Coronavirus: Boris Johnson writes letter to 30m British households warning outbreak 'will get worse'

Mr Johnson who, together with health secretary Matt Hancock, has contracted Covid-19 will say 'things will get worse'.

The letters are set to arrive at 30m households from next week, costing £5.8m to print and distribute.

As well as reminding people to stay at home as part of the lockdown, he will thank NHS staff for their work.

In the letter he will say:

In letters to 30 million households, Mr Johnson writes: 'We will not hesitate to go further if that is what the scientific and medical advice tells us we must do.

'We know things will get worse before they get better.

'But we are making the right preparations, and the more we all follow the rules, the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal.

'I want to thank everyone who is working flat out to beat the virus, in particular the staff in our fantastic NHS and care sector across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

'It has been truly inspirational to see our doctors, nurses and other carers rise magnificently to the needs of the hour.

'Thousands of retired doctors and nurses are returning to the NHS – and hundreds of thousands of citizens are volunteering to help the most vulnerable.

'That is why, at this moment of national emergency, I urge you, please, to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.'

A leaflet will give hand washing guidance, rules on leaving home, how to self-isolate and protect vulnerable people. Symptoms of coronavirus will also be explained.’