i News 23 March 2020
The UK government is currently advising Britons to avoid unnecessary social contact and travel amid the coronavirus pandemic, but a full lockdown has not been ruled out, the Prime Minister has said.
MPs are returning to parliament to debate the government’s emergency Coronavirus Bill before it goes to the House of Lords, which could see the UK locked down and forced into self-isolation “very soon”.
Coronavirus symptoms explained: from what a 'persistent' or 'continuous' cough means to definition of a high temperature How to self-quarantine, and the latest advice on who in the UK needs to do it Does my business need to shut? Full list of businesses ordered to close immediately Here's who are considered key workers Follow our liveblog here
The Commons debate comes following a warning from Boris Johnson that the UK is heading towards a lockdown, after urgent appeals to the public to stay indoors were largely ignored over the weekend.
A number of countries have already enforced lockdown in an effort to stem the spread of the virus, including China, Italy and France.
What enforcements have other countries imposed?
In preparation for a potential UK lockdown, here are some of the enforcements that have been imposed in other countries around the world that have been worst affected by the virus outbreak.
Wuhan, China
Wuhan in China, where coronavirus is said to have originated, imposed what is probably the most extreme lockdown so far, with all journeys in and out of the city banned - even for those medical or humanitarian reasons.
Public transport in the city was suspended and private cars were barred from the roads in most circumstances.
Most citizens live in residential blocks or compounds and were faced with barred visits, with only inhabitants, authorities, or carers helping the elderly or disable permitted access.
Schools and universities were already closed for the lunar new year, but this holiday was extended, and most shops were also shut, with only pharmacies and supermarkets kept open.
Residents were only permitted to leave their homes to pick up essential supplies or seek medical help - and those who did leave were required to wear a mask.
Conditions were tightened two weeks later, with authorities ordering house searches for potentially infected individuals, who were then forced into quarantine.
Some restrictions have now been lifted, with residents in key industries able to return to work. However, schools still remain closed and transport restrictions are still in place.
Italy
Italy shut down the northern region on 8 March, which was hardest hit by the virus, and extended restrictions to the whole country just two days later.
Travel is now only allowed for “urgent, verifiable work situations and emergencies, or health reasons”, and anyone who has tested positive for coronavirus must not leave their homes for any reason.
Any citizens who have a fever or respiratory symptoms are also strongly encouraged to stay at home and limit social contact, including with their doctor.
Public and private companies have been urged to put their staff on leave, in a bid to avoid work-related travel, and only supermarkets and pharmacies still remain open.
Both universities and schools are closed, with exams now cancelled, and all gatherings in public places have been banned, not just large-scale events.
Similarly, museums, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and other leisure venues, including ski resorts, have also closed, and sporting events have been cancelled.
Religious institutions have remained open, although people are to stay a metre from one another. Marriage ceremonies, baptisms and funerals have been banned.
France
France went into full lockdown on Tuesday 17 March, with citizens banned from leaving their homes except to buy food or essentials, visit the doctors, or travel to a job that is certified as not being possible to do from home.
Citizens must carry a document that certifies why they are outside, which must be shown to security forces.
USA
San Francisco and five other Bay Area counties in California have ordered all residents to “shelter in place, effective until 7 April.
The voluntary order is directing residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
All businesses that are considered non-essential, such as bars and gyms, have been ordered to close, but the likes of pharmacies, grocery stores, petrol stations, and restaurants serving takeaway will remain open.
Residents are permitted to leave their homes for essential tasks, but have been asked to keep six feet away from other people.
All non-essential gatherings of any size have also been prohibited, along with non-essential travel on “foot, bicycle, scooter, automobile, or public transit”.
Airports, taxis and public transport will still remain operational, but only for essential travel.close from Friday (20 Mar) “until further notice”, marking another step towards complete lockdown.
What are the latest measures in the UK?
Boris Johnson ordered pubs and restaurants across the country to close on Friday as the Government announced unprecedented measures to cover the wages of workers who would otherwise lose their jobs due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Prime Minister said that nightclubs, theatres, gyms and leisure centres should close their doors from Friday night to slow the spread of Covid-19 and prevent the NHS coming under unsustainable pressure.
At his daily Downing Street press conference, the Prime Minister said the measures were needed to reduce "unnecessary" social gatherings by 75% in order to have an impact on the infection rate.
"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," he said.
"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."
He was followed by Chancellor Rushi Sunak who said he was establishing a coronavirus job protection scheme to help employers hit by the outbreak.
He said that they would be able to apply to HM Revenue and Customs to cover 80% of the wages of staff they keep on up to £2,500 a month.
Mr Sunak said "our planned economic response will be one of the most comprehensive in the world".
He added: "To all those at home, right now anxious about the days ahead, I say you will not face this alone."
It followed criticism that his £350 billion emergency support package for the economy earlier this week concentrated on businesses but did little for their staff.
Coronavirus: the facts
What is coronavirus?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.
What caused coronavirus?
The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.
How is it spread?
As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But.similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.
What are the symptoms?
The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.
What precautions can be taken?
Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.
Government advice
As of Monday 16 March the Government advised that everyone should be observing social distancing - avoiding unnecessary travel and working from home where possible. Anyone with a cough or cold symptoms now needs to self-isolate with their entire household for 14 days.
The government has also advised against going to the pub, out for dinner or partaking in any socialising with large groups. This has caused a number of closures across the country. Schools will close from Friday 20 March for the foreseeable and exams have been cancelled.
The over 70s or anyone who is vulnerable or living with an underlying illness are being asked to be extra careful and stay at home.
Should I avoid public places?
The advice now is to avoid public places and any noon-essential travel. Travel abroad is also being advised against for the next 30 days at least, and many European countries have closed their borders.
