Coronavirus: UK moves into ‘delay phase’, despite not cancelling events or closing schools

The UK government has been criticised by residents for their perceived lack of action against the spread of coronavirus

The UK government has confirmed that it is entering the ‘delay phase’ of tackling coronavirus, with politicians acknowledging that it can no longer be contained.

This is despite the fact that the UK has not issued school closures or mass event cancellations as of yet, although this is subject to change within the new phase.

London St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are still said to go ahead this weekend, with horse racing event Cheltenham finishing up today.

Announcing the movement into the new phase, UK prime minister Boris Johnson said that “this is the worst public health crisis for a generation”.  “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,” he added.

Yesterday, Ireland’s Taoiseach Leo Varadkar issued nationwide restrictions to deal with the spread of the virus, including school closures until March 29, mass event cancellations and encouraging anyone who can to work from home in the coming weeks.

As of yesterday, the UK has had 596 confirmed cases of Covid19. Ten people have died of the virus.

In Ireland, as of yesterday, we have 70 confirmed cases of the virus, with one person dead. Six of the current cases are being treated in intensive care units.

Read more: BREAKING: Irish schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close from tomorrow

Read more: A morning ritual to keep you centred while working from home

Read more: Coronavirus Diaries: The Cork yoga teacher who’s worried about her elderly mother