Like the rest of the country, the Chelsea Pensioners are looking forward to the easing of lockdown restrictions starting this week. Almost all the Pensioners have now had their second vaccinations and infection rates and serious cases of Covid-19 are on the decline in the area.
Chelsea Pensioner Paul Whittick, who served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, has always been keen on keeping fit. In the light of lockdown, he says staying physically and mentally active is more important than ever.
Today the Chelsea Pensioners had an early Christmas present delivered from the NHS in the administration of the Pfizer vaccine.
Pensioner William Fraser BEM is taking lockdown in his stride and enjoying a relaxed routine – although he misses a drink in the Club with his friends.
Chelsea Pensioner Roy Palmer, 81, talks about his time in isolation and the life experiences that have helped him to cope with the Royal Hospital’s restrictions during the pandemic.
Chelsea Pensioner Ray Pearson – formerly an NCO instructor in the Royal Engineers and a journalist – is keeping himself busy during lockdown at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, despite a health scare.
The Royal Hospital welcomed BBC's Defence Correspondent Johnathan Beale to see what life is like for the pensioners under these new restrictions and speak with the Hospital's Governor, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw.
Healthcare systems in countries around the world are facing a considerable challenge in their Coronavirus preparation and response. The increased risk to the elderly and those with underlying health conditions is putting pressure on organisations which have a primary focus on caring for older people.
With the country likely to be under prolonged isolation, the Governor of the Royal Hospital has reluctantly taken the decision to cancel the Founder’s Day celebrations this year.
