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Over the last 24 hours a further 18 people have died as a result of the coronavirus, bringing the UK total up to 55.

As of 9am this morning (March 16) a total of 44,105 people had been tested for coronavirus, 1,543 of which tested positive.

More than 6,000 people have died across the world as countries go into lockdown in a bid to control the pandemic.

In the UK, shoppers fearing self isolation are stock-piling leaving supermarket shelves stripped of supplies like toilet paper, soap, hand sanitiser, pasta and tinned goods.

Many of the country's leading supermarkets issued a statement pleading with shoppers to remain calm and be wary of the effect of hoarding on others.

The latest government advice on the coronavirus outbreak You can find the latest government advice on what to do during the COVID-19 outbreak here. For the latest updates on coronavirus in Essex and breaking news across the country, join our dedicated Facebook group here. For more information, go to Public Health England's website here or NHS 111 here.

Speaking in the Commons today, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the pandemic is "the most serious public health emergency that our nation has faced for a generation", reports The Mirror.

Mr Hancock added: "Our policy is to fight this virus with everything we've got. We'll give the NHS whatever it needs and we will do whatever it takes.

"We'll get through this by working through our action plan to contain, delay, research and mitigate the virus and that plan has two overriding aims - to protect the NHS by building it up and flattening the curve and to protect life by safeguarding those who are most vulnerable."

Boris Johnson said at a press conference earlier today, (Monday, March 16), people should also start working from home where they possibly can and, from tomorrow, the government will no longer be supporting mass gatherings using emergency workers.

"We are now approaching the fast growth part of the upward curve without drastic action cases can double every five or six days," said the Prime Minister.

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"First we need to ask you, if you or anyone in your household has one of those symptoms then you should stay at home for 14 days, you should not go out, even to buy food or essentials and other than for exercise, and at a safe distance from others.

"Now it is the time for everyone to stop non essential contact with others and stop unnecessary travel, starting working from home where they possibly can, you should avoid pubs, cafes and businesses and other social gatherings

"It goes without saying people should use the NHS when you really need to and please go online rather ringing NHS. This advice, avoiding social contact, is particularly important for people over 70, pregnant women and for those with some health conditions."

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