ALL mass gatherings are due to be axed by next weekend to help public services fight coronavirus.

Boris Johnson has decided on the move after a host of cancellations — from the London marathon to the Premier League, sources said.

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13 Banned events could include Glastonbury

13 The London Marathon is expected to be postponed this year due to the coronavirus pandemic Credit: Getty Images - Getty

13 A woman wearing a mask looks at her cellphone during the final day of the Cheltenham Festival Credit: AFP or licensors

The PM also wants a lot more businesses to move towards “widespread working from home”.

Mr Johnson is working with the chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser on plans to “stop various types of public event”.

It would ease the pressure on ambulances and the police.

The Government has yet to decide the size of events to be banned.

They could include Glastonbury, Royal Ascot, the Grand National, the Chelsea Flower Show and even Wimbledon could be played behind closed doors.



EMERGENCY LAWS

Any ban will be part of emergency laws unveiled on Monday.

But No10 said existing public health powers were sufficient to impose a temporary ban for now.

The emergency laws will also allow the Government to compensate companies that lose out.

Ministers are also in urgent talks with businesses for far more working from home.

Visitors to the Commons were banned last night due to the virus.

13 London Bridge was left empty on Friday as people worked from home Credit: Louis Wood - The Sun

13 A popular spot in Swansea was left deserted as people stayed at home Credit: Alamy Live News

13 Commuters standing apart on a half empty train platform in Pettswood, Kent Credit: London News Pictures

13 Paddington Station is quiet as commuters stay home Credit: PA:Press Association

13 Many of those faced with using the tube are wearing masks Credit: London News Pictures

Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt questioned plans — and called for further steps.

But the Prime Minister said it was too soon to close schools.

Chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said it was wrong to implement knee-jerk measures “that seem instantly attractive”.

Yesterday, the number of Brits testing positive soared by more than 200 — the biggest 24-hour leap yet.

A total of 798 people are infected, up from 596 on Thursday.

Today, Wales health authorities confirmed an extra 22 cases - bringing their total to 60 and the UK figure to 820.



'REDUCE THE PEAK'

The death toll reached 11 after Scotland confirmed its first fatality.

Sir Patrick said if 60 per cent of healthy Brits catch coronavirus, it will help protect the most vulnerable by creating “herd immunity”.

His believes it would stop it spreading among the rest of the population.

The contagion would otherwise return next winter, when the NHS is ill-equipped to cope.

He added: “Our aim is to try and reduce the peak, broaden the peak, not suppress it completely.”

13 Birmingham New Street station was looking quieter than usual on Friday as people worked from home Credit: Caters News Agency

13 Piccadilly Circus is used to being full of a bustling crowd of tourists Credit: Louis Wood - The Sun

13 Devoid of travellers and commuters, Manchester Piccadilly was virtually empty on Friday Credit: Mercury Press

13 In the last 24 hours the UK death toll rose to 11 with confirmed cases up 208 to 798 Credit: Getty

13 Donald Trump could ban Brits from travelling to the US as part of his efforts to stop the spread of the killer virus Credit: Getty

Care homes now have orders that any resident with a cough or fever must be immediately isolated — and cared for by staff in protective masks and gloves.

Sick people will be banned from visiting. But some families fear loved ones would die alone.

Several providers have already started telling families to stay away.

Mario Kreft, of Care Forum Wales, representing more than 450 homes, said visits should not be made unless “absolutely essential”.

In the general population, anyone with a new cough or fever must now stay at home for seven days, even if their symptoms are mild.



DIE ALONE

As cases explode, entire families could be asked to quarantine themselves for a fortnight.

All older Brits could soon have to self-isolate from April to July. The World Health Organisation last night said Europe is now the “epicentre” of the pandemic.

Its boss revealed more cases are being reported every day than in China at the height of its epidemic.

Italy recorded 250 deaths in a single day with more than 15,000 cases. France, Spain and Germany all exceeded 2,000 cases each.

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Disney closed its parks, including Disneyland Paris.

The Foreign Office advised against all but essential travel to the Spanish regions of Madrid, La Rioja and three other municipalities.

A YouGov survey showed most people think the Government is handling the crisis well.

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