Coronavirus: NHS worker with vulnerable husband tells socialising Britons to 'stay at home'

An NHS worker whose husband is vulnerable to coronavirus has made a heartfelt plea to Britons to practice social distancing.

Jenny Hawkins, who works at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford, used a Facebook post to urge people to stay at home.

Thousands of people went to parks and beaches at the weekend and many Tube trains were packed in London on Monday.

Her husband is one of those deemed most vulnerable to COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, as he has cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that causes lung infections.

She says she is moving out of their home in order to protect him and continue to help those in need during the coronavirus outbreak.

Hawkins wrote on Facebook: “I am an anaesthetist, I am also a wife. My husband has cystic fibrosis.

“I am about to move out of our home so I can give my all to the NHS and try and get through this.

“I am giving up my life temporarily so I can use my airway and ventilator skills to help save lives.

“All I ask of you is to try and stay home. I don’t think I’m asking you to sacrifice anywhere near what I’m having to.

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“Please stay at home so I can get home to my husband soon.”

Her post has more than 150,000 likes and has been shared on Facebook more than 142,000 times.

There have been 68 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Surrey so far and eight deaths.

Following her post, many people praised Hawkins on Facebook.

“Jenny you’re amazing,” wrote one user. “Thank you so very much. Take care.”

Another wrote: “You wonderful human.”

Another user said: “You are a superstar.”

On Monday, health secretary Matt Hancock said he did not know why some people were ignoring the government's advice.

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"It's very selfish," he said. "The NHS is doing everything it can and preparing for the spread of this virus.

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"If people go within two metres of others who they don't live with then they're helping to spread the virus – and the consequences of that costs lives and it means that, for everyone, this will go on for longer."

He said ministers were prepared to take stricter measures to clamp down on the spread of the virus if necessary.