Coronavirus: Pubs, gyms, restaurants and cinemas to close in bid to beat Covid-19

All pubs, restaurants, cinemas and gyms across the UK will close, as the Government ramps up its efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Boris Johnson announced the new measures at a daily press conference on the outbreak on Friday.

The Prime Minister added that nightclubs, theatres, and leisure centres also fall under the same measures. Mr Johnson said takeaway services were allowed to continue.

It comes after the PM said the Government would not "rule out" taking "further and faster measures" than the social distancing instructions already outlined.

London has so far been more severely affected by the virus than other parts of the UK.

But there has been concern many people have continued to socialise in pubs and attend gyms around the city.

Tom Stainer, chief executive of consumer group Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), said: "If pubs across London close to stop people gathering, it is important that the Government makes clear what services they can still offer, such as allowing people to take away food and drink.

He added: "The Government also needs to reassure those who work in pubs what measures will be put in place to secure their jobs and businesses."

Some pubs have already closed their doors as people were advised to avoid them. Credit: PA

"Camra, along with the rest of the industry, will continue to push for a wider package of support."

Camra has set up a central register to let people know what pubs are offering during the crisis, and is working with a crowdfunding initiative to support small businesses.

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know

PM Johnson with Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin, at one of his pubs in July 2019. Credit: PA

Wetherspoons boss, Tim Martin, a former heavy smoker who has had two major operaitons, said he would like to keep his venues open and is willing to take his chances with the disease.

"Our main desire is that pubs should remain open, rather in the way that Parliament has remained open," he said.

"You'd be aghast if every MP was sitting next to every other MP, but it's right that it should stay open on a sensible basis."

He added: "Closure is much more draconian, and we don't think that it brings health benefits, and it certainly doesn't bring economic benefits," .

Since the Mr Johnson's announcement, Wetherspoons has said it will close all of its pubs across the UK on Friday night.

London is thought to be ahead of the rest of the UK in the outbreak. Credit: PA

Downing Street declined to criticise Wetherspoons chairman and Conservative Party donor Tim Martin after he argued that pubs should stay open despite the coronavirus threat.

A Number 10 spokesman said: "We have been clear about the importance of social distancing and the need for people, especially in vulnerable groups and in other age groups, to do so.

"We have been clear about our guidance around social gatherings and again we have asked the public to do what we have asked the public to do."

Asked if he was nervous about criticising political supporters of the Prime Minister, the spokesman said: "We've based all our decisions on the best scientific evidence and we will continue to do so."