Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants, among other venues, to close tonight in a strengthening of measures to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.
Speaking at his daily media briefing, Mr Johnson said: “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.
“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.
“And so following agreement with all the… devolved administrations, 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.”
When asked what his message to those ignoring advice on social distancing was, Mr Johnson said: “You’re endangering the community… if you comply you will not only save lives but we will come out of this faster.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak also announced a number of “unprecedented measures for unprecedented times” to help businesses and workers throughout the crisis.
Read more on what Sunak said here.
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