The public has been urged to avoid unnecessary social gatherings, including pubs, clubs, theatres and restaurants, as the epidemic accelerates towards its peak. But buried in the Treasury's announcement is a change that could help your local diner. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "We will act like any wartime government and do whatever it takes to support our economy." Announcing the measures at a No10 press conference, he added: "This enemy can be deadly - but it is also beatable." But unions said the measures must go further to help the lowest earners and not be a "bailout for boardrooms" alone.

Source: Daily Mirror March 17, 2020 19:41 UTC