The total number of UK cases (Graphic: Metro.co.uk)

Another 48 people have died with coronavirus in the UK, taking the death toll to 281.

Earlier today, Wales recorded a further seven new deaths, with the previous figure standing at 240. Scotland later reported an additional three deaths. It comes as 5,683 people tested positive for Covid-19 in the UK. Confirmed case numbers rose by 665 in a day.

The latest figures come despite pleas for more social distancing, after the prime minister ordered pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants to close earlier this week in an attempt to curb the spread of the killer virus. Vulnerable people are being asked to isolate themselves for 12 weeks.



Globally, the tally is approaching 14,000 according to worldometers, which suggests nearly 100,000 have recovered after contracting the disease. Prime Minister Boris Johnson this afternoon urged people to follow the Government’s advice over coronavirus saying: ‘You have to stay two metres apart and you have to follow the social distancing.’


Boris Johnson today said that if people don’t follow guidance the government introduce tougher measures (Picture: Sky News)

Mr Johnson described the current advice as ‘absolutely crucial’ and added: ‘We will bring forward further measures if we think that is necessary.’

Mr Johnson said: ‘It’s crucial that people understand that tomorrow that the schools are closed. I want, of course I do, people to be able to go to the parks, open spaces and enjoy themselves.

For the latest coronavirus updates and coverage in the UK and around the world click here.

Read the latest updates: Coronavirus news live

‘It is crucial for health, physical and mental well-being. But please follow that advice and don’t think that fresh air in itself automatically provides some immunity.

‘Take this advice seriously, follow it, because it’s absolutely crucial.’

Mr Johnson continued: ‘The reason we’re taking these unprecedented steps…is, of course, that we have to slow the spread of the disease and to save thousands of lives.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

A man cycles in front of a sign saying ‘good luck and stay safe’ in London (Picture: Reuters)

People gathered in their droves in Battersea Park despite advice to stay two metres apart (Picture: Reuters)

‘Today we have come to the stage of our plan that I advertised from the outset when we first set out the plan of the UK government.

‘When we now have to take special steps to protect the particularly vulnerable and you’ll remember that I said the moment would come to shield those with serious conditions – there are probably about one and a half million in all.

‘This shielding will do more than any other single measure that we are setting out, to save life.’

Mr Johnson said that the ability to go outdoors for exercise was extremely important for physical and mental wellbeing but that people needed to do it ‘responsibly’.

‘Many many people do not have access, let’s face it, to private green spaces where they can do that and that’s why parks, open spaces are so absolutely crucial for our country and for our society,’ he said.

The Prime Minister re-iterated that people need to keep their space (Picture: Getty)

Hundreds of people lined up outside supermarkets today as panic buying continues across the UK (Picture: PA)

‘But when we do that we have to do that responsibly… my message is you’ve got to do this in line with the advice, you’ve got to follow the social distancing rule – keep two metres apart.



‘Otherwise if you don’t do it responsibly… as you suggest there is going to be no doubt that we will have to bring forward further measures and we are certainly keeping that under constant review.’

Mr Johnson said: ‘The general principle should be we should all, as far as we possibly can, stay at home, protect our NHS and therefore save lives.’

In the UK, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has suggested the NHS is not prepared for growing numbers of Covid-19 cases, as health workers called for an urgent increase in equipment.

There are also continued concerns around panic buying, with the public urged to take only what they need from shops.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.