A NETWORK of local hubs will be set up to help support people asked to self-isolate for 12 weeks, the government has confirmed.

"We now have to take special steps to protect the vulnerable. This shielding will do more than any other single measure to save lives," Prime Minister Boris Johnson told a press conference this afternoon.

Communities secretary Robert Jenrick has confirmed that shielding measures will include NHS England contacting up to 1.5million people with serious medical conditions asking them to stay at home for the next 12 weeks.

The number includes the most vulnerable in society.

He said he knows people will feel anxious about medications, mental, and physical health.

Others in the house will not be required to adopt these shielding measures, but must follow social distancing measures.

Carers may also visit, but must follow social distancing measures.

A network of local hubs will be created to cover the whole country, with community pharmacists delivering medicines, and local councils working to ensure grocery deliveries, and more to ensure no-one goes without.

Members of the armed forces are supporting this effort.

The PM also issued a warning that if people do not follow social distancing measures, the government will be forced to take further measures.

"We would need to look at the kind of measures other countries have been forced to bring in," Mr Johnson said in response to a question from a journalist.

"I do not want to do that, and it is very important that the pleasure of being able to go out is preserved, but it can only be preserved if people act responsibly.

"If we cannot do that, then yes, we will have to bring forward further measures."

Mr Johnson said he wanted to thank everybody who is keeping the country going, from NHS staff to shop workers.

He also thanked pubs, restaurants and other businesses for closing their doors, and those who did not visit their mothers today following yesterday's advice.

The new measures come as the UK's coronavirus death toll rises to 281.

The government has already issued guidelines on social distancing and self isolation to protect the most vulnerable in our society, and closed schools, pubs and restaurants.

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Today's update follows Mr Johnson's warning yesterday, when he asked people not to visit their loved ones on Mother's Day in a bid to help slow the spread of the virus.

Speaking yesterday, Environment Secretary George Eustice also urged shoppers to be more responsible, with panic buying making life very difficult for NHS staff and the elderly.

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"There is more than enough food to go around," Mr Eustice said.

"Sales of some foods have increased significantly, but there is no shortage of food available. The challenge is keeping shelves stacked."