Coronavirus: UK launches new measures as Covid-19 death toll hits 10 with 596 infected

Up to 10,000 people are thought to be infected with Covid-19 already and, in a stark warning to the public, Boris Johnson said families will continue to ‘lose loved ones before their time’ as the outbreak worsens.

High-profile people to be diagnosed with the disease include Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and BT boss Philip Jansen, and the situation has been branded a ‘national emergency’ by former health secretary Jeremy Hunt.

The latest government approach has seen measures introduced to try to protect the elderly and those most vulnerable to the disease, with Mr Johnson warning that the precautions will mean severe disruption across the country ‘for many months’.

It comes as:

- The number of people who have tested positive for the virus in the UK rose to 596 while the death toll is 10.

- Mr Jansen, chief executive of BT Group, tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday, becoming the first publicly confirmed case of a FTSE 100 chief executive.

SEE ALSO: This is why UK schools are not closing yet

- The Premier League announced it would hold an emergency club meeting on Friday morning regarding future fixtures after Arteta tested positive for the virus. It was later confirmed Arsenal and Brighton's match set for Saturday has been postponed.

- The FTSE 100 closed the day down by more than one 10th as fears over Covid-19 sparked the index's worst bloodbath since 1987.

- The World Health Organisation said it was ‘deeply concerned’ some countries are not handling the pandemic with ‘the level of political commitment needed to control it’.

- The Electoral Commission recommended local elections in May be postponed.

The new guidance means anyone with coronavirus symptoms, however mild, such as a continuous cough or high temperature, must stay at home for seven days.

SEE ALSO: Fareham College staff member being treated for coronavirus

While the measures are not as extreme as other countries like Italy and the Republic of Ireland, officials have warned the current approach could change as the disease - the risk rating for which has been raised to high - becomes more widespread.

Mr Johnson told reporters at a press conference in Downing Street: ‘We've all got to be clear, this is the worst public health crisis for a generation.

‘It is going to spread further and I must level with you, I must level with the British public: many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time.’

School trips abroad should be stopped, people over 70 with serious medical conditions are being told not to go on cruises and officials warned the advice is likely to develop to mean that if someone becomes ill, their entire household could be told to self-isolate.

Mr Hunt was critical of the government's approach, saying he found it ‘surprising and concerning’ that more was not being done in terms of cancelling large events and allowing visits to care homes.

He told BBC Newsnight: ‘I think it is surprising and concerning that we're not doing any of it at all when we have just four weeks before we get to the stage that Italy is at. You would have thought that every single thing we do in that four weeks would be designed to slow the spread of people catching the virus.’

Scotland has already banned mass gatherings and Mr Johnson said the government is keeping that kind of measure ‘up our sleeves’.

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.

Should I avoid public places?

Most people who feel well can continue to go to work, school and public places and should only stay at home and self isolate if advised by a medical professional or the coronavirus service.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

Don’t go to your GP but instead call NHS 111 or look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next.

When to call NHS 111

NHS 111 should be used if you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms, have been in a country with a high risk of coronavirus in the last 14 days or if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS