All pubs, cafes and restaurants are being ordered to close tonight and not to reopen tomorrow in a ramping-up of the government’s coronavirus response.
Gyms, cinemas, leisure centres and theatres are also being told to shut as the Prime Minister warned people not to believe they are ‘invincible’.
The nationwide measures, announced at today’s Downing Street briefing on coronavirus, takes Britain in line with many other countries as it seeks to prevent social mixing.
Since Monday, the public has been advised to avoid any such venue - but as the week has gone on, concern has grown that people have not been paying attention.