Wigan Covid-19 ordeal pensioner now fears for much longer self-isolation

But Alan Cunliffe said that the prospect of him and all over-70s having to self-isolate in the weeks to come fills him with renewed dread.

The widower, who had to spend his 83rd birthday at home alone last week because of a quarantine ruling, first became caught up in the coronavirus crisis while holidaying alone in Tenerife last month.

It was the first break away since the loss of his wife Mildred and was meant to have been means of relaxing and acclimatising to single life.

But the hotel was first battered by a sandstorm and then put into lockdown after a former guest tested positive for the virus.

The former builder then spent a week confined to the hotel and then another fortnight once back home in Balcarres Avenue, Whelley.

That period is now over and he has so far been determined to make the most of his new-found freedom - especially as an even longer period of isolation could lie ahead.

The Government is now advising that all over-70s - plus pregnant women and other people with certain debilitating ilnesses self-isolate for 12 weeks, being as they are the most vulnerable to it.

Alan said: “I am so pleased to be out and about again after all this time. I’ve been like a caged animal!

“The first thing I did is to walk down into town to the hearing aid clinic to get my device sorted. I have to say it was remarkably quiet, both en route and at the clinic.

“But being able just to get aroun was just a weight off my shoulders. I have been busying myself around the house doing all kinds of jobs and there is plenty to do in the garden too. I’ve also kept up with my exercises.

“But the thought of all over-70s having to self-isolate is a frightening prospect. The idea might be to keep older people away from the virus but the frustration of being cooped up for so long will send some round the twist and finish others off, I’ll bet.

“Mildred’s sister has been a big help providing groceries during my quarantine these last two weeks. But she falls into my age group so she won’t be able to help if this blanket ban comes in.

“I have a friendly neighbour called Stephen Naylor who has promised to help and there is an ex-workmate who said he would lend a hand too. But that’s depending on just too people and there are going to be so many folk who will have to rely on so few. It’s very worrying.”