson set out strict new measures to protect people from the spread of the coronavirus in a national address on Monday night.

People can now only leave their homes to shop for food or medication as infrequently as possible, to exercise once a day, care for a vulnerable person or travel to and from work where absolutely necessary.

The 69-year-old said: "With us being an island it would have been quite easy for us to have put medical people on every airport, sea port and channel tunnel.

"It would have cost a lot of money but we can only get infected if someone brings it in.

"So if we had got medical people and tested everybody that comes into the country and if they test positive - quarantine them and then we've contained it.

"It shouldn't have happened and it's a bit too late now – obviously it was avoidable in Britain but it's all to do with money.”

The couple haven’t been able to see their nine-year-old granddaughter since the threat of contracting the coronavirus has increased.

Edward would usually go to the shops to buy a paper everyday and pick up household essentials.

But the couple have only left the house to do a two-week food shop.

But hundreds of people were reported at parks, beaches and areas of outstanding natural beauty over Mother’s Day.

Edward said: "It gets me mad seeing all the people.

"I think because they can't see it physically harming people they think 'it will not touch me this' but it's so contagious this thing.

"The prime minister should have acted a lot sooner than he did to deal with this.”