Coronavirus infects 5,000 to 10,000 people in the UK

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Boris Johnson described Coronavirus as the “worst public health crisis for a generation” and warned families to be braced for the deaths of loved ones.

His bleak warning came it emerged there are 5,000 to 10,000 Britons carrying the virus that is sweeping the world.

“This is the worst public health crisis for a generation,” said the Prime Minister at a press conference.

“I must level with the British public – many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time.”

Coronavirus - In pictures

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Experts say the high level of infections shows that “second generation” infections are taking place in Britain.

People should ask employers, friends and family to help them work from home and to successfully isolate if the need arises.

The number of cases are currently seen as very small and are expected to escalate dramatically.

Londoners wear Coronavirus masks - In pictures

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The Government formally moved to the “delay” stage of the fight against Covid-19 following a meeting of Cobra chaired by the Prime Minister.

It then handed out new advice to the public, designed to reduce the rate of infections and push the “peak” expected in May or June back by up to four weeks to reduce pressures on the NHS.

The key advice is:

  • Anyone with mild symptoms, for example a mild persistent cough or a temperature of 37.8 degrees C  or more, must isolate themselves at home for seven days.
  • Sleep alone if possible and stay at least two metres or three steps away from other people in your home if possible.
  • Do not call NHS 111 if you have mild symptoms and go into self-isolation. But if symptoms worsen, for example if you have difficulty breathing, or are no better after seven days, contact NHS 111.

A persistent cough was defined by health officials as one lasting several hours, especially if accompanied by a sense of feeling poorly.

In other measures:

  • Schools were advised to stop trips abroad.
  • Elderly people were told not to go on cruise ships.

The Prime Minister added: “There is no escaping the reality that these measures will cause severe disruption across our country for many months.

“The best scientific advice is that this will help us slow the disease and save lives.”

Explaining the advice to self-isolate for seven days if people have a cough or temperature, Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty acknowledged it was “something which will interfere with their lives and interfere with their work and their social life in quite significant ways”.

But he said “it helps to protect older and more vulnerable people”

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission today called off the local elections in May – including the London Mayor election.

It recommended they be postponed until the autumn because of the outbreak.

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