PM: We can 'turn the tide' on coronavirus crisis
The UK can "turn the tide" on the coronavirus crisis within 12 weeks, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said.
He said he was "absolutely confident" the UK could "send coronavirus packing" but only if people followed government advice.
Trials on a vaccine were expected to begin within a month, he said.
Mr Johnson said there were no plans to stop the London tube network but the capital will see tougher measures if people did not do more.
Speaking in Downing Street, he said the government would "enforce" its advice on social distancing "if it becomes necessary" because there was "some evidence that in some parts of the capital it is very patchy".
"I know how difficult it may be or it may seem right now, but if we do this together, we will save many, many thousands of lives," he added.
He also urged businesses to stand by their employees "because we will stand by you".
Speaking alongside the PM, Prof Chris Whitty, the UK's chief medical adviser, warned there would be a "lag" before the public's efforts to stem the spread of the virus would slow down case numbers.
In other developments across the globe:
- Italy's death toll has risen by 427, overtaking China's toll
- The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier tests positive for the virus
- France and Italy could extend lockdowns
- Asian countries are seeing a second wave of infections from people returning home
- UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said a number of British nationals - estimated at about 400, were trapped in Peru because of restrictions imposed in the country
- Confirmed cases worldwide have passed 220,000, while almost 9,000 people have died
BBC news
PM: We can 'turn the tide' on coronavirus crisis
