The coronavirus may not be the darkest hour that this country has ever faced but there is no denying the havoc it is causing in our communities, especially for those who are vulnerable.

It is true that coronavirus has quite a low mortality rate but for people over 70 or with diabetes, respiratory conditions or cancer, infection can be more serious.

People are scared and self-isolation will certainly not help the mental health of individuals who may already be experiencing anxiety.

There are a hundred ways you can help people in your neighbourhood if you don’t fall into the higher risk category.

Checking in on people by telephone, social media or email could be some people’s only lifeline to the outside world and older residents may be hesitant to ask for help unless you offer to give it first.

Even something as small as offering to look after someone’s garden while they self-isolate, or take the bins out, or pick up some extra groceries from the supermarket, could do a world of good.

Sometimes, even a conversation could help.

As more and more of us are set to work from home over the coming weeks, and social occasions and sporting events are cancelled, it may be time to resurrect the old art of conversation.