Pubs, restaurants and gyms to close in UK

Britain has already asked people to avoid unnecessary contact with others and avoid pubs, restaurants and other venues. Londoners have been told to use public transport only for essential journeys.

London: The British government on Friday ordered all pubs, restaurants, movie theatres and gyms to close in sweeping new restrictions to fight the spread of coronavirus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said those venues should close as soon as possible on Friday and not reopen until further notice.

Restaurants could continue to serve takeout food, he added.

Britain has already asked people to avoid unnecessary contact with others and avoid pubs, restaurants and other venues.

Londoners have been told to use public transport only for essential journeys.

As of Friday, Britain had recorded 177 deaths among people with the virus, 40 more than the day before.

(With inputs from AP)