An estimated 1.4million people who are most 'at risk' from severe coronavirus will be sent a text message or letter from the NHS before Monday advising them to stop all social contact.
Health secretary Matt Hancock said the very most vulnerable in society will be told to carry out stricter social distancing measures in place for 12 weeks from Monday 23 March.
The news comes as coronavirus cases in Scotland soar to 322 - an increase of 56 in just 24 hours.
Mr Hancock said it was a "really big ask and really difficult" but are for "people's own protection".
Those who will be contacted include:
- People with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- People with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia who are at any stage of treatment
- People with severe chest conditions such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma (requiring hospital admissions or courses of steroid tablets)
- People with severe diseases of body systems, such as severe kidney disease (dialysis)
Almost all those affected are expected to get a text message to their mobile phone before Monday.
