Coronavirus: UK to ban mass gatherings from next week

Glyn KIRK / AFP

In an attempt to curb the coronavirus outbreak, the British government has announced a ban on mass gatherings from next week.

"Ministers are working with the chief scientific adviser and chief medical officer on our plan to stop various types of public events, including mass gatherings, beginning next week," a government source said on Saturday.

So far, Britain has registered 798 cases and 11 deaths. 

It comes as some organisations suspended public gatherings in light of the situation. England's Premier League suspended all matches until April 4, while the London Marathon has been postponed.

Local and mayoral elections in England that were due to take place in May have also been postponed. 

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said they might include the UK in the coronavirus travel ban.

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