Coronavirus UK: Boris Johnson confirms action plan as growing number of cases is 'highly likely'

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The coronavirus outbreak could lead to a fifth of workers being absent, cause police to drop low-priority cases and force the NHS to delay non-urgent care, according to the Government’s plan to tackle Covid-19.

The 27-page document sets out the UK-wide response to Covid-19 amid widespread concerns about the impact the virus will have on people’s wellbeing, the economy and public services.

England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said “probably around 1 per cent of people who get this virus might end up dying”, but that the death rate varies according to age group.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke at a press conference in Number 10 on Tuesday to discuss the details of his battle plan against the disease.

He laid out the plan to contain the virus, delay its spread, research a cure and mitigate the impact should the virus become more widespread.

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