British families are likely to 'lose loved ones before their time,' Johnson warns as UK Government updates coronavirus plan

From Friday, people with a persistent cough or a fever are now being encouraged to self-isolate for seven days while monitoring their symptoms

Boris Johnson has said that the coronavirus is the “worst public health crisis in a generation” and that many British families are likely to “lose loved ones before their time”.

In a statement after the latest emergency Cobra meeting, the Prime Minister said that new measures are to be taken as the UK moves to the next stage of its virus plan. 

From Friday, people with a persistent cough or a fever are now being encouraged to stay at home for seven days while monitoring their symptoms. 

School trips abroad will be banned and older people have been warned against going on cruises.

Johnson said that the UK Government had “done all that can be done” to contain the virus, and that it was now time to take new measures. 

He said: “It’s clear that it will continue to spread across the world and our country over the next few months.”

Johnson also warned that “the most dangerous period is not now but some weeks away”. 

There have been 596 confirmed cases across the entire UK and 10 deaths.

In Scotland there have been 60 cases and as yet no deaths.

The ‘delay’ phase of the UK’s response plan will see efforts focused on reducing the strain on the health services in the short term. 

Johnson said that schools will for the time being remain open, but that it is possible that the prospect of closures is “coming down the track”. 

Unlike in Scotland, Johnson said that larger public gatherings would not yet be banned. 

Johnson’s statement came shortly after Scottish Government confirmed that it is moving from the containment phase into the delay phase of the coronavirus outbreak. 

In Scotland, from next week, gatherings of more than 500 people which would normally require the presence of emergency services are to be banned in a bid to free up police, ambulance and A&E staff.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also advised that from Friday, anyone with symptoms of coronavirus – which include a fever and cough – should self-isolate for a week and said there will no longer be routine testing of those who are self-isolating unless symptoms persist.

Speaking to older members of the public in particular, Johnson said that the UK Government will “do all we can to help you and family during this period”. 

He added: “If things seem tough now, this country will get through this epidemic just as it has gotten through many tougher things before, if we look after each other.”