PRIME MINISTER Boris Johnson has warned coronavirus is the “worst public health crisis for a generation” and that it is “not right” to compare it to seasonal flu.
Mr Johnson set out measures that could “cause severe disruption” for many months – as two more Brits died from the deadly bug.
As he moved the UK into the “delay” phase of his battleplan for coronavirus, Mr Johnson said anyone with a mild cough or temperature must now stay at home for seven days.
It comes as the total number of UK cases hit 596, with 10 deaths.
The latest deaths were of an 89-year-old at Charing Cross Hospital in London and a woman in her 60s at Queen’s Hospital in Romford. Both had underlying health conditions.
The PM said school trips abroad should be stopped, while people over 70 with serious medical conditions should not go on cruises.
Mr Johnson said families would continue to “lose loved ones before their time” as the coronavirus outbreak worsens.
“We’ve all got to be clear, this is the worst public health crisis for a generation,” said the PM.
“Some people compare it to seasonal flu, alas that is not right.
“Due to the lack of immunity this disease is more dangerous.
“It is going to spread further and I must level with you, I must level with the British public: many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time.”
The World Health Organisation has estimated that the global mortality rate from Covid-19 is about 3.4 per cent.
Initially, the agency had suggested that, based on early data from January, the death rate was about two per cent.
But WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said last week it was much higher than they had first estimated.
By comparison, seasonal flu generally kills far fewer than one per cent of those infected.
However it’s thought there are many mild cases that are not reported, which would bring the mortality rate down significantly.
Mr Johnson called for millions to “mobilise” as he issued a rallying cry for an army of volunteers to help in the battle against coronavirus.
And channelling his hero Sir Winston Churchill, the PM said: “Even if things seem tough now, just to remember, that we will get through this, this country will get through this epidemic, just as it has got through many tougher experiences before.”
Stressing the need to protect others, Mr Johnson said: “If you have coronavirus symptoms however mild, either a new continuous cough or a high temperature, then you should stay at home for at least seven days to protect others and help slow the spread of the disease.”
He said the Government was also “considering the question of banning major public events such as sporting fixtures”.
The PM added: “There is no escaping the reality that these measures will cause severe disruption across our country for many months.
“The best scientific advice is that this will help us slow the disease and save lives.”
But officials will no longer be testing those with mild symptoms or telling their close contacts to remain indoors.
Instead, checks will be done on the most unwell in hospital or on high-risk cases, such as NHS or care home workers.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government’s chief scientific adviser, said the actual number of people infected in the UK at the moment could be between 5,000 and 10,000.
He said: “Currently we are on a trajectory that looks as though it is about four weeks or so behind Italy and some other countries in Europe.
“We think the peak may be something like 10 to 14 weeks away, and you would want to try to make sure that the elderly are protected during the peak area.”
And he warned banning fans from football matches and closing schools – as has happened elsewhere – could actually be counter-productive.
The PM’s decision not to ban mass gatherings is at odds with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon advising against events of more than 500 people – including football matches and gigs.
