Coronavirus cases across the world have passed 200,000, and in the UK, there have now been more than 100 deaths as of 6pm, 18th March. The youngest person to die from the virus in the UK so far was in his 40s.
At his daily briefing, the PM announced that schools across the country would be closing from Friday, with the exception of vulnerable children and those of key workers (such as delivery drivers, doctors and nurses) to ensure critical infrastructure can still run. Summer exams are also set to be cancelled.
Further news also followed on supermarket stocking plans, including announcement that chain Morrison's would be employing as many as 3,500 more staff to cope with the increased demand.
In media, it was announced that many UK soaps - such as EastEnders, Coronation Street and Doctors - would all cease filming.
The BBC and ITV both announced they would be heavily restructuring their programming to focus on the impact of the virus and raise awareness.
Music festival Glastonbury has been postponed until 2021, and the Eurovision song contest has also been cancelled today.
According to the BBC, retail bosses have maintained that there is enough food in the supply chain for everyone, as long as people "only buy what they need".
EU border closures have come into effect today, with travellers from outside the bloc repeatedly being turned away. Within the EU, specifically in Poland, there are reports of border queues stretching on for kilometres to allow citizens to return home.
The next Leaders Council coronavirus update will follow tomorrow morning.
