Prime Minister delivers televised speech providing measures to the public which are “not easy but are important to protect ourselves and the NHS… they will have the effect if we all do it!”

Taking to the stand at Downing Street this evening, Prime Minster Boris Johnson said: “Now is the time for everyone to stop all non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel. We need people to start working from home.”

Alongside the PM answering questions, the government’s Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said: “We are entering a fast growth period – London ahead of other parts of country.”

“All unnecessary travel should be stopped. Home working is recommended. It may be necessary to think about school closures.”

England’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty stepped forward to say: “The coronavirus will accelerate up the curve quite rapidly.”

“This will go on for some time. It won’t be a couple of weeks. A prolonged period. The chances of dying are very low.”

“If one person has symptoms the whole household should stay at home. People need to think through the practicalities. It is stopping the virus from being transmitted to the rest of the community.

“There is a reasonably high chance you will be infected if someone in your household has it.”

Professor Chris Whitty: “We really would encourage (people) not, if they have mild or moderate disease, to phone 111 because we need to protect the service for those who are in greatest need.

“But, (it’s) really important to stress, if anyone’s health starts to deteriorate significantly then they should phone 111 or contact health services in the way that they usually would.”

Britons are urged to avoid pubs, restaurants and theatres.

The PM added: “We have given advice that public venues should no longer be visited. We have powers if necessary to enforce this but I don’t think it will be needed to use those powers.”

“We think this is the right package as we move up the curve. When it comes to curfews, we are keeping all measures under review”, adding: “it’s much better if we keep schools open.”

Professor Chris Whitty states: “We are in the for the long haul here.”