UK to ban mass gatherings to fight coronavirus - BBC Newsnight

Mass gatherings are set to be banned in the UK from as early as next weekend amid the outbreak of coronavirus.
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A government source said ministers are drawing up plans for the move - to ease pressure on emergency services.

Scores of major sporting and cultural events have already been cancelled across the country in response to the pandemic.

In total, 11 people have died with the virus in the UK, while the number of confirmed cases rose to 798 on Friday.

It is understood that ministers are working with the government's chief scientific adviser and chief medical adviser on plans to stop various types of public events.

The source said: "There are many complex considerations to make all these measures as effective as possible.

"We will make the right decisions at the right time based on the best scientific evidence."

Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt had earlier questioned the government's decision to hold off cancelling large gatherings, describing the decision as "concerning".

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