AN Isle of Wight author, stuck in Spain, has issued his very own coronavirus warning ­— a coalface reaction to the measures taken by the government.

David Yates, author of such books as Bomb Alley and Beaches, Bars and Blisters, has been appalled by the government's lack of action.

He said: "Almost 700 people died from the virus here in Spain on Tuesday (March 24).

"Although we may only be about two weeks behind Spain on 'the curve', the tsunami of cases and deaths will probably arrive at a much faster and higher rate.

"From my biological warfare experience in the Royal Navy, if you are in the 1.5 million high risk category, all I can say is ­— shield yourself, and stay within the boundaries of your safe haven.

"If you are not in the high risk category, you are less likely to die, but follow sensible safe-distancing measures and safely support all your high risked family members, friends, and anyone else who will be most at risk.

"The tsunami is not many days away now. We do not have many days to get this right, so best of luck.

"We need to stop all vulnerable people from leaving their safe havens, and certainly stop all vulnerable people from entering retail stores.

"Get all retailers to prioritise the delivery of all items to the vulnerable people.

"Issue all vulnerable people with a simple decontamination chamber, such as a cardboard box device into which products could be placed and spray-sanitised.

"Once those measures are effectively put in place, and the NHS is as prepared as it can be to face the full onslaught of the virus, some of the other business, schooling and social-distancing measures may be relaxed ­— while we wait for an effective vaccine to arrive."