UK struggles to sustain economy despite global pandemic

The UK government is set to unveil more financial plans to help the economy during the coronavirus outbreak, after the prime minister announced unprecedented peacetime measures.

Boris Johnson has urged everyone to avoid unnecessary social contacts, to work from home where possible, and to stay away from public functions and restaurants.

People in at-risk groups will be asked within days to stay home for 12 weeks.

But companies and firms have warned that the virus restrictions could put them out of business.

The number of people who have died with the virus in the UK has reached 55.

More than 1,500 people have tested positive for the virus in the UK but the actual number of cases is estimated to be between 35,000 and 50,000.