The death toll from the coronavirus in the UK rises to 104, an increase of 32, a rise of 30%.
The number of confirmed cases of the virus has now surpassed 200,000 globally. There have been at least 8,000 deaths around the world and the vast majority of confirmed cases – 80% – have occurred in Europe and the Western Pacific region, which includes much of Asia.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to address the nation in a press conference at 17:15 GMT with the latest updates relating to the coronavirus outbreak. The UK’s Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, is also expected to be giving a statement in the Commons.
UPDATE: This statement will now be taking place at 5.15pm today https://t.co/9nc5KxQ9vD
— UK House of Commons (@HouseofCommons) March 18, 2020
Earlier today we heard that schools in Scotland and Wales would close by the end of the week.
In England, the situation remains unchanged, but many heads are struggling with staff shortages as more and more teachers self-isolate.
In the Prime minister press conference, we believe both politicians will talk about plans for English schools after governments in Wales and Scotland said they would be closing them down at the end of the week.
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