Boris Johnson praised by business chiefs over ‘world leading’ coronavirus package
A LEADING business leader has lavished Boris Johnson's Government with praise after it announced a new series of measures to counter the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus: Carolyn Fairbairn praises 'breakthrough day'
On Friday chancellor Rishi Sunak said the Government would pay 80 percent of the wages of workers forced to self-isolate because of corona virus, up to £2,500 a month. The move is aimed at preventing the coronavirus pandemic resulting in mass job losses across the UK.
Another 39 coronavirus deaths were reported in England on Friday, the highest daily total, bringing the UK total since the epidemic began to 176.
Mr Johnson announced all pubs, restaurants and other entertainment venues across the UK are to be closed down.
Speaking to BBC Newsnight Carolyn Fairbairn welcomed the Government’s actions.
She said: “There are other problems to solve but that must not takeaway from the fact this is an absolute breakthrough day.
“I’ve been inundated by calls from businesses tonight overwhelmed with relief that they are able to keep their people in their businesses paid and in employment in this incredibly difficult time.
“This is absolutely globally world leading, we’ve had our brilliant civil servants working through the night all this week to come up with an absolutely extraordinary package.
“It’s not the end of the story but it is an extraordinary moment.
“I’ve had a number of businesses saying to me today ‘the economic fightback starts here right now’.”
On Friday Italy recorded 627 coronavirus deaths, the most in a single day since the crisis began.
The total number of deaths in Italy has hit 4,032, a higher figure than recorded in China where the outbreak began.
At particular risk are those aged 60 or over and people with pre-existing health conditions.
Mr Johnson announced the closure of entertainment venues across the UK for at least 14 days.
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He said: “These measures are intended to be temporary.
“I am confident, in time, the UK economy is going to bounce back, of course, it is.
“We need to now push down further on that curve of transmission between us.
“Following an agreement between the four nations of the United Kingdom and devolved administrations, we are collectively telling cafes, bars and restaurants to close tonight as soon as they can.
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“I must be absolutely clear with you, the speed of our eventual recovery depends entirely on our ability to get on top of the virus now.
“That means we need to take the next step on scientific advice and follow our plan.”
Britain could remain on lockdown for an entire year, according to scientists who told Boris Johnson to impose social distancing rules.
The Government’s head coronavirus advisers have said that the restrictions on travel and socialising could eventually ease off.
However, they also said that it is highly likely that the measures will be reimposed once NHS beds fill up again.
The Prime Minister was advised on Monday that closing pubs and restaurants is the only way to help Britain control the pandemic, according to minutes of the meeting of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).