Boris Johnson writes letters to all UK households asking people to stay at home and save lives

Coronavirus rise in UK leads prime minister to send 30 million letters

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is writing to 30 million UK households asking people to stay at home during the coronavirus lockdown. AFP

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is writing to every UK household to urge people to stay at home to "protect the NHS and save lives".

The move comes as the death toll in the UK has risen to 1,019 in the last 24 hours, with over 17,000 cases.

Mr Johnson became the first world leader to test positive for coronavirus on Friday and is presently in isolation at home.

In the letter, he will tell the nation "things will get worse before they get better".

The country is presently in lockdown to slow the spread of the virus, however, some people are flouting requests to stay at home.

Mr Johnson's letter is due to land on the doorsteps of 30 million households across all four UK nations from next week.

He will outline the guidance everyone should follow and the measures the Government has put in place to fight coronavirus and to support businesses and workers.

He will be urging everyone to follow the rules to save lives and thank NHS staff working round the clock as well as everyone volunteering their time to protect others.

Mr Johnson will say: “We know things will get worse before they get better. But we are making the right preparations, and the more we all follow the rules, the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal.

“I want to thank everyone who is working flat out to beat the virus, in particular the staff in our fantastic NHS and care sector across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“It has been truly inspirational to see our doctors, nurses and other carers rise magnificently to the needs of the hour.

"Thousands of retired doctors and nurses are returning to the NHS – and hundreds of thousands of citizens are volunteering to help the most vulnerable.
"That is why, at this moment of national emergency, I urge you, please, to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives."

Alongside the letter, residents will receive a leaflet outlining the Government’s advice, with clear explanations of symptoms, hand washing guidance, rules on leaving the house, self-isolating with symptoms and shielding vulnerable people.

The leaflet contains UK-wide information as well as directions about where to access online guidance specific to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Prime Minister is continuing to lead the Government’s response to coronavirus as he self isolates after testing positive for the virus.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, wished Mr Johnson a speedy recovery.

“Together we will face the Covid-19 challenge with determination, unity and solidarity for all mankind,” said Sheikh Mohamed on Twitter.