A HEREFORD man with a chronic lung condition fears who was tested for coronavirus is fearing for his life if he contracts the deadly virus.

Charles Boardman was admitted to hospital with a chest infection and was tested for Covid-19. Thankfully for the 86-year-old, the test came back negative and he was discharged in due course.

But in the weeks since, Mr Boardman, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an illness that increases breathlessness, has been self-isolating. He has not let anyone else into his home in Esmond Road in fear of catching coronavirus.

“I’ve been isolating for eight weeks now and my daughter has been leaving shopping outside,” Mr Boardman said.

“I haven’t seen people in eight weeks, but I’m still trying to call people as best I can.”

When asked if he knew when he could next leave his house, he said: “I was told 12 weeks at the beginning, but then I was told it could be longer.

“I’m trying to cope as best I can. If I get it, I get it. I can’t do anything about it.”

Advice from nationwide charity the British Lung Foundation says people with a variety of lung conditions, including COPD, should “rigorously follow shielding measures” to keep themselves safe.

Shielding is a way to protect people who are “extremely vulnerable” from coming into contact with coronavirus by minimising all interaction, something which Mr Boardman has been doing.

“There is nothing I can do about it, I’ll either get it or I won’t.

“I was asked (by the NHS) if I wanted carers to come in, but I said I don’t want anyone in my house. If I get it, I get it. If I die, I die.”