Several categories of people need to take extra measures to avoid contracting COVID-19: those with certain chronic health conditions, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has guidance for people at elevated risk for severe coronavirus symptoms.
How many people are high risk for COVID-19?
In 2018, there were 52 million people over age 65 in the United States, which is 16% of the population.