Govt calls for an end to ‘non-essential’ social contact, foreign travel

Afp, London
PM Johnson says: avoid clubs, pubs, theatres
More firms sent staff to work from home
Scientists warn hundreds of thousands of people could die in Britain, US


Britain yesterday ramped up its response to the escalating coronavirus outbreak after the government imposed unprecedented peacetime measures prompted by scientific advice that infections and deaths would spiral without drastic action.

More firms sent staff to work from home and public transport emptied after the government called for an end to "non-essential" social contact and foreign travel as confirmed COVID-19 cases climbed to more than 1,500 and deaths rose to 55.

More stringent restrictions are expected in the coming days, including forcing people with serious health conditions to stay at home for three months to ease pressure on health services.

The government was to set to detail emergency laws in parliament late yesterday, where members of the public have now been banned from attending debates, meeting lawmakers or visiting.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had faced criticism for his approach to the pandemic, which involved holding off on imposing the strict measures seen in other countries to combat the spread of COVID-19.

But he stepped up the response after scientists warned hundreds of thousands of people could die in Britain and the United States if there was only a focus on delaying and slowing infections.

People should avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres, Johnson said.

The paper, compiled by 30 members of Imperial College London's COVID-19 response team, concluded suppression was "the preferred policy option".

Johnson urged all to stay away from pubs, clubs, restaurants and theatres.

Johnson's announcement sparked concern about the impact on business, especially in the hospitality industry, amid fears of an extensive economic fall-out from the outbreak.