PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has ordered all cafes, pubs, bars, restaurants and gyms to close from tonight in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Mr Johnson also said clubs, leisure centres and theatres should also close their doors until further notice from the Government.
“People have made a huge effort to comply to our guidelines in the last five days,” said Mr Johnson.
“But in order to drive the curve down, we need to make it absolutely clear that we are going to enforce these closures.
“Your sacrifice means we are putting the country in a better and stronger position and it will save thousands of lives.”
Redditch Popworld came under fire earlier today for advertising a ‘party weekend’ – despite the Government advice on Monday.
JOBS
CHANCELLOR Rishi Sunak has said the government will pay 80 per cent of wages for employees who are not working, up to £2,500 a month.
Mr Sunak said these measures were ‘unprecedented’ and will protect people’s jobs.
“Today I can announce that for the first time in our history the Government is going to step in and pay people’s wages,” he said.
“The government is doing its best to stand behind you and I’m asking you to do your best to stand behind our workers.”
Mr Sunak added that every businesses in the UK, regardless of size, will be able to access emergency grants from Monday.
UPDATE on COVID19 in the UK:
As of 9am on March 20, a total of 66,976 have been tested: 62,993 negative, 3,983 positive.
As of 1pm, 177 patients who tested positive for coronavirus have sadly died.
