UK coronavirus live: Johnson threatens stricter measures if people flout social distancing rules as deaths reach 281 - as it happened

That’s it for today’s UK live blog. We will be following more reactions to Johnson’s press conference and global developments here.

Here’s a summary of the latest coronavirus developments in the UK, including the announcements from Boris Johnson’s daily press conference this afternoon.

• Boris Johnson warned that if people continue to ignore social distancing in public spaces he would have to introduce tougher measures to enforce it.
• The London mayor, Sadiq Khan, said the police could be used to enforce these measures, while in Scotland the police were used to close pubs which refused to shut.
• About 1.5 million people who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus are being contacted by the NHS and advised to stay at home for 12 weeks.
  
• The government is setting up a network of local hubs to ensure these people still receive medicines, groceries and other essential items without leaving the house.
• Johnson also said the country was going to need “far, far more ventilators” as the virus continues to spread.
• Meanwhile, shops are coming under increasing pressure to close their doors, with Waterstones announcing a U-turn on its decision to stay open after staff expressed fears over the health risks.
• The first coronavirus case in an immigration detention centre was reported.
• Rish Sunak was criticised for failing to offer support to the self-employed in his coronavirus bailout package.

Boris Johnson finishes up today’s press conference by once again pleading with the public to observe social distancing to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The best thing that everybody can do, if you’re going outside, is observe social distancing, Stay two metres apart - it’s not such a difficult thing, do it.

Stay at home - that is the best way to help the NHS, and the best way to save potentially many, many thousands of lives.

Johnson thanks the public for their efforts and underlines the importance of staying two metres apart when outside, as well as staying at home. He says that the faster we do this, the faster we will beat the epidemic.

Jenrick says parcels will be free initially. Says if over time we can tailor it to individuals’ needs, this may change.

Dr Harries says small gatherings are perhaps riskier if people are close together. She says: “At the end of the day it relies on the public to make it work.”

When asked by a reporter when the government would consider using the police to enforce social distancing, Boris Johnson seemed quite incredulous.

“Bring in the police!?” he responded.

However, he reiterated that if people continue to ignore advice on staying apart, tougher measures would have be introduced – but still gave detail on what these tougher measures could be.

Dr Harries says over-70s identified by the initiative should not go out. Others should try to stay at home and follow social distancing. He stresses that we don’t want to increase mental health problems by “such a strict imposition” and says the outdoor environment is safer than an indoor one (because the virus doesn’t last as long).

Jenrick says if people have been missed, they can contact their hub or GP.

Answering a question about curfews and the police, Johnson reiterates importance of responsibly going out while observing social distancing. “If people won’t do it, we’ll bring in tougher measures.”

Dr Harries says the the 1.5 million have been identified through four routes: through a digital route, clinical referencing groups, trust and medical royal colleges, and adds that if you have not had contact you can raise it with your GP.

Dr Harries says letter will direct people to NHS mental wellbeing site as well as to hubs. She says that local authorities know their communities well and will be able to support individuals.

“The answer is always to be guided by the science,” says Johnson, stressing the importance of timing for a lockdown. “You have to wait until the right moment to do it.” The PM says shielding has been brought in at the moment of maximum exposure.

Boris Johnson said that, although there is a good supply at the moment, the country is going to need far, far more ventilators and a huge effort is under way to get these.

Harries said places such as London were starting to see “very significant” rises in cases.

In England, only 12% of adult critical care beds are occupied by Covid-19 patients at the moment, but that will change drastically throughout the epidemic, Harries added.