The Prime Minister in his first live Coronavirus address to the nation has urged people to work from home where possible, avoid non-essential travel and engage in 'social distancing' (by avoiding pubs, clubs, theatres etc) as part of stringent measures designed to contain the outbreak.
So far the death toll in the UK is 36 and it is believed that the number of those infected could double every four to five days. The PM stated: "It looks as though we are now approaching the fast growth part of the upward curve."
School closures 'may be necessary' and anyone who lives with someone who has a cough or a fever should remain at home for 14 days, is the advice.
"This is a substantial change in how people live their lives, a considerable, psychological and behavioural change," added Johnson.
How to help businesses weather the Coronavirus storm as home working goes viral
Coronavirus crisis demands a targeted, measured response, and the channel is delivering