BORIS Johnson has ordered pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants across the UK to close from tonight (March 20) “as soon as they reasonably can” in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres were also told to not reopen tomorrow in an attempt to “keep people apart,” at the daily news conference.
The prime minister said that hospitality venues can only continue to provide takeaway services.
The measures are to be revised every month.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said the government will pay 80% of wages for employees who are not working, up to £2,500 a month.
Sunak also said VAT payments for businesses will be deferred until the end of June.
