Boris Johnson has warned that lockdown measures in the UK could get even stricter as the country continues to battle the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
The Prime Minister - who is himself infected with COVID-19 - is writing to all 30 million UK households with a plea for people to follow the rules around social distancing and ease the pressure on the NHS.
In the letter he warns that the restrictions on life in the country could be tightened further.
He said: "We will not hesitate to go further if that is what the scientific and medical advice tells us we must do."
While the UK has ordered people to stay at home and curbed many aspects of daily life - other European countries suffering with outbreaks have gone further - with public transport shut down and people restricted to leaving their homes once a week.
A total of 1,028 people have died in the UK after contracting the virus.
In his letter, Mr Johnson says the right preparations are being made and the more closely people follow the restrictions, "the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal".
Residents will also get a leaflet outlining the government's advice - looking at symptoms, hand washing, rules on leaving the house, self-isolating with symptoms and shielding vulnerable people.
The Prime Minister writes: "We know things will get worse before they get better.
"But we are making the right preparations, and the more we all follow the rules, the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal."
Mr Johnson adds: "I want to thank everyone who is working flat out to beat the virus, in particular the staff in our fantastic NHS and care sector across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
"It has been truly inspirational to see our doctors, nurses and other carers rise magnificently to the needs of the hour.
"Thousands of retired doctors and nurses are returning to the NHS - and hundreds of thousands of citizens are volunteering to help the most vulnerable.
"That is why, at this moment of national emergency, I urge you, please, to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives."
The number of coronavirus cases in Liverpool hit 100 yesterday - taking Merseyside's total to over 200 for the first time during the pandemic.
The total number of cases in the UK was reported as 17,089 with an estimated 1,019 deaths, up by 260.
New figures on the spread of the virus will be released later today.
