coronavirus businesses
The government has ordered to shut down businesses such as cafes and shops for 12 weeks to stop the spread of coronavirus. Many shops and cafes in London operating as normal and customers in defiance of Boris Johnson’s 12-week shutdown still coming.
Yesterday, in fact, Britons have been told to avoid all non-essential travel and contact with others, but without any enforcement measures a substantial number today appeared to ignore his advice and head out onto the streets.
Cafes and shops in Waterloo Station were filled by dozens of customers this morning, while many Tubes and trains remained to throng with travelers. London Palladium theatre still held a concert even though people do not attend the plays. Dentists are also struggling to buy protective kit whereas the clinic should remain open.
The Prime Minister revealed the new measures at a dramatic press conference last night as the death toll rose to 55, sparking pressure for a stronger government response. The PM warned that the Coronavirus was now in a phase of rapid spread across the UK, with London seeing a particular surge, and it was time to take radical action to stop the NHS from being swamped. Mr. Johnson also said he would rely on businesses and Britons to follow the guidance.
The PM told a Downing Street press conference: ‘If necessary, you should ask for help from others for your daily necessities. ‘If that is not possible, you should do what you can to limit your social contact when you leave the house to get supplies.’
‘Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and stop all non-essential travel. We need people to start working from home where they possibly can. You should avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues.’ Cases of the Coronavirus across the UK have now jumped to 1,543, with 55 deaths; but there is likely to be many more as tests are being carried out on patients in a hospital.
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