Meetings will remain accessible whilst ensuring that councillors, staff and the wider public are able to follow government advice by staying at home to stop the spread of coronavirus to protect the NHS and save lives.


If you are traveling to Wuhan, you should maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene and should avoid visiting animal and bird markets or people who are ill with respiratory symptoms. Individuals should seek medical attention if they develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days of visiting Wuhan, either in China or on their return to the UK. They should phone ahead before attending any health services and mention their recent travel to the city.


It is a fact that by adopting those measures we prevented this country from being engulfed by what could have been a catastrophe in which the reasonable worst case scenario was half a million fatalities. And it is thanks to your effort and sacrifice in stopping the spread of this disease that the death rate is coming down and hospital admissions are coming down.


But in this fight we can be in no doubt that each and every one of us is directly enlisted. Each and every one of us is now obliged to join together. To halt the spread of this disease. To protect our NHS and to save many many thousands of lives.


Supporting you directly in a way that Government has never been done before, in addition to the package we have already set out for business. And of course these measures are intended to be temporary and of course I am confident that, in time, the UK economy is going to bounce back.


(1)Part 1 expires on 30 September 2020.


This will mean there will of course be are far fewer children in schools and that will help us to slow the spread of the disease. And these measures are crucial to make sure the critical parts of the economy keep functioning and public services keep functioning.


(7) For the purposes of paragraph (6)(c)—(a)“educational accommodation” means—(i)accommodation provided for students whilst they are boarding at school;(ii)halls of residence provided for students attending higher education courses, and equivalent accommodation provided for students attending further education courses;(b)“criminal justice accommodation” means—(i)a prison, within the meaning of the Prison Act 1952(6);(ii)a young offender institution, within the meaning of section 43 of the Prison Act 1952;(iii)a secure training centre, within the meaning of section 43 of the Prison Act 1952;(iv)approved premises, within the meaning of section 13 of the Offender Management Act 2007(7);(v)a bail hostel, within the meaning of section 2 of the Bail Act 1976(8);(c)“political body” means—(i)a political party registered under Part 2 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, or(ii)a political campaigning organisation within the meaning of regulation 2 of the Health and Social Care (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2009(9).


Earlier today, I chaired meetings of the Cabinet and COBR to consider the advice from SAGE on the impact of the existing social distancing measures. There are indications that the measures we have put in place have been successful in slowing down the spread of the virus. But, SAGE also say that it is a mixed and inconsistent picture and, in some settings, infections are still likely to be increasing.


(3) Where a relevant person considers that a number of people are gathered together in contravention of regulation 5, the relevant person may—a)direct the gathering to disperse,


I particularly want to thank the teachers, head teachers and all the support staff who keep schools going who will make these exceptional arrangements work, for the benefit of us all.


(1) A local authority may give a direction under regulation 4(1), 5(1) or 6(1) only if the authority considers that the following conditions are met—(a)that giving such a direction responds to a serious and imminent threat to public health,


(5) More than one address may be specified in the Passenger Locator Form where— (a)a legal obligation requires P to change addresses, or(b)it is necessary for P to stay overnight at an address on their arrival in England before travelling directly to another address at which they will be self-isolating.


We have put in place enhanced monitoring measures at UK airports, and health information is available at all international airports, ports and international train stations.


Besides the evolving situation in Wuhan, all travellers should also be aware of the risk of avian flu when visiting China during the Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, beginning on 25 January 2020.


Up to 70 incidents a week, often false narratives containing multiple misleading claims, are being identified and resolved. The successful ‘Don’t Feed the Beast’ public information campaign will also relaunch next week, to empower people to question what they read online.


(3) A local authority may not give a direction under paragraph (1) in relation to (b)any premises consisting of vehicles, trains, vessels or aircraft used for public transport or the carriage or haulage of goods, or


(1) During the emergency period, unless paragraph (3) applies, no person may participate in a gathering which (b)takes place—(i)in a private dwelling, including a houseboat,(ii)on a vessel, other than a houseboat or a vessel used for public transport, or(iii)on land which satisfies the condition in paragraph (2).


The government has temporarily removed the legal requirement for local authorities to hold public meetings in person during the coronavirus pandemic. This will enable councils to make effective and transparent decisions on the delivery of services for residents and ensure that local democracy continues to thrive.


UK public health measures are world leading and our excellent NHS is well prepared to manage and treat new diseases. We have been carefully monitoring the situation in Wuhan for some time and are ready to put in place proportionate, precautionary measures.


(9) A responsible local authority must take reasonable steps— (a)to ensure that the direction is brought to the attention of any person who may be affected by it, including any person referred to in paragraph (10), and(b)to prevent or restrict public access to the restricted area.


And to prevent re-infection from abroad, I am serving notice that it will soon be the time – with transmission significantly lower – to impose quarantine on people coming into this country by air.


(1)The Secretary of State or the Minister for the Cabinet Office may, by regulations made by statutory instrument, provide (b)that polls for relevant elections or relevant referendums that would otherwise be required to be held on dates that fall within a period specified in the regulations are instead to be held on such later date, or within such period, as is specified in the regulations.


NHS also announce calls to NHS 111 increase by more than a third compared to same period last year, with 500 extra call staff recruited to handle higher demand


(7)The returning officer must—(a)publish a notice stating that the date has changed, and(b)comply with the requirements of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the 2011 Order as if the new date had just been fixed under section 37 of the 1973 Act.


Mr Speaker, with your permission, I’d like to update the House on COVID-19 coronavirus.


(6)Regulations under this section—(a)which add to, replace or omit any part of the text of an Act are subject to the affirmative procedure,(b)otherwise, are subject to the negative procedure.


(4) Where a child is outside of the place where they are staying in accordance with regulation 6(2) and is accompanied by an individual who has responsibility for the child (“A”) A must, so far as reasonably practicable, ensure that the child complies with any direction or instruction given by a constable to the child.


Every time I come to this lectern, and I read out the grim toll of people who have so sadly passed away. I walk away from here, and I think about what their sons and their daughters must be going through right now. Their brothers and sisters. Their grandchildren. All the loved ones left with their unbearable, long-term, grief. It makes me and it makes this government focus even harder on what we must do. And, I know that, together, united, we must keep up this national effort for a while longer.


This advice refers to mainland China. It excludes Hong Kong and Macau.


The Foreign Office continues to work on arrangements to evacuate any remaining British nationals from Hubei Province who wish to leave.


We can also act to stretch the peak of the disease over a longer period so that our society is better able to cope.


Schedule 27 makes provision for, and in connection with, the use of live links in proceedings in courts and tribunals in Northern Ireland.


—(1) This regulation applies if a constable has reasonable grounds to suspect that— it is necessary to direct, remove or detain P in the interests of P, for the protection of other persons or for the maintenance of public safety


To repeat, I know how difficult this is, how it seems to go against the freedom-loving instincts of the British people. And I also know much, right now, workers and business deserve the financial reassurance we are giving them.


(10) On an appeal against a direction under paragraph (1) in a case where the direction was made pursuant to a direction of the Secretary of State under regulation 3, a summons is to be issued to both the Secretary of State and the local authority.


Good afternoon. And thanks for coming or for indeed tuning in to these daily updates. I want to introduce, I’m sure you know Jenny Harries, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, and you know Sir Patrick Vallance, Chief Scientific Advisor.


Today’s developments follow significant government action over the last week, including: The unveiling of the latest phase of the government’s communications campaign to encourage the public to do their bit to prevent the spread of the virus


(4) For the purposes of paragraph (3), a reasonable excuse includes where—(a)the person owns, occupies or is responsible for any land or premises in a public outdoor place to which the direction relates,(b)the person needs to enter a public outdoor place to which the direction relates to obtain access to, or to leave, the place where they are living,(c)the person is visiting a person who falls within a description of person in sub-paragraph (a) or (b),


And we want to ensure that this period of shielding, this period of maximum protection coincides with the peak of the disease. And it’s now clear that the peak of the epidemic is coming faster in some parts of the country than in others.


SAGE assess that the rate of infection, or the R value, is almost certainly below 1 in the community. That means that on average each infected person is, in turn, infecting less than one other person. But, overall, we still don’t have the infection rate down as far as we need to. As in other countries, we have issues with the virus spreading in some hospitals and care homes.


(10) A person described in regulation 4(12) or in any of paragraphs 1 to 4 of Schedule 2 is not required to comply with this regulation.


The more we collectively slow the spread, the more time we give the NHS to prepare, the more lives we will save, the faster we will get through this. And always remember – we will get through this, and we will beat it together.


(2) A direction under paragraph (1) may be given only for the purposes of(c)securing restrictions in relation to the location of persons in the premises.


New NHS data released this week showed that telephone calls to NHS 111 were up by more than a third compared with the same time last year, with an extra 120,000 calls to NHS 111 in the first week of March. Between Thursday 27 February and Thursday 5 March, NHS 111 answered 389,779 calls. To help deal with this demand, the NHS have announced around 500 additional initial call responders have already been trained, an increase of 20%, and people can also visit NHS 111 online.


And that’s also why we have directed people to stay at home. To deny coronavirus the opportunity to spread, to protect the NHS and save lives.


(3)In subsection (4)—(a)omit paragraph (b) (including the “and” at the end);(b)after paragraph (c) insert—“(d)2021,(e)2030, and(f)every tenth year following 2030.”


(9) Nothing in this regulation requires a person to provide any information if that information is not within their possession or control.


(5)The power to make regulations under subsection (2) may be exercised more than once in respect of any relevant recall petition.


And I know that as they have in the past so many times. The people of this country will rise to that challenge. And we will come through it stronger than ever. We will beat the coronavirus and we will beat it together.


Parks will remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed.


(5) Where a constable has reasonable grounds for suspecting that a child has repeatedly contravened the requirement in regulation 6(2), the constable may direct any individual who has responsibility for the child to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that the child complies with that requirement.


This announcement applies to England (and to Wales for Police and Crime Panels). Whilst local government is a devolved matter, the Department has been engaging closely with colleagues in the devolved administrations.


(9)In this section “constituency returning officer” has the same meaning as in the 2015 Order.


Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:We will do all we can to contain coronavirus, but as we know, COVID-19 is spreading across the world, so I want to ensure government is doing everything in its power to be ready to delay and mitigate this threat.


In the past few days we have published guidance for schools, for employers, for first responders, for social care and the travel industry on how to handle suspected cases.


(5) A constable exercising the power in paragraph (3)(c) or (4)(b) to remove a person from an event or place may use reasonable force, if necessary, in exercise of the power.


(1) Where an authorised person has reasonable grounds to believe that a person (“P”) has left, or is outside of, the place where P is self-isolating in contravention of regulation 4, the authorised person may(c)where it is not practicable or appropriate in the circumstances to take the action in sub-paragraph (a) or (b), remove P to accommodation facilitated by the Secretary of State for the purposes of P’s self-isolation.


So looking at the curve of the disease and looking at where we are now – we think now that we must apply downward pressure, further downward pressure on that upward curve by closing the schools.


And again the reason for doing this in the next few days, rather than earlier or later, is that this is going to be very disruptive for people who have such conditions, and difficult for them, but, I believe, it’s now necessary.


(5)Before exercising the power under subsection (2), the Presiding Officer must consult the Welsh Ministers.


(2)A councillor who would otherwise, pursuant to section 7 or 16 of the Local Government Act 1972 (elections of councillors), retire on the fourth day after the ordinary day of election in 2020 is instead to retire on the fourth day after the ordinary day of election in 2021; and the councillor's term of office is extended accordingly.


We remain in the Contain phase of the outbreak, but watching what is happening around the world, our scientists think containment is extremely unlikely to work on its own, and that is why we are making extensive preparations for a move to the delay phase.


Every government department to have a designated ministerial virus lead to help oversee government response to the global threat of COVID-19


Every department will have a designated ministerial virus lead to help oversee the cross-government response to the outbreak, with the government increasing the number of COBRs meetings.


(4) If a business listed in Schedule 2 (“business A”) forms part of a larger business (“business B”), the person responsible for carrying on business B complies with the requirement in paragraph (1) if it closes down business A.


(6) Nothing in this regulation requires P to provide passenger information if the information is not within P’s knowledge or possession or under P’s control.


Health Secretary Matt Hancock has outlined how volunteers – who already play a central role in helping the health and social care system function – will be given additional employment safeguards so they can leave their main jobs and temporarily volunteer in the event of a widespread pandemic.


(7)In this section—“the 2015 Act” means the Recall of MPs Act 2015;“the designated day” has the same meaning as in the 2015 Act (see section 7(5) of that Act);“petition officer” has the same meaning as in the 2015 Act (see section 6(2) of that Act);“recall petition” has the same meaning as in the 2015 Act (see section 1(2) of that Act);“Speaker’s notice” has the same meaning as in the 2015 Act (see section 5(7) of that Act).


(5) A direction under paragraph (1) may only have the effect of imposing a prohibition, requirement or restriction on (b)any other person involved in managing entry into, or departure from, such premises or the location of persons in them.


(7) Paragraph (1) does not affect the exercise of any powers by virtue of regulation 8.


(4) Where P is a child, and has left or is outside of, the place where they are self-isolating and accompanied by an individual who has responsibility for them—(a)an authorised person may direct that individual to take P to the place where P is self-isolating, and


(3) A direction under paragraph (1) may only have the effect of imposing prohibitions, requirements or restrictions on—(a)the owner or any occupier of premises for an event to which the direction relates,(b)the organiser of such an event, and(c)any other person involved in holding such an event.


Any power to make subordinate legislation conferred by virtue of Part 1 includes power to make—(a)incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision,(b)different provision for different purposes or areas.


(1) A person who arrives in England from outside the common travel area must, subject to paragraph (2), provide on the Passenger Locator Form the information set out in Schedule 1 (“passenger information”) on their arrival.


And we come today to the key issue of schools where we have been consistently advised that there is an important trade off. And so far the judgment of our advisers has been that closing schools is actually of limited value in slowing the spread of the epidemic.


1) This regulation applies where a person (“P”) arrives in Scotland— (a)from outside the common travel area, or$ (b)from within the common travel area, if P has been outside the common travel area at any time in the period beginning with the 14th day before P’s arrival into Scotland.


(8)The Scottish Ministers must, at the same time as laying the regulations before the Parliament in accordance with paragraph 26 of that schedule, lay before the Parliament a statement of their reasons for making the regulations.


(1)The Secretary of State or the Minister for the Cabinet Office may, by regulations made by statutory instrument, provide—(a)that the poll for a relevant election or a relevant referendum is to be held on such date, or within such period, as is specified in the regulations;


I have consulted across the political spectrum, across all four nations of the UK. And though different parts of the country are experiencing the pandemic at different rates. And though it is right to be flexible in our response.


And though we have made progress in satisfying at least some of the conditions I have given. We have by no means fulfilled all of them.


British tourists are currently being quarantined in a hotel in Tenerife and the Foreign Office is in contact with them.


By looking after the children of key workers they will be a critical part of our fightback against Coronavirus. As I have said, we will take the right steps at the right time, guided by the science.


(2)The Presiding Officer may, where a date has been fixed for the poll for the election, fix a later date (which may be outwith the period required under section 10(5) or (6) of the 2006 Act).


(4) For the purposes of paragraph (3), a reasonable excuse includes where (d)the person needs to enter or remain in a public outdoor place to which the direction relates—(i)to avoid injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm,(ii)to continue existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children where the children do not live in the same household as their parents, or one of their parents,(iii)to fulfil a legal obligation or to participate in legal proceedings, or


The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised UK nationals to leave China where possible. If the situation continues to escalate the pressure on the Chinese health system may intensify, and it may also become harder for people to travel.


As things stand I’m afraid it bears repeating that the best thing we can all do is wash our hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. We will also take questions, because I know there are lots of things the public want to hear from our advisors about.


The risk to the UK population is very low and the risk to travellers to Wuhan is low, but they are advised to take simple precautions such as practicing good hand and personal hygiene and minimise contact with birds and animals in markets in Wuhan as a further precaution.


Good Evening, The coronavirus is the biggest threat this country has faced for decades – and this country is not alone. All over the world we are seeing the devastating impact of this invisible killer. And so tonight I want to update you on the latest steps we are taking to fight the disease and what you can do to help.


(8) Where the Secretary of State or a registered public health consultant orally imposes a requirement on P under this regulation, or orally varies such a requirement, the Secretary of State or, as the case may be, registered public health consultant must provide P (or where P is a child, a person who is a responsible person in relation to P) with a written notification of the requirement that has been imposed or varied.


This means taking simple, common sense steps, such as staying at home and avoiding close contact with other people as much as possible.


Before exercising the power in paragraph (2) the constable must—have due regard to any guidance issued by Public Health England; and


So work from home if you can, but you should go to work if you can’t work from home.


We are taking all necessary measures to minimise the risk to the public.


And it looks as though London is now a few weeks ahead. So, to relieve the pressure on the London health system and to slow the spread in London, it’s important that Londoners now pay special attention to what we are saying about avoiding non-essential contact, and to take particularly seriously the advice about working from home, and avoiding confined spaces such as pubs and restaurants.


(7) Where a relevant person has reasonable grounds to believe that a child is repeatedly failing to comply with the restrictions in regulation 5 or 6(11), the relevant person may direct any individual who has responsibility for the child to secure, so far as reasonably practicable, that the child complies with that restriction.


(7) If P is a child, any person who has responsibility for the child must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that the child complies with this regulation.


Public Health England (PHE) is monitoring the situation with international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO). PHE has also issued advice to travellers ahead of Chinese New Year this month.


Good afternoon everybody, thank you very much for coming. I wanted to bring everyone up to date with the national fight back against the new coronavirus and the decisions that we’ve just taken in COBR for the whole of the UK. As we said last week, our objective is to delay and flatten the peak of the epidemic by bringing forward the right measures at the right time, so that we minimise suffering and save lives. And everything we do is based scrupulously on the best scientific advice.


Local Government Association Chairman Cllr James Jamieson said: Remote council meetings will crucially help ensure all those taking part stay at home, helping to prevent the coronavirus from spreading and save lives


The new measures, which have been ordered by Downing Street and the Health Secretary as part of the battleplan, are: regular press briefings led by the Secretary of State and Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty


The NHS is testing a very large number of people who travel back from affected countries, the vast majority of whom test negative.


And to keep pushing the number of infections down there are two more things we must do. We must reverse rapidly the awful epidemics in care homes and in the NHS, and though the numbers are coming down sharply now, there is plainly much more to be done.


(3)If either of the Archbishops is unable to exercise the power to join in making a request under subsection (1), or if the see of either of the Archbishops is vacant, the power may be exercised by the senior bishop of the province, with seniority for that purpose being determined in accordance with section 10(4) of the Bishops (Retirement) Measure 1986.


(4) Where a relevant person considers that a person is in a restricted area without a reasonable excuse in contravention of regulation 6(11), the relevant person may (b)remove that person from the restricted area.


I also need to remind parents that, as we have already advised, children should not be left with older grandparents, or older relatives, who may be particularly vulnerable or fall into some of the vulnerable groups and I know that will be difficult too. And I want to thank families for their sacrifice at this difficult time. I want to thank whole country for the efforts people are making to comply with these measures.


(4)This subsection applies to (b)a referendum under section 9MB of the Local Government Act 2000 (referendums on governance arrangements);


The regulations also enable Police and Crime Panels in England and Wales to take place remotely, so they can also continue their important work in local areas.


Further measures expected to be included in upcoming COVID-19 Emergency Bill include an expansion of video hearings in courts and new powers to make it easier for volunteers to support the fight against COVID-19


(3) A direction under paragraph (1) must—(a)specify or describe the public outdoor place or places to which it relates in sufficient detail to enable the boundaries of the place or places to be determined,(b)state the date and time on which any prohibition, requirement or restriction imposed by the direction comes into effect, and the date and time on which it will end, and(c)give details of the right of appeal to a magistrates’ court, and the time within which such an appeal may be brought.


(7) A constable may exercise the power in paragraph (3), (4) or (6) only if the constable considers that it is a necessary and proportionate means of ensuring compliance with a direction under regulation 5(1) or with regulation 7(3) as the case may be.


(2) A decision to impose a restriction or requirement under paragraph (1) may only be taken if the Secretary of State or, as the case may be, registered public health consultant considers, when taking the decision, that the restriction or requirement is proportionate to what is sought to be achieved by imposing it.


And to ensure you are safe at work we have been working to establish new guidance for employers to make workplaces COVID-secure.


(1)The Welsh Ministers may, by regulations made by statutory instrument, provide (b)that polls for relevant elections that would otherwise be required to be held on dates that fall within a period specified in the regulations are instead to be held on such later date, or within such period, as is specified in the regulations.


A sense of the way ahead, and when and how and on what basis we will take the decisions to proceed. I will be setting out more details in Parliament tomorrow and taking questions from the public in the evening.


Yesterday I set out the ambition of this government to turn the tide against coronavirus within 3 months. And I want to repeat that determination today. We are going to do it with testing. We are going to do it with new medicines, and with new digital technology that will help us to see the disease as it is transmitted, and thereby, by eliminating it, to stamp it out.


14.—(1) This regulation applies if a constable has reasonable grounds to suspect that—(a)a person (“P”) is, or may be, infected or contaminated with Coronavirus;


This will not affect supermarkets or retailers that supply fuel, medicines and other vital goods, which will continue to be open as normal for the public.


It could involve relaxing measures in some areas, while strengthening measures in other areas. But in formulating the right balance we will be at all times guided by the scientific advice and the evidence.


So that’s why, as far as possible, we want you to stay at home, that’s how we can protect our NHS and save lives.


(8)The constituency returning officer must—(a)publish a notice stating that the date has changed, and(b)comply with the requirements of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the 2015 Order as if the new date had just been fixed under section 9 of the 1998 Act.


Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: We need people to follow expert medical advice and stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. It is vital that this message hits home and that misinformation and disinformation which undermines it is knocked down quickly.


(4) Where paragraph (2) applies, the Secretary of State or, as the case may be, registered public health consultant may impose on or in relation to P one or more screening requirements.


(11)The postponement under subsection (10) of an election is to be ignored in determining the years in which subsequent elections of mayors are to be held.


We are working closely with the World Health Organization, the G7 and the wider international community to ensure that we are ready for all eventualities. We are co-ordinating research efforts with international partners.


Around 3 million individuals volunteer in a health, community health and social care setting. In the event of a pandemic, we want to be able to maximise the number of volunteers and the amount of time they can commit to supporting the health and social care system – without fear of them losing their jobs. Under these proposed measures, government will ensure the jobs of skilled, experienced or qualified volunteers are protected for up to four weeks to allow them to shore up resilience across the health and social care systems. As part of this, leading business groups will be consulted thoroughly about how best to implement these changes.


More widely, government is considering whether to encourage more home working and discourage unnecessary travel as part of a ‘social distancing’ strategy that would delay the peak of the outbreak until later in the year, potentially helping combat the virus in warmer weather conditions.


And tomorrow you should not send your child to school unless you have been identified as a key worker.


In the last week alone 430 changes have been made to FCO Travel Advice.


(5) In determining whether all reasonable measures have been taken to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus for the purposes of paragraph (3)(a)(iii), any guidance issued by the government relevant to the gathering in question must be taken into account.


Elected mayors of local authorities(8)The poll for the election of any elected mayor that would otherwise, pursuant to regulations under section 9HB of the Local Government Act 2000 (time of elections etc), be held on 7 May 2020 is to be held instead on 6 May 2021.


Day by day we are strengthening our amazing NHS with 7500 former clinicians now coming back to the service. With the time you buy - by simply staying at home - we are increasing our stocks of equipment.


Local, mayoral and Police and Crime Commissioner elections that were due to take place in May this year will be postponed until May 2021, the Government has confirmed today. The Government will also work with the devolved administrations to ensure that they have the necessary powers to take the same approach.


There are currently no confirmed cases of this new infection in the UK.


Since January, public health teams and world leading scientists have been working round the clock on the COVID-19 response, and government has been working with partners across the country to provide tailored advice to the public, travellers coming into the country and those most at risk from COVID-19.


(2) Where a local authority gives a direction under regulation 4(1), 5(1) or 6(1) the local authority must (b)at least once every 7 days review whether the conditions in paragraph (1) continue to be met.


And our approach has at all times been guided by the Chief Medical Officer, working on the basis of the best possible scientific evidence.


(c)by P as soon as reasonably practicable upon arriving in Scotland submitting electronically, using a facility provided by the Secretary of State for this purpose, a Passenger Locator Form, containing—(i)P’s passenger information, and (ii)where P is accompanied by any child for whom P has responsibility, passenger information pertaining to that child.


To help the public spot false information the government is running the SHARE checklist and Don’t Feed The Beast campaign here. This gives the public five easy steps to follow to identify whether information may be misleading:


And so no, this is not the time simply to end the lockdown this week. Instead we are taking the first careful steps to modify our measures.


(4) For the purposes of paragraph (3), a reasonable excuse includes where(e)it is reasonably necessary for a person to enter or remain in a public outdoor place to which the direction relates—(i)for work purposes, or for the provision of voluntary or charitable services,(ii)to facilitate a house move,(iii)to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person, including relevant personal care within the meaning of paragraph 7(3B) of Schedule 4 to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006(1), or(iv)to provide emergency assistance.


We are collectively telling, telling cafes, pubs, bars, restaurants to close tonight as soon as they reasonably can, and not to open tomorrow. Though to be clear, they can continue to provide take-out services.


And so every day, with ever increasing data, we will be monitoring the R and the number of new infections, and the progress we are making, and if we as a nation begin to fulfil the conditions I have set out, then in the next few weeks and months we may be able to go further.


The new measures, which have been ordered by Downing Street and the Health Secretary as part of the battleplan, are: all departments to designate a junior minister to be responsible for their department’s COVID-19 action, for instance on schools or businesses


(8) Where a local authority gives a direction under paragraph (1) it must take reasonable steps to give advance notice of the direction to —( a)the organiser of the event, and(b)if different, any person who owns or occupies the premises for the event.


(4)The power under subsection (2)—(a)may be exercised more than once,(b)may not be exercised so as to fix a date for the poll for the election that is within the period mentioned in 10(7) of the 2006 Act, and(c)may not be exercised so as to fix a date after 6 May 2021.


for 14 days if anyone in your household has either of the symptoms – a new continuous cough or a high temperature


(3) For the purposes of this regulation, the “specified premises” are—(a)unless paragraph (b) or (c) applies—(i)an address specified in P’s Passenger Locator Form as the place they intend to stay in for the duration of the period specified in paragraph (2) as required by regulation 3, where P has completed a Passenger Locator Form,(ii)an address specified as the place they intend to stay for the duration of the period specified in paragraph (2) where P has completed a form equivalent to a Passenger Locator Form pursuant to an enactment in England, Wales or Northern Ireland,(iii)the premises at which they intend to stay for such part of the period specified in paragraph (2) as will apply while in Scotland where P is a person described in paragraph (1)(b) who has not completed a Passenger Locator Form or equivalent form as described in head (ii),(iv)the premises at which they intend to stay for such part of the period specified in paragraph (2) as will apply while in Scotland, where P is a person described in paragraph 1 of schedule 2 (other than one described in regulation 7(1)(c)(i)), or(v)where it is not possible for P to stay at a place in accordance with paragraph (i) to (iv), in accommodation facilitated by the Secretary of State for P for the purposes of paragraph (2),


The higher the level, the tougher and stricter we will have to be. There will be five alert levels.


(2) P must provide to the Secretary of State— (a)P’s passenger information, and (b)where P is accompanied by any child for whom P has responsibility, passenger information pertaining to that child.


(2)For the purposes of this section an election is “relevant” if— (b)it is an election to fill a casual vacancy in the office of councillor in a county council, county borough council or community council in Wales.


(7) Where a requirement under this regulation is imposed on or in relation to a child, or varied in relation to a child, a person who is a responsible adult in relation to the child must secure that the child complies with the requirement, insofar as that person is reasonably able to do so.


Unless an individual has been contacted already or has travelled to an affected area, they should be reassured it is not necessary for them to take any further action.


(9) A constable may use reasonable force, if necessary, in the exercise of a power under this regulation.


Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Coronavirus may very well be a challenge in the weeks and months ahead. But I have no doubt that with the help of the NHS and its incomparable staff this country will get through it – and beat it.


Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Public safety is our top priority. Our battle plan will ensure that as this escalates, every part of government is working together to share the responsibility of tackling the health, economic, and social impacts of COVID-19.


But we will get through this. We will get through it together, and we will beat this virus. And to ram that point home: the more effectively we follow the advice that we are given, the faster this country will stage both a medical and an economic recovery in full.


(11) No person may enter or remain in the restricted area in contravention of the restrictions in the direction without reasonable excuse while the direction has effect.


That is why people will only be allowed to leave their home for the following very limited purposes: shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible


There is no need to close the school or send other students or staff home.


Good afternoon and thank you for coming again, Today I am joined by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak and Jennie Harries deputy chief medical officer.


And I want to stress that we will review the situation each month, to see if we can relax any of these measures.


Patrick and Chris will give you some more detailed information on the latest advice we are giving the public today - and how we expect that advice to change as the outbreak develops.


In most cases, closure of the childcare or education setting will be unnecessary, but this will be a local decision based on various factors including professional advice.


Third, we need to have reliable data from SAGE showing that the rate of infection is decreasing to manageable levels across the board.


(4)The Presiding Officer must notify the constituency returning officer for the election of the date fixed for the poll under subsection (2) in the same manner as if it had been fixed under section 9 of the 1998 Act.


Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: Public safety is my top priority. Responding to coronavirus is a massive national effort and I’m working with colleagues across government to ensure we have a proportionate emergency bill, with the right measures to deal with the impacts of a widespread COVID-19 outbreak.


And therefore I urge you at this moment of national emergency to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives. Thank you.


The government has also urged the public to take further steps to protect themselves and the wider population from the coronavirus, including:  Everyone to stay at home unless they need to get essential supplies such as food and medicines.


I want to tell you where we got to in our national fightback against the coronavirus. Today the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies met to discuss the latest evidence on the spread of the virus and the effects of the measures we have already taken to slow its spread. And Patrick is going to update us in a second about that.


(2) Paragraph (1) does not prevent the use of (b)facilities for training by elite sportspersons, including indoor fitness studios, gyms, sports courts, indoor or outdoor swimming pools and other indoor leisure centres;


(9)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make transitional, transitory or saving provision in connection with the expiry under subsection (1) of any provision of this Act.


(d)the person concerned is fulfilling a legal obligation.


(3) In regulation 4—(a)in paragraph (2), references to P are to each person in the group;


Commercial airline options for departing China remain available throughout the country, except in Hubei Province.


(3) A restriction or requirement imposed under paragraph (1) (b)by a registered public health consultant may be varied (orally or in writing) by the Secretary of State or a registered public health consultant.


and we’ll stop all social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, but excluding funerals.


(2) A local authority designated officer may give a prohibition notice to a person if the officer reasonably believes that—(a)the person is contravening a direction under regulation 4(1) or 5(1), and(b)it is necessary and proportionate to give the prohibition notice for the purpose of preventing that person from continuing to do so.


Everyone who was forced to close a pub or a restaurant or a gym or any other business that could have done fantastic businesses on a great day like this. Thank you for your sacrifice, I know how tough it must be.


(4) During the emergency period, no person may participate in a gathering which—(b)takes place indoors,


Because although we have a plan, it is a conditional plan. And since our priority is to protect the public and save lives, we cannot move forward unless we satisfy the five tests. We must protect our NHS. We must see sustained falls in the death rate. We must see sustained and considerable falls in the rate of infection.


And though huge numbers are complying - and I thank you all - the time has now come for us all to do more.


Schedule 22 confers powers to issue directions in relation to events, gatherings and premises.


Local Government Association Chairman Cllr James Jamieson said: Councils are working tirelessly to support their communities as they rise to the unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus crisis.


(3) The power in paragraph (2) may be exercised where P is at any place.


(4) In determining whether to give a direction under regulation 4(1), 5(1) or 6(1) or to revoke such a direction, a local authority must have regard to any advice given to it by its director of public health (or its interim or acting director of public health).


(2)Sections 15 to 17 of the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 apply to the suspension of a provision by regulations under subsection (1)(a) as if the provision had been repealed by an Act.


Dr Nick Phin, National Infection Service Deputy Director at PHE, said on the reported Wuhan novel coronavirus:  Based on the available evidence, the risk to travellers to Wuhan from this disease is low and we are not advising them to change their plans.


People travelling to Wuhan should maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene and should avoid visiting animal and bird markets or people who are ill with respiratory symptoms. Individuals should seek medical attention if they develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days of visiting Wuhan, either in China or on their return to the UK, informing their health service prior to their attendance about their recent travel to the city.


In the UK, please stay indoors and avoid contact with others where possible, call your GP or ring 111 informing them of your symptoms and your recent travel to the city.


Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said We’re working with social media companies, and I’ll be pressing them this week for further action to stem the spread of falsehoods and rumours which could cost lives.


So we therefore need schools to make provision for the children of these key workers who would otherwise be forced to stay home. And they will also need to look after the most vulnerable children.


We have updated our guidance for individuals who have returned from Wuhan, China as follows:If you have returned from Wuhan in the last 14 days:stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with other flu viruses


Read the full FCO Travel Advice for China. British nationals in China who need consular support should call +86 (0)10 8529 6600 or the FCO in London on +44 (0) 207 008 1500.


(6) A constable may only exercise a power in paragraph (1), (4), or (5) if the constable considers that it is a necessary and proportionate means of ensuring compliance with the requirement in regulation 6(2).


Whole household to stay at home for 14 days if one member in that household thinks he/she has the symptoms. Avoid all unnecessary gatherings – pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants, theatres and so on and work from home if you can. Wash your hands.


Dr Nick Phin, Deputy Director, National Infection Service, Public Health England, said:This is a new and rapidly evolving situation where information on cases and the virus is being gathered and assessed daily.  Based on the available evidence, the current risk to the UK is considered low. We are working with the WHO and other international partners, have issued advice to the NHS and are keeping the situation under constant review.


(4) Where a local authority gives a direction under paragraph (1) it must take reasonable steps—(a)to give advance notice of the direction to a person carrying on a business from premises within a public outdoor place to which the direction relates, and(b)to ensure that the direction is brought to the attention of any person who owns, occupies or is responsible for any land or premises in a public outdoor place to which the direction relates.


(3) Where a relevant person considers that a number of people are gathered together in contravention of regulation 5, the relevant person may (b)direct any person in the gathering to return to the place where they are living, or


Keep washing your hands. I know it has been tough.I know it has been inconvenient.


(5) The Secretary of State or a registered public health consultant may (orally or in writing)— (b)impose on P any additional requirements specified in paragraph (2).


(3) A local authority may not give a direction under paragraph (1) in relation to— (a)any premises which forms part of essential infrastructure,


Good afternoon everyone Thank you for coming, and thank you to Robert Jenrick, the Communities Secretary, and Dr Jenny Harries, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer. I want again to thank everyone in the country today for the huge effort that we are collectively making.


Our ambition is that secondary pupils facing exams next year will get at least some time with their teachers before the holidays. And we will shortly be setting out detailed guidance on how to make it work in schools and shops and on transport.


(8) Where a local authority gives a direction under paragraph (1) it must take reasonable steps to give advance notice of the direction to —(a)a person carrying on a business from the premises to which the direction relates, and(b)if different, any person who owns or occupies the premises.


(10) In this regulation—“the authorised extended period” means such further period as is specified in an authorisation under paragraph (11);


On Saturday, 32 people from the Diamond Princess cruise ship were repatriated and taken to Arrowe Park, where they will remain in supported isolation.


(3)The Presiding Officer must fix a date under subsection (2) for the poll at the election to be held as soon as reasonably practicable.


So I’d like to end by repeating the two important messages, with which you will have become familiar – it is still vital, perhaps more vital than ever – that we remember to wash our hands.


And I say that to companies, remember our joint objective: to beat this virus. And we will do everything in our power to help.


(3)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations(b)further amend subsection (1) so as to replace “31 March 2021” with “30 September 2021”.


(6) Where a special restriction or requirement is imposed under paragraph (1)(c), the person imposing the restriction or requirement must express it to be contingent on the incidence or transmission of Coronavirus constituting a serious and imminent threat to public health as referred to in regulation 3.


When false narratives are identified, the government’s Rapid Response Unit coordinates with departments across Whitehall to deploy the appropriate response. This can include a direct rebuttal on social media, working with platforms to remove harmful content and ensuring public health campaigns are promoted through reliable sources.


(2) The Secretary of State or a registered public health consultant may require P to be kept in isolation, if the Secretary of State or, as the case may be, registered public health consultant — considers that it is necessary and proportionate to do so in order to reduce or remove the risk of P infecting or contaminating others.


Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: The safety and security of British people will always be our top priority. As such, we now advise British nationals in China to leave the country if they can, to minimise their risk of exposure to the virus. Where there are still British Nationals in Hubei Province who wish to be evacuated, we will continue to work around the clock to facilitate this.


Based on the World Health Organization’s declaration that this is a public health emergency of international concern, the UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate. This permits the government to plan for all eventualities. The risk to individuals remains low.


And I can tell you again that this government will be standing behind you – behind British business, behind British workers, employees, self-employed – throughout this crisis. And the reason we are taking these unprecedented steps to prop up businesses, support businesses and support our economy and these preventative measures is because we have to slow the spread of the disease and to save thousands of lives.


Second, we need to see a sustained and consistent fall in the daily death rates from coronavirus so we are confident that we have moved beyond the peak.


And to chart our progress and to avoid going back to square one, we are establishing a new Covid Alert System run by a new Joint Biosecurity Centre.


(5) Paragraph (1) does not prevent a person responsible for carrying on a business or providing a service listed in Schedule 2 (“the closed business”)—(a)carrying on a business of offering goods for sale or for hire—(i)in a shop which is separate from the premises used for the closed business; or(ii)by making deliveries or otherwise providing services in response to orders received—(aa)through a website, or otherwise by on-line communication,(bb)by telephone, including orders by text message, or(cc)by post;


And the right moment, as we’ve always said, is to do it when it is most effective, when we think it can make the biggest difference to slowing the spread of the disease, reducing the number of victims, reducing the number of fatalities.And as we take these steps we should be focusing on the most vulnerable.


(1) A relevant person may take such action as is necessary to enforce any requirement imposed by regulation 4, 5 or 6(10) or (11).


Schools should be guided by the advice on the GOV.UK website and contact their regional school commissioner in case of queries.


Penny Mordaunt, Paymaster General said But the public can also help with this effort, so today we implore them to take some simple steps before sharing information online, such as always reading beyond the headline and scrutinising the source


(c)where P is a person described in paragraph 9(1) of schedule 10 of the Immigration Act 2016(2) (powers of Secretary of State to enable person to meet bail conditions), in accommodation provided or arranged under that paragraph.


It is now almost two months since the people of this country began to put up with restrictions on their freedom – your freedom – of a kind that we have never seen before in peace or war. And you have shown the good sense to support those rules overwhelmingly.


(3) P must self-isolate (a)unless sub-paragraph (b) or (c) applies— (ii)in the case of a person described in paragraph (1)(b), or a person described in paragraph 1 of Schedule 2 (other than one described in paragraph (13)(a)(i)), at a place at which they intend to self-isolate while in England,


(3) An authorised person exercising the power in paragraph (1)(b) or (c) may use reasonable force, if necessary, in the exercise of the power.


Yesterday, the government and rail industry agreed a plan that will see a gradual reduction in train services across the country to reflect lower passenger demand as people change their travel patterns to help reduce the spread of coronavirus, while keeping vital rail services running. The decision to introduce further measures has been taken based on the latest advice from the world-leading health and scientific experts advising the government.


Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:  We will do whatever it takes to protect people across this country as we tackle the coronavirus outbreak.


That means that if possible you should not go out even to buy food or essentials, other than for exercise, and in that case at a safe distance from others. If necessary, you should ask for help from others for your daily necessities. And if that is not possible, then you should do what you can to limit your social contact when you leave the house to get supplies.


(5) The power to give a direction under paragraph (1) also includes power to vary or revoke the direction.


And of course people have already made a huge effort to comply with those measures for avoiding unnecessary social contact.


We believe the steps we have already taken, together with those I am announcing today, are already slowing the spread of the disease. But we will not hesitate to go further, and faster, in the days and weeks ahead. And we will do whatever it takes to so that we beat it together.


At all stages, we have been guided by the science, and we will do the right thing at the right time. We are not - repeat not - closing schools now. The scientific advice is that this could do more harm than good at this time. But we are of course keeping this under review and this again may change as the disease spreads. Schools should only close if they are specifically advised to do so. And that remains our advice


(6) The reference in paragraph (3)(c) to a person involved in the holding of an event does not include a person whose only involvement in the event is, or would be, by attendance at the event.


(1)This section applies where under section 10 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”), an election is to be held to fill a vacant seat of a constituency member (“the election”).


We have to do more to make sure that the existing measures that we are taking are having the effect that we want. So it is crucial that people understand tomorrow that the schools are closed.


Schedule 7 contains other temporary measures in response to coronavirus.


And I can assure you that we will keep these restrictions under constant review. We will look again in three weeks, and relax them if the evidence shows we are able to.


Comes as cross-government approach to tackling virus continues to accelerate, including ensuring detailed guidance is in place to help those self-isolating


And I know that many people – including millions of fit and active people over 70 – may feel, listening to what I have just said, that there is something excessive about these measures. But I have to say, I believe that they are overwhelmingly worth it to slow the spread of the disease, to reduce the peak, to save life, minimise suffering and to give our NHS the chance to cope.


3) This paragraph applies where— (a)in the case of a gathering described in paragraph (1)(b)(ii) or (iii)—(i)the gathering has been organised by a business, a charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution, a public body, or a political body,


(2)The Secretary of State or the Minister for the Cabinet Office may, by regulations made by statutory instrument, provide that the designated day for a relevant recall petition is postponed until a date specified in the regulations.


Based on the latest information and analysis, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that there is evidence of limited human to human transmission of the virus.


To ensure compliance with the Government’s instruction to stay at home, we will immediately: we will stop all gatherings of more than two people in public – excluding people you live with;


The move comes as government prepares to jointly publish an updated action plan on the response of the health care system and the public to COVID-19 together with the governments in the devolved nations. The document, expected to be published later this week, will outline the steps government will take to manage COVID-19 if it there is a sustained UK epidemic.


The Regulations were made in Parliament on 2 April 2020 and apply to meetings taking place before 7 May 2021. The government is able to legislate to bring forward this date if medical and scientific advice leads to the relaxation of social distancing rules.


So, the current restrictions will remain in place. The government will continue to monitor the data on the impact of the virus. We will soon be able to test 100,000 people every day. That will give us greater understanding of the scope of infection across the country. It will also help us plan how to change the measures when we are ready to. When we are confident on these 5 points.


(4)An Order under this section may make consequential, supplementary, incidental, transitional or saving provision.


(3) Subject to paragraph (4), a person who arrives in England from within the common travel area who has been outside the common travel area at any time in the period beginning with the 14th day before the date of their arrival in England must provide on the Passenger Locator Form their passenger information on their arrival.


Other government departments will increase their preparations as part of the comprehensive approach to Coronavirus, which has been led so far by DHSC working with NHS England and Public Health England.


(1) A local authority may give a direction under regulation 4(1), 5(1) or 6(1) only if the authority considers that the following conditions are met (b)that the direction is necessary for the purpose of preventing, protecting against, controlling or providing a public health response to the incidence or spread of infection by coronavirus in the local authority’s area, and


(9)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make— (a)consequential provision, (b)transitional, transitory or saving provision,in connection with the expiry under subsection (1) of any provision of this Act.


(3) P must self-isolate (c)where P is a person described in paragraph 9(1) of Schedule 10 to the Immigration Act 2016 (powers of Secretary of State to enable person to meet bail conditions), in accommodation provided or arranged under that paragraph.


And I want to begin by reminding you why the UK has been taking the approach that we have. Without a huge national effort to halt the growth of this virus, there will come a moment when no health service in the world could possibly cope; because there won’t be enough ventilators, enough intensive care beds, enough doctors and nurses.


Local authorities in England have been handed new powers to hold public meetings virtually by using video or telephone conferencing technology from Saturday (4 April 2020).


(1)The Welsh Ministers may, by regulations made by statutory instrument, provide— (a)that the poll for a relevant election is to be held on such date, or within such period, as is specified in the regulations;


But, first, let me update you on the steps we are taking to defeat the coronavirus, and the decisions we have taken today. Step-by-step, our action plan aims to slow the spread of the virus. So that fewer people need hospital treatment at any one time, and that is the way we can protect the NHS from being overwhelmed.


I said the moment would come where we needed to shield those with serious conditions. There are probably about 1.5 million in all. And in a minute Robert Jenrick will set out the plan in detail.


And from this Wednesday, we want to encourage people to take more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise. You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own household.


This change in travel advice reflects the pace at which other countries are either closing their borders or implementing restrictive measures in response to the global coronavirus pandemic.


(11)Regulations under subsection (9)—(a)which add to, replace or omit any part of the text of an Act are subject to the affirmative procedure,(b)otherwise, are subject to the negative procedure.


(4) During the emergency period, no person may participate in a gathering which— (c)would be a gathering of a kind mentioned in section 63(1) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994(2) if it took place on land in the open air.


Already, fantastic British companies, already under huge strain, big and small. Workers who are finding that their jobs are under threat or are going, through no fault of their own. And to all of them, we in government say: We will stand by you.


We are considering the question of banning major public events such as sporting fixtures. The scientific advice as we’ve said over the last couple of weeks is that banning such events will have little effect on the spread.


I know there are people very concerned about their household finances. Uncertain about their jobs. Worried for their small businesses that remain closed. We get it. We know it’s rough going at this time.


Fifth, and this is really crucial, we need to be confident that any adjustments to the current measures will not risk a second peak of infections that overwhelm the NHS. The worst thing we could do now is ease up too soon and allow a second peak of the virus to hit the NHS and hit the British people. It would be the worst outcome, not just for public health, but for the economy and for our country as a whole.


“the initial period” means the period of 24 hours beginning with—(a)in a case where the person is removed to a hospital or other suitable place, the time when the person arrives at that place, or


Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: Due to the increasing travel restrictions and the public health situation, we now advise against all but essential travel to China.


And it is because of your efforts to get the R down and the number of infections down here, that this measure will now be effective. And of course we will be monitoring our progress locally, regionally, and nationally and if there are outbreaks, if there are problems, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes.


The unit is one of the teams feeding into the wider Counter Disinformation Cell led by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, made up of experts from across government and in the tech sector.


(3) In regulation 4 (c)in paragraph (1) (insofar as it relates to those paragraphs), the reference to “a person” is to be read accordingly, and the power to impose a requirement to be detained is to be read as a power to impose that requirement on any one or more of the persons in the group in question.


(b)where P has arrived in Scotland from England, Wales or Northern Ireland by P prior to P’s arrival into England, Wales or Northern Ireland having submitted electronically to the Secretary of State a Passenger Locator Form containing— (i)P’s passenger information, and (ii)where P is accompanied by any child for whom P has responsibility, passenger information pertaining to that child, or


(4) During the emergency period, no person may participate in a gathering which—(a)consists of more than thirty persons,


And yet we must also recognise that this campaign against the virus has come at colossal cost to our way of life. We can see it all around us in the shuttered shops and abandoned businesses and darkened pubs and restaurants.


(4)This subsection applies to—(e)a referendum under or by virtue of Schedule 4B to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (referendums on neighbourhood development plans).;


And 4 of those have tested positive and been transferred to specialist centres.


(2) Land satisfies this condition if it is a public outdoor place, which is not—(a)operated by a business, a charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution or a public body as a visitor attraction, or(b)part of premises used for the operation of a business, charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution or a public body.


But at present there are just no easy options. The way ahead is hard, and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost. And yet it is also true that there is a clear way through.


(6) On an appeal against a direction under paragraph (1) in a case where the direction was made pursuant to a direction of the Secretary of State under regulation 3, a summons is to be issued to both the Secretary of State and the local authority.


Before exercising the power in paragraph (2) the constable must where consultation has not been carried out under sub-paragraph (a)—have due regard to the views of the registered public health consultant and any information provided by the registered public health consultant in relation to P.


(2) Paragraph (1) does not prevent the use of— (a)any suitable premises used for the businesses or services listed in Schedule 2 to host blood donation sessions;


(6) P may not leave, or be outside of, the premises where they are staying in accordance with paragraph (2) in reliance on any reasonable excuse described in regulation 8(4) or (5) of the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 (offences and penalties) except to the extent that such excuse falls within the reasons specified in regulation 10(4)(3).


The Chief Medical Officer will set out our lines of defence. We have to deploy these at the right time to maximise their effect. The most important task will be to protect our elderly and most vulnerable people during the peak weeks when there is the maximum risk of exposure to the disease and when the NHS will be under the most pressure. So the most dangerous period is not now but some weeks away depending on how fast it spreads.


(3)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations— (a)amend subsection (1) so as to replace “30 September 2020” with “31 March 2021”,


(3) The Secretary of State may not make a direction under paragraph (1) in relation to a public outdoor place which forms part of Crown land and includes property subject to section 73 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, unless an agreement has been made under that section with the appropriate authority.


And that’s why we have been asking people to stay at home during this pandemic.


Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said It’s critical that they continue to provide essential services and find innovative ways to maintain important economic functions they perform like the planning system and they will now be able to do so.


And we will continue as we have from the beginning to do the right thing at the right time and to follow the best scientific advice.


(3) Where a constable considers that an event is being held in contravention of a direction under regulation 5(1), the constable may (c)remove a person from the event.


And listening to what I have just said, some people may of course be tempted to go out tonight. But please don’t. You may think you are invincible, but there is no guarantee you will get mild symptoms, and you can still be a carrier of the disease and pass it on to others


Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:That is why we are now telling entertainment and hospitality premises to close temporarily, and people to only travel if absolutely essential, to help protect each other from the further spread of the virus.


For those travelling back directly from Wuhan, this includes a Port Health team who will meet each direct flight aircraft to provide advice and support to those that feel unwell. The team will include the Principal Port Medical Inspector, Port Health Doctor, Administrative Support, and Team Leader.


(1) This regulation applies where a person (“P”)— (a)arrives in England from outside the common travel area, or(b)arrives in England from within the common travel area, and has at any time in the period beginning with the 14th day before the date of their arrival in England, been outside the common travel area.


And that means we have to take the next steps, on scientific advice and following our plan, we are strengthening the measures announced on Monday which you will remember.


(11) For the purposes of this regulation, “shuttle service” has the meaning given in section 1(9) of the Channel Tunnel Act 1987(2).


Human cases of avian influenza have recently been reported in China, and historically there have been more cases at this time of year. Cases have originated from several provinces and municipalities across mainland China, and there have been a small number of avian influenza cases among Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan residents who have travelled to mainland China.


And as I have said throughout this process we will keep the implementation of these measures under constant review and, yes of course, we will bring forward further measures if we think that is necessary.


Throughout this period of the next two months we will be driven not by mere hope or economic necessity. We are going to be driven by the science, the data and public health.


(1)Section 10ZA of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (Northern Ireland: timing of the canvass) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) and (3).


People whose lives can, must, and will be saved. And as we take these actions together and as we make these sacrifices, we can see the impact on the real economy.


And I want to thank everyone for following the guidance we issued on Monday: to stay at home for 7 days if you think you have the symptoms,


(3) P must self-isolate (a)unless sub-paragraph (b) or (c) applies— (iii)where it is not possible for P to self-isolate in accordance with paragraph (i) or (ii), in accommodation facilitated by the Secretary of State for the purposes of P’s self-isolation,


(8) The Secretary of State must, as soon as possible, communicate the direction— (a)to any local authority within whose area the restricted area or any part of the restricted area falls (a “responsible local authority”), and(b)where the direction is given in relation to a public outdoor place which forms part of crown land, to the appropriate authority.


Fourth, we need to be confident that the range of operational challenges, including testing capacity and PPE, are in hand, with supply able to meet future demand.


As of Tuesday 28 January 2020, there are currently no confirmed cases in the UK or of UK citizens abroad, and the risk to the public remains low.


For the purposes of this section an election or referendum is “relevant” if— (b)subsection (3) or (4) applies to it.


Guided by science and data, we will look to adjust the measures to make them as effective as possible in protecting public health, while allowing some economic and social activity to resume. We will only do it, when the evidence demonstrates that is safe to do it.


(4)In determining under section 7(3) or (9)(c) of the Local Government Act 1972 which councillors are to retire in accordance with that provision on the fourth day after the ordinary day of election in 2021, councillors who retire in accordance with subsection (2) of this section are to be ignored.


Those returning from Iran, from the lockdown areas in northern Italy, and special care zone in South Korea should self-isolate and call NHS 111, even if they have no symptoms.


Measures to close entertainment, hospitality and indoor leisure premises across the country to take place from the end of trading hours today (Friday 20 March) to limit spread of coronavirus


If you don’t follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.


I also want at this stage to speak directly to older people. Because this disease is particularly dangerous for you, for older people, even though the vast majority this will be a mild to moderate illness, I know that many people will be very worried. And I think we should all be thinking about our elderly relatives, the more vulnerable members of their family, our neighbours, and everything we can do to protect them over the next few months. We’re going to need to mobilise millions of people to help and support each other. And I just want to you to know that the government will do all we can to help you and your family during this period. We’re not just going to be as you saw yesterday supporting the economy during this period, we will be providing money and many other forms of support, and helping communities to support each other.


To work from home if at all possible.


And though the death toll has been tragic, and the suffering immense. And though we grieve for all those we have lost.


Currently, the risk to the UK population is very low and the risk to travellers to Wuhan is low, but the situation is under constant review. However, in line with our robust preparedness activities for emerging infections, we have issued clinical guidance for the detection and diagnosis of Wuhan Novel Coronavirus. There are no confirmed cases of this new infection in the UK.


And that is partly because counterintuitively schools are actually very safe environments. And in this disease and epidemic children and young people are much less vulnerable.


(7) A direction under paragraph (1) imposing a prohibition, requirement or restriction must—(a)state the date and time on which the prohibition, requirement or restriction comes into effect, and the date and time on which it will end, and(b)give details of the right of appeal to a magistrates’ court, and the time within which such an appeal may be brought.


Often there is little or no notice when countries take these steps and restrictions are also being imposed in areas where no cases of coronavirus have yet been reported. They are therefore very difficult to predict.


Before exercising the power in paragraph (2) the constable must where consultation has not been carried out under sub-paragraph (a)—(i)consult a registered public health consultant as soon as reasonably practicable after the power in paragraph (2) has been exercised; and


(3)For the purposes of this section a recall petition is “relevant” if the day designated in relation to it under section 7(1)(b) of the 2015 Act (date from which petition may be signed) falls within the period beginning with the day on which this Act is passed and ending with 5 May 2021.


(4) Where a constable considers that a person is, without reasonable excuse, in a public outdoor place in contravention of regulation 7(3), the constable may—(a)direct that person to leave the place, and


(4)The power conferred by subsection (3)(b) may be used only after 30 September 2020.


(10) For the purposes of this regulation—(a)an individual has responsibility for a child if the individual—(i)has custody or charge of the child for the time being, or(ii)has parental responsibility for the child;(b)a “relevant person” means—(i)a constable,(ii)a police community support officer,(iii)subject to paragraph (11), a person designated by a local authority for the purposes of this regulation, or(iv)a person designated by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this regulation;(c)references to a requirement include references to a restriction;(d)a “restricted area” has the same meaning as in regulation 6.


(2) Where a local authority gives a direction under regulation 4(1), 5(1) or 6(1) the local authority must—(a)notify the Secretary of State as soon as reasonably practicable after the direction is given, and


And above all, now we are going to defeat this disease with a huge national effort to slow the spread by reducing unnecessary social contact.


(3) No person may without reasonable excuse enter or remain in a public outdoor place to which a direction under regulation 6(1) relates in contravention of a prohibition, requirement or restriction imposed by the direction.


When infection rates come down, the government will remove measures as soon as it is safe to do so, guided by scientific advice.


Level One means the disease is no longer present in the UK and Level Five is the most critical – the kind of situation we could have had if the NHS had been overwhelmed.


(9) Paragraph (1) does not affect the exercise of any powers by virtue of regulation 5(1)(c).


If you have returned to the UK from China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and develop symptoms of cough or fever or shortness of breath, you should immediately: stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu


Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, said So I have taken the decision to advise British nationals against all non-essential international travel.


Today’s developments follow significant government action over the last week, including: The launch of the government’s cross-government ‘war room’ of communications experts and scientists


Because the critical thing we must do is stop the disease spreading between households.


There are 3 direct flights a week that arrive at Heathrow from Wuhan. The enhanced monitoring of direct flights will be kept under continuous review and expanded to other Chinese departure points if necessary.


That’s all - these are the only reasons you should leave your home.


(6) A direction under paragraph (1) must (b)state the date and time on which the restrictions come into effect, and the date and time on which they will end;


This morning I chaired a meeting of the government’s COBR emergency committee on the Coronavirus outbreak.The First Ministers of Scotland and Wales and the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland also attended and we agreed to continue to work closely in the weeks and months ahead. We received a detailed briefing from the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Advisor. And again I repeat my gratitude to both Chris and to Patrick.There have now been four deaths from coronavirus in the UK, and our deepest sympathies are obviously with their friends and families.


(4) Where a constable considers that a person is, without reasonable excuse, in a public outdoor place in contravention of regulation 7(3), the constable may (b)remove that person from the place.


If you have travelled from Wuhan or Hubei Province, China to the UK in the last 14 days you should immediately, even if you do not have symptoms of the virus: stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu


And we need other critical workers with children to keep doing their jobs too – from police officers who are keeping us safe to the supermarket delivery drivers, social care workers who look after the elderly and who are so vital. We will be setting out more details shortly about who we mean in these groups.


(6) For the purposes of this regulation—(a)there is a gathering when two or more people are present together in the same place in order to engage in any form of social interaction with each other, or to undertake any other activity with each other;(b)a place is indoors if it would be considered to be enclosed or substantially enclosed for the purposes of section 2 of the Health Act 2006(3), under the Smoke-Free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006(4);(c)a “private dwelling” includes any garden, yard, passage, stair, outhouse or other appurtenance of the dwelling, and does not include—(i)accommodation in a hotel, hostel, campsite, caravan park, members club, boarding house or bed and breakfast accommodation,(ii)care homes, within the meaning of section 3 of the Care Standards Act 2000(5)),(iii)children’s homes, within the meaning of section 1 of the Care Standards Act 2000,(iv)Residential Family Centres, within the meaning of section 4 of the Care Standards Act 2000,(v)educational accommodation,(vi)accommodation intended for use by the army, navy or air force, or(vii)criminal justice accommodation;(d)a “charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution” means—(i)a charity, or(ii)an institution, other than a charity, established for charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes;(e)“vessel” means any ship, boat, barge, lighter or raft and any other description of craft, whether used in navigation or not, but does not include government vessels.


Over the period of the lockdown we have been in Level Four, and it is thanks to your sacrifice we are now in a position to begin to move in steps to Level Three. And as we go everyone will have a role to play in keeping the R down. By staying alert and following the rules.


The government is also working to bring in new law so that by-elections, local polls and referendums cannot be held before 6 May 2021. The Coronavirus Act 2020 has already postponed local and Police and Crime Commissioner elections scheduled in the UK for Thursday 7 May 2020 until 6 May 2021.


The decision was taken following advice from the Government’s medical experts in relation to the response to the Covid-19 virus and the advice of those delivering elections. Legislation will now be brought forward to postpone the elections for 12 months. Further details will be set out in due course.


Good afternoon, welcome to the daily coronavirus press conference from Downing Street. I’m joined by Sir Patrick Valance, the government’s Chief Scientific Advisor, and Professor Chris Whitty, the government’s Chief Medical Officer. Sir Patrick will provide an update on the latest data on coronavirus.


(8) Nothing in this regulation affects the operation of any requirement or restriction on P by virtue of schedule 21 of the Coronavirus Act 2020(4) (powers relating to potentially infectious persons) or by virtue of an order made under Part 4 of the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008(5).


But if we continue to look out for one another, to pull together in a united and national effort, I have no doubt that we can and will rise to that challenge. And I’m now going to ask Patrick and then Chris to give their own perspective on where we are.


13.—(1) Where a requirement is imposed on a person to be detained or kept in isolation under regulation 4, 5 or 8, a constable may do any of the following—(a)take the person to a suitable place, specified by the Secretary of State or a public health officer, for the person’s detention or isolation;


Some people compare it to seasonal flu. Alas, that is not right. Owing to the lack of immunity, this disease is more dangerous. And it’s going to spread further and I must level with you, level with the British public, many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time. And the Chief Scientific Adviser will set out the best information we have on that in a moment.


(3)The returning officer must fix a date under subsection (2) for the poll at the election to be held as soon as reasonably practicable.


If you have visited Wuhan and develop a fever, difficulty breathing or a cough within 14 days, you should seek medical attention either in China or on your return to the UK.


Public Health England have already concluded over 21,000 tests so far, with all but 206 coming back negative. Latest figures are published daily.We have also announced over the last week that 2 individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 have sadly died. Both were older individuals with underlying health issues.


But based on this advice, the government has determined that current measures must remain in place for at least the next 3 weeks.


(3) A restriction or requirement imposed under paragraph (1)— (a)by the Secretary of State may be varied (orally or in writing) by the Secretary of State;


13.—(1) Where a requirement is imposed on a person to be detained or kept in isolation under regulation 4, 5 or 8, a constable may do any of the following— (b)keep the person in detention or isolation


Expert teams continue to actively trace those who have come into contact with a suspected case. Unless an individual has been contacted already or has travelled to an affected area, they should be reassured it is not necessary for them to take any further action.


(6) A person removed to or kept in a hospital or other suitable place under this regulation may be detained there for a period not exceeding the permitted period of detention.


I appreciate the impact of these measures is considerable on people and businesses across the country. The costs being shouldered. The sacrifices people are making. Being isolated from friends and family. Whole households, cooped up inside, all week long.


(10) On an appeal against a direction under paragraph (1) in a case where the direction was made pursuant to a direction of the Secretary of State under regulation 3, a summons is to be issued to both the Secretary of State and the local authority.


Today the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all non-essential international travel, initially for a period of 30 days. This advice takes effect immediately.


(3) This paragraph applies where—(a)in the case of a gathering described in paragraph (1)(b)(ii) or (iii)— (ii)the person responsible for organising the gathering (“the gathering organiser”) has carried out a risk assessment which would satisfy the requirements of regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999(1), whether or not the gathering organiser is subject to those Regulations, and


Specialist units across government are working at pace to combat false and misleading narratives about coronavirus, ensuring the public has the right information to protect themselves and save lives.


(1) Where an authorised person has reasonable grounds to believe that a person (“P”) has left, or is outside of, the place where P is self-isolating in contravention of regulation 4, the authorised person may (b)remove P to the place where P is self-isolating,


And more generally in the view of the way people have responded over the last few days to the measures we have set out I want to say a bit more about how we interact outdoors.


(2) If the Secretary of State considers that one or more of the conditions in regulation 2(1) is no longer met in relation to a direction under regulation 4(1), 5(1) or 6(1) given by a local authority, the Secretary of State must direct the local authority to (b)revoke the direction and replace it with a further direction under regulation 4(1), 5(1) or 6(1) in relation to which the Secretary of State considers that the conditions in regulation 2(1) would be met.


(1) Subject to regulation 2, a local authority may give a direction imposing prohibitions, requirements or restrictions in relation to the holding of an event in its area.


The new measures, which have been ordered by Downing Street and the Health Secretary as part of the battleplan, are all DHSC ministers will be involved in the efforts to tackle COVID-19


(3)This subsection applies to— (g)an election to fill a vacancy in the office of a police and crime commissioner for a police area


(5) Where P is a child, and an authorised person has reasonable grounds to believe that P is repeatedly failing to comply with regulation 4, the authorised person may direct any individual who has responsibility for P to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that P so complies.


(2) Where a person absconds from detention or isolation imposed under regulation 4, 5 or 8, a constable may take the person into custody and return the person to the place of detention or isolation, or take the person to another suitable place specified by a public health officer.


Public Health England have already concluded over 10,000 tests so far, and all but 23 have been negative. Latest figures are published daily at 2pm.Expert teams are actively tracing those who have come into contact with a suspected case.


Now, these are places where people come together, and indeed the whole purpose of these businesses is to bring people together. But the sad things is that today for now, at least physically, we need to keep people apart.


(4)The date specified in regulations under subsection (2) must be no later than 6 May 2021.


The following businesses and venues have been asked to close: Food and drink venues for consumption on-site, such as restaurants and cafes.Drinking establishments, including pubs, bars, nightclubs.Entertainment venues, including cinemas, theatres, concert halls, and bingo halls.Museums and galleries.Spas and massage parlours.Casinos and betting shops.All indoor leisure and sports facilities, including gyms.


And the first step is a change of emphasis that we hope that people will act on this week. We said that you should work from home if you can, and only go to work if you must.


Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: We plan for the worst and work for the best, and the NHS is working 24/7 to fight this virus. Calls to NHS 111 have increased by more than a third and we have already put in place 500 extra staff to help with this increase. Every person has a role to play in managing the spread of COVID-19 – whether that’s washing your hands more often for 20 seconds or catching your sneezes.


(1)Part 1 of Schedule 16 makes provision enabling the Secretary of State and the Welsh Ministers to give directions for the restriction of attendance at premises used for the provision of education or childcare.


Today’s developments follow significant government action over the last week, including:Two ministerial-led COBRs to oversee the government’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak as well as numerous ministerial and clinician-led meetings


I can tell the House that in the coming days we will roll out a wider public information campaign.


(3) Where the Secretary of State gives a direction to a local authority under this regulation, regulation 2(1) and (4) do not apply in relation to the giving of a direction by the local authority pursuant to the Secretary of State’s direction.


Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said We’ve given local authorities across England an additional £1.6 billion to help their crucial work in the national effort against coronavirus, and we are continuing to ensure they get all of the support that they need at this time.


And without drastic action, cases could double every 5 or 6 days. So, first, we need to ask you to ensure that if you or anyone in your household has one of those two symptoms, then you should stay at home for fourteen days.


(4)Regulations under this section—(a)may make different provision for different purposes or areas,(b)may make transitional, transitory or saving provision.


Health Secretary Matt Hancock said The government and the NHS are working 24/7 to fight this virus, but cannot do this alone. Every single person has a role to play in helping to manage the spread of the virus - whether that’s washing your hands more often, catching your sneezes, and following clinical advice by calling NHS 111 not going to A&E if you develop symptoms.


(3) The conditions or measures which may be specified under paragraph (2)(d) include


Today therefore we are moving forward with our plan. From tomorrow, if you have coronavirus symptoms, however mild – either a new continuous cough or a high temperature – then you should stay at home for at least 7 days to protect others and help slow the spread of the disease.


(3)The powers in subsection (1) may be exercised more than once in relation to the same provision.


We must sort out our challenges in getting enough PPE to the people who need it, and yes, it is a global problem but we must fix it. And last, we must make sure that any measures we take do not force the reproduction rate of the disease - the R - back up over one, so that we have the kind of exponential growth we were facing a few weeks ago.


(8) Paragraph (2) does not require P to remain in isolation—(a)from any person with whom they were travelling when they arrived in England and who is also self-isolating in the place where P is self-isolating,(b)where P is self-isolating in their home, from any member of their household,(c)where P is self-isolating in the home of a friend or family member, from any member of the household of that friend or family member.


(4) A direction under this regulation may be revoked by the Secretary of State.


(2) A direction under paragraph (1) may be given only for the purposes of (b)restricting entry to the premises, or


(1) Where Condition A or B (set out in regulation 4) is met in relation to a person (“P”), the Secretary of State or a registered public health consultant may - carry out such an assessment in relation to P; and


(10)In this section— “local election” has the same meaning as in the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962 (see section 130(1) of that Act); “local government area” has the same meaning as in the Representation of the People Act 1983 (see section 203(1) of that Act).


(3) If on a review of a direction under paragraph (2)(b) a local authority considers that one or more of the conditions in paragraph (1) is no longer met in relation to the direction, the local authority must by notice— (a)revoke the direction without replacement, or


We are shining the light of science on this invisible killer, and we will pick it up where it strikes. Because our new system will be able in time to detect local flare-ups – in your area – as well as giving us a national picture. And yet when I look at where we are tonight, we have the R below one, between 0.5 and 0.9 – but potentially only just below one.


(3)Regulations under subsection (1) must not specify—(a)a date later than 6 May 2021, or(b)a period ending later than 6 May 2021.


(9)The postponement under subsection (8) of an election is to be ignored in determining the years in which subsequent elections of elected mayors are to be held.


(6) A direction under paragraph (1) may impose a prohibition, requirement or restriction by reference to, among other things—(a)the number of persons in the premises,(b)the purpose for which a person is in the premises, and(c)the facilities in the premises.


(7) P must, on their arrival in England, travel directly to the place at which they are to self-isolate, and must then self-isolate until whichever is the earlier of—(a)the end of the 14th day after the day on which they arrive in the common travel area, or(b)their departure from England.


(2)Sections 15 to 17 of the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (effect of repeals) apply to the suspension of a provision by regulations under subsection (1)(a) as if the provision had been repealed by an Act.


(2)The returning officer may—(a)where a date has been fixed for the poll for the election, fix a later date (which may be outwith the period required under section 37(1) of the 1973 Act), or(b)where no such date has been fixed, fix a date for the poll that is outwith that period.


Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: Local authorities are the backbone of our democracy and they are playing a vital role in the national effort to keep people safe. This change will support them to do that while maintaining the transparency we expect in local decision making


Commercial options for departing China remain available except in Hubei Province. The Foreign Office is working to finalise arrangements for evacuating British nationals from Hubei.


We are preparing various actions to slow the spread of this disease in order to reduce the strain it places on the NHS. The more we can delay the peak of the spread to the summer, the better the NHS will be able to manage.


And I must stress again that all of this is conditional, it all depends on a series of big Ifs. It depends on all of us – the entire country – to follow the advice, to observe social distancing, and to keep that R down.


(5)Regulations under subsection (1) must not specify (b)a period ending later than 6 May 2021.


All 4 parts of the UK will work together against the potential of a COVID-19 epidemic in the UK, under the government’s new approach to pandemic preparation.


The risk to the UK population has been assessed as low, based on the emerging evidence regarding case numbers, potential sources and human to human transmission, the risk to travellers to Wuhan is moderate. This has been raised from very low due to current evidence on the likelihood of cases being imported into this country.