There are currently no plans to shut down bars and restaurants and order people off the streets - a government minister said this morning.
But Education Secretary Gavin Williamson warned the Government stands ready to take the "incredibly tough decisions" needed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
He said there are currently no plans to shut down bars and restaurants and order people off the streets but that ministers would be guided by the scientific evidence.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The Prime Minister will constantly be informed by the scientific and medical evidence.
"We will take the incredibly tough decisions that are sometimes needed in order to ensure the safety of the population."
He added: ""The Prime Minister has at every stage in terms of dealing with this demonstrated that he will provide the leadership that is required in order to deal with some of the most difficult decisions that any prime minister has ever had to deal with in peacetime.
"But, as the Prime Minister has said, there are certainly no plans to do so at the moment."
Troops are on standby as a lockdown in London has not been ruled out following the coronavirus outbreak.
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Emergency legislation to tackle the coronavirus outbreak will be published in Parliament after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the closure of schools from Friday and cancellation of exams.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock will table the Emergency Coronavirus Bill setting out measures aimed at slowing the spread and supporting the NHS and workers in the Commons on Thursday.
Sweeping new powers to combat the spread of Covid-19 are set to be brought in today.
Schools are set to close this Friday, whilst Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced that there are going to be no exams this academic year.
