Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish encourages people to stay at home

The Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has encouraged people to stay at home to protect the NHS.

In a video posted on Twitter, the attacking midfielder says it is 'urgent' that people listen to the advice about only going out once a day and staying two metres away from others.

The 24-year-old said staying at home will save lives and protect the NHS.

It comes as Boris Johnson announces he is writing to every household in the UK urging the public to obey the lockdown.

In his letter - which will be delivered from next week - the Prime Minister says 'you must stay at home' and that the government 'will not hesitate to go further' if necessary.

The letter adds: "In just a few short weeks, everyday life in this country has changed dramatically. We all feel the profound impact of coronavirus not just on ourselves, but on our loved ones and our communities.

"I understand completely the difficulties this disruption has caused to your lives, businesses and jobs. But the action we have taken is absolutely necessary, for one very simple reason.

"If too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to cope. This will cost lives. We must slow the spread of the disease, and reduce the number of people needing hospital treatment in order to save as many lives as possible."