Prime minister Boris Johnson has said everyone in the UK should avoid ‘non-essential’ travel and contact with others to fight the coronavirus outbreak.
In the first of a series of daily briefings on the coronavirus crisis, he said the UK is approaching “the fast growth part of the upward curve” in the number of cases, so “drastic action” is needed otherwise cases could double every five or six days.
“Today we need to go further,” he said.
“There is more that we need you to do.”
He said everyone should stop non-essential contact with others, such as starting to work from home where they can, and avoiding pubs, clubs, theatres and other social venues.
The PM urged people to only use NHS where needed and to online rather than ringing 111.
People should self-isolate for 14 days if they show symptoms and ask for help with daily necessities.