Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said all pubs, restaurants and other public spaces will close from tomorrow (March 21) to help prevent the further spread of coronavirus.
During this afternoon's conference, he started by saying the country was "going to defeat" coronavirus and thanked members of the public who had complied with social distancing measures.
He then went on to announce the measures would be strengthened to further prevent social gatherings and get 'on top of the virus'.
“The speed of our eventual recovery depends entirely on our collective ability to get on top of the virus now and that means we have to take the next steps on scientific advice,” he told the daily Covid-19 press conference.
“And following our plan we are strengthening the measures announced on Monday.
“We need now to push down further on that curve of transmission between us.
“We are collectively telling cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants to close tonight as soon as they reasonably can and not to open tomorrow.
“Though, to be clear, they can continue to provide take out services.
“We’re also telling nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres to close on the same timescale.”
The announcement follows the news that a further 39 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in England to 167.
