GATHERING STORM
ALL mass gatherings are due to be axed by next weekend to help public services fight coronavirus.
Boris Johnson has decided on the move after a host of cancellations — from the London marathon to the Premier League, sources said.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
13
13
13
The PM also wants a lot more businesses to move towards “widespread working from home”.
Mr Johnson is working with the chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser on plans to “stop various types of public event”.
It would ease the pressure on ambulances and the police.
The Government has yet to decide the size of events to be banned.
They could include Glastonbury, Royal Ascot, the Grand National, the Chelsea Flower Show and even Wimbledon could be played behind closed doors.
EMERGENCY LAWS
Any ban will be part of emergency laws unveiled on Monday.
But No10 said existing public health powers were sufficient to impose a temporary ban for now.
The emergency laws will also allow the Government to compensate companies that lose out.
Ministers are also in urgent talks with businesses for far more working from home.
Visitors to the Commons were banned last night due to the virus.
13
13
13
13
13
Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt questioned plans — and called for further steps.
But the Prime Minister said it was too soon to close schools.
Chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said it was wrong to implement knee-jerk measures “that seem instantly attractive”.
Yesterday, the number of Brits testing positive soared by more than 200 — the biggest 24-hour leap yet.
A total of 798 people are infected, up from 596 on Thursday.
Today, Wales health authorities confirmed an extra 22 cases - bringing their total to 60 and the UK figure to 820.
'REDUCE THE PEAK'
The death toll reached 11 after Scotland confirmed its first fatality.
Sir Patrick said if 60 per cent of healthy Brits catch coronavirus, it will help protect the most vulnerable by creating “herd immunity”.
His believes it would stop it spreading among the rest of the population.
The contagion would otherwise return next winter, when the NHS is ill-equipped to cope.
He added: “Our aim is to try and reduce the peak, broaden the peak, not suppress it completely.”
13
13
13
13
13
Care homes now have orders that any resident with a cough or fever must be immediately isolated — and cared for by staff in protective masks and gloves.
Sick people will be banned from visiting. But some families fear loved ones would die alone.
Several providers have already started telling families to stay away.
Mario Kreft, of Care Forum Wales, representing more than 450 homes, said visits should not be made unless “absolutely essential”.
In the general population, anyone with a new cough or fever must now stay at home for seven days, even if their symptoms are mild.
DIE ALONE
As cases explode, entire families could be asked to quarantine themselves for a fortnight.
All older Brits could soon have to self-isolate from April to July. The World Health Organisation last night said Europe is now the “epicentre” of the pandemic.
Its boss revealed more cases are being reported every day than in China at the height of its epidemic.
Italy recorded 250 deaths in a single day with more than 15,000 cases. France, Spain and Germany all exceeded 2,000 cases each.
MOST READ IN UK NEWS
Disney closed its parks, including Disneyland Paris.
The Foreign Office advised against all but essential travel to the Spanish regions of Madrid, La Rioja and three other municipalities.
A YouGov survey showed most people think the Government is handling the crisis well.
Tap to see where COVID-19 is near you
How do you tell the difference between coronavirus or cold and flu symptoms?
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk