Family of girl with cystic fibrosis urge public to help stop spread of coronavirus

The family of a nine-year-old girl who has cystic fibrosis are urging members of the public to do all they can to help control the spread of coronavirus.

Hygiene is already a top priority for the Bow family from Merthyr Tydfil, as people with cystic fibrosis are more vulnerable to picking up infections.

However this means nine-year-old Sofia is among those considered especially at risk from COVID-19.

Other vulnerable groups include the elderly, especially those over 80 and people undergoing chemotherapy.

Sofia's mum Rebecka says members of the public should do all they can to protect these groups.

"If you don't have any involvement with vulnerable people in your life, I guess it's easy not to see the signs that perhaps somebody like me who is aware of coughs and colds and sneezes sees."

"I think that if healthy people who don't face that vulnerability can assist and try to keep on top of everything it would contain the spread."

Rebecka and Sofia echo the advice given by public health authorities and are encouraging everyone to wash their hands regularly and follow NHS guidelines on self-isolation.

Sophia said "Keep washing your hands every hour, and if anyone coughs go and wash your hands and make sure there's anti-bacterial on your hands."

Cystic fibrosis campaigner Josh Llewellyn from Cardiff, has also written an open letter to the Prime Minister and Matt Hancock, the Secretary of State for Health, urging them to do more to control the spread of the virus.