The UK remains in the first "contain" phase of the coronavirus outbreak today - despite the government admitting it will "spread in a significant way." Boris Johnson gathered ministers, the Chief Medical Office and Chief Scientific Advisor this morning for a meeting of the COBRA emergency committee to discuss the next steps to tackle the illness. The meeting discussed whether the UK should officially move to the delay phase - the second part of the Government's four-part plan which will involve formal "social distancing" measures in the population. But as of 1pm the government had announced no new action or advice - instead advising people, including the elderly, to continue washing their hands with soap and water regularly for 20 seconds. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: “We remain in the contain phase but it is now accepted that this virus is going to spread in a significant way, and that is why officials have been working at speed on further steps we can take to delay the spread of the virus.” The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK soared to 319 today. Three people have died in UK hospitals. Unlike other countries the UK is not currently updating its guidance on mass gatherings like sports events, for example, or imposing travel restrictions. Advice could change in future, but it is thought new guidance is not imminent on sports events, mass school closures or working from home, for example. One government source warned there's a risk imposing hardline measures too soon could prompt "fatigue" among the public. They added: "The countries that went hardest on things like fight bans are the ones that have got it worst." Boris Johnson's spokesman today said that if, and when the advice does change, it will be given to the in a “clear and transparent way". He added: “The advice which we issue will depend on the circumstances and transmission of the virus and you can expect there to be updates. “That doesn’t mean the information we were giving at the time was incorrect - it means that was what was appropriate at that moment in time.” Earlier Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden had said that cancelling sports events and shutting museums and galleries due to coronavirus would be "premature". While some other European countries are cancelling mass gatherings or limiting the number of people who can attend big events, Mr Dowden said there are "no plans" for Britain to follow suit. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is hosting a meeting with governing bodies and broadcasters on Monday to discuss how to handle the Covid-19 outbreak's potential impact on the sporting calendar. Meanwhile Environment Secretary George Eustice will hold further talks with retailers on how to support vulnerable groups who may have to self-isolate, amid widespread stockpiling. A SAGE meeting is expected tomorrow with another COBRA meeting on Wednesday. The PM’s spokesman declined to confirm or deny whether COBRA disc
BBC Breakfast,Cobra,NHS,Princess Cruises Ltd.,World Health Organisation,British Airways,Boris Johnson,Lindsay Hoyle,Hospitals,Childcare,Politics,Coronavirus,Museums,
The UK remains in the first "contain" phase of the coronavirus outbreak today - despite the government admitting it will "spread in a significant way." Boris Johnson gathered ministers, the Chief Medical Office and Chief Scientific Advisor this morning for a meeting of the COBRA emergency committee to discuss the next steps to tackle the illness. The meeting discussed whether the UK should officially move to the delay phase - the second part of the Government's four-part plan which will involve formal "social distancing" measures in the population. But as of 1pm the government had announced no new action or advice - instead advising people, including the elderly, to continue washing their hands with soap and water regularly for 20 seconds. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: “We remain in the contain phase but it is now accepted that this virus is going to spread in a significant way, and that is why officials have been working at speed on further steps we can take to delay the spread of the virus.” The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK soared to 319 today. Three people have died in UK hospitals. Unlike other countries the UK is not currently updating its guidance on mass gatherings like sports events, for example, or imposing travel restrictions. Advice could change in future, but it is thought new guidance is not imminent on sports events, mass school closures or working from home, for example. One government source warned there's a risk imposing hardline measures too soon could prompt "fatigue" among the public. They added: "The countries that went hardest on things like fight bans are the ones that have got it worst." Boris Johnson's spokesman today said that if, and when the advice does change, it will be given to the in a “clear and transparent way". He added: “The advice which we issue will depend on the circumstances and transmission of the virus and you can expect there to be updates. “That doesn’t mean the information we were giving at the time was incorrect - it means that was what was appropriate at that moment in time.” Earlier Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden had said that cancelling sports events and shutting museums and galleries due to coronavirus would be "premature". While some other European countries are cancelling mass gatherings or limiting the number of people who can attend big events, Mr Dowden said there are "no plans" for Britain to follow suit. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is hosting a meeting with governing bodies and broadcasters on Monday to discuss how to handle the Covid-19 outbreak's potential impact on the sporting calendar. Meanwhile Environment Secretary George Eustice will hold further talks with retailers on how to support vulnerable groups who may have to self-isolate, amid widespread stockpiling. A SAGE meeting is expected tomorrow with another COBRA meeting on Wednesday. The PM’s spokesman declined to confirm or deny whether COBRA disc
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