Coronavirus: Daily Government briefings announced and school closing after positive case
Key developments from the West Midlands, the Uk and abroad on the coronavirus outbreak.
Boris Johnson or one of his senior ministers will hold daily press conferences to update the public on the fight against the coronavirus outbreak, Downing Street has said.
The Prime Minister will address the media over the pandemic alongside chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance on Monday.
The first of the daily briefings will come after the PM chairs a Cobra committee meeting expected to focus on plans to shield elderly and vulnerable citizens, household isolation and mass gatherings.
A second school in the Black Country is closing after a positive case was confirmed.
And production on the new series of Peaky Blinders has been postponed due to the outbreak. It was due to film on location at Black Country Living Museum, in Dudley, and in Birmingham.
Over in the US, New York City and Los Angeles shut down bars, restaurants and other public places.
Key developments
The Prime Minister or a ‘senior’ minister will host a televised briefing each day while being joined by a revolving cast of medical and scientific experts, Downing Street said.
The move also came as the number of patients who have died in the UK after testing positive for the virus reached 36.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all but essential travel to 35 countries including China and the US.
New York City and Los Angeles shut down bars, restaurants and other public places
