Johnson Says UK ’Can Turn Tide’ of Coronavirus in 12 Weeks

By Staff, Agencies

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Thursday that Britain could "turn the tide" on coronavirus within 12 weeks, only if people heed advice to avoid social contact.

"We can turn the tide within the next 12 weeks, and I'm absolutely confident we can send coronavirus packing in this country," he said at his daily press conference.

"But only if we all take the steps we have outlined, and that is vital because that is how we're going to reduce the peak."

The British government has also promised to ramp up testing of the virus, from 5,000 to 10,000 per day "by next week", with the goal of conducting 25,000 within a month.

So far 144 people have died in the United Kingdom, with 3,269 confirmed cases -- although health officials warned this week that the true number of infections could be 55,000.

Johnson did not announce new measures to stem the outbreak, but denied rumors he could shut down public transport in London, the worst affected area.

Transport officials have closed dozens of London Underground stations, but are maintaining the system to enable "critical workers to make essential journeys".

Johnson had on Wednesday bowed to public pressure to close schools from next week, although some will remain open for the children of health and other 'key' workers.

On Thursday he praised people's "extraordinary efforts" so far in following advice to avoid non-essential social contact and travel, and to work from home.

"But if we feel it isn't working... and we need to bring forward tougher measures, then of course nothing is ruled out," he told reporters, themselves sitting apart.

He said new measures to help businesses would be announced on Friday -- and urged firms struggling with the outbreak not to fire staff.