A SELF-ISOLATION support group for Kendal has been set up, as thousands of Britons begin to enter self-imposed quarantine amid the ongoing escalation of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Over a thousand people have joined the Facebook since it was created this weekend and its organisers are looking for more volunteers.

Yesterday it was announced that over-70s may have to self-isolate for up to four months as part of what the government has called a 'wartime-style mobilisation' to help combat the virus.

As of this morning, the UK death toll had reached 35 and the number of people infected had risen to 1,372 with over 40,000 tested.

These measures are expected - among a number of others announced by Number 10 in previous days - to come into effect within the coming weeks. 

As a result, a number of online support groups such as the one in Kendal have sprung up to help provide a community response to those most impacted by the dramatic spread of COVID-19.

The online support group provides an information forum as well as an organisational network for its users, allowing members to co-ordinate community support initiatives.

One of those initiatives is an ongoing postcard delivery effort. Each postcard designates the kind of support at-risk residents may require in the coming weeks - for example with shopping, post or even a friendly phone call - as well as allowing residents to share contact details ahead of the upcoming isolation period.

The group plans to print and deliver around 8,000 cards.

One of the group's administrators, Tom Rumsey, explained:

"This (volunteer-led) group is to bring together the Kendal community to help respond to the impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic in our area - please share!

"The idea is, in due course, to link up those in need with those who can help. This group is not intended for general discussion.

"We want to help create a network of people in the community who can quickly respond to the needs of others as and when the time comes. Plans to work out how this will work on the ground are being developed so please watch this space."

Another administrator, Jonny Gios, wrote yesterday: 

"We've not had experience in supporting people through a pandemic so far - so please bear with us. We are well meaning volunteers - and just want to help people in Kendal!

"We would love to have volunteer area co-ordinators in each of the areas in Kendal.

"These would be people who are really well connected to their respected communities and have some time capacity.

"If you or anyone you know would be ideal for this role - please let us know. We would also need some extra people to support those co-ordinators in those areas."

The group says it is also seeking to recruit volunteers 'who are gifted in administration and other skills to help us with this group support'.