Pubs, clubs, restaurants and gyms ordered to close to fight coronavirus

Pubs, clubs, cafes and gyms have been ordered to close by the UK Government as part of the measures to fight coronavirus.

Boris Johnson made the announcement on Friday afternoon in his daily press conference. It comes after a third coronavirus death was confirmed in Wales.

The Prime Minister said "The speed of our eventual recovery depends entirely on our collective ability to get on top of the virus now and that means we have to take the next steps on scientific advice."

"And so following agreement with all the ... devolved administrations, we are collectively telling cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants to close tonight as soon as they reasonably can and not to open tomorrow.

"Though, to be clear, they can continue to provide take out services

"We're also telling nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres to close on the same timescale."

Gyms are closed with immediate effect.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the Government will step in and help pay people's wages through a coronavirus job retention scheme.

He said: "Employers will be able to contact HMRC for a grant to cover most of the wages of people who are not working but are furloughed and kept on payroll rather than being laid off.

"Government grants will cover 80% of the salary of retained workers up to a total of £2,500 a month - that's just above the median income."

Wales' First Minister confirmed the same restrictions in Wales shortly after the Prime Minister. Mark Drakeford said many people had already followed the strong advice but needed to introduce these strong measures to slow the disease.

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know