The UK government has moved to the "delay" phase of its coronavirus action plan, advising anyone with a new continuous cough or a high temperature to self-isolate for seven days. Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the outbreak as "the worst public health crisis for a generation" and warned that many families would lose loved ones before their time.
Speaking after an emergency Cobra meeting, Mr Johnson said the disease was more dangerous than seasonal flu because of the lack of immunity. He stressed the importance of getting the timing right for stricter measures, noting that people would tire of them after a few weeks. As part of the initial response, schools have been advised to cancel trips abroad, and those over 70 or with pre-existing health conditions have been told to avoid cruises.
The government confirmed there have been 596 confirmed cases, though the chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance estimated the actual number of infections could be between 5,000 and 10,000. Testing will now focus only on identifying patients in hospital, and people with symptoms are urged to use the NHS website or 111 online rather than calling NHS 111, which is under strain.
While schools have not been closed, the government is considering suspending major public events such as sporting fixtures, though officials said this would have little effect on the spread and would mainly place a burden on public services. Scotland has already advised cancelling mass gatherings of more than 500 people from next week. Future measures could include household-wide self-isolation for 14 days if one member falls ill, and advice for elderly people to stay at home as the peak approaches.
Chief medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty cautioned against implementing such steps prematurely, citing practical implications and the risk of loneliness. Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth supported the government's approach but called for greater clarity to maintain public confidence. Officials expect infection rates to peak within three months, and the gradual, step-by-step strategy aims to keep numbers low enough for the NHS to cope.
