The timeline for the last week in the UK
People told to self-isolate if they had symptoms (Fever or NEW persistent cough) for 7 days
People told to stay away from pubs, clubs, bars, gyms, restaurants etc. BUT no enforcement for those business owners to close.
People then told to work from home if they can. Schools still open.
Thursday
Schools told they will be shut from Friday, for all but the children of essential workers, disabled or vulnerable children. Business loans could be had up to 25k for any business.
All exams cancelled - teachers will estimate/award grades for GCSE and A Levels.
Friday
All public locations to close by midnight tonight. Bars, clubs, cinemas, restaurants, etc. INDEFINITELY ( but expected to be for up to 12 months, with occasional relaxing of these measures)
UK government tells businesses not to sack any staff. The government will pay 80% of the staffs wages if they are kept on by closed businesses. (Estimated at £30 Billion) for first 3 months.
All vat returns suspended for businesses.
Landlords will not be allowed to evict anybody for non payment of rent for next 6 months.
The constant message is that all of these measures are being taken by looking at the science behind the virus, both from other outbreaks, and current data from other countries.
I am given twice daily reports on what PPE we are using so I can ensure we have enough on order and it is distributed to the right areas.
We have also converted an old ward, which had been turned into a store room, back into a usable area where we can ventilate patients when they come in.
IT department has ordered 750 laptops so staff can work from home if need be (to add to the 350 currently in circulation)
No annual leave over a week is authorised, and staff are being rotated from clean to dirty (infected or suspected infected) areas regularly. They are also being encouraged to take short (2-3 days) holidays regularly so they don't become over tired or stressed.
These are things that are happening right now - pure facts.
All of these decisions have been made after examining all possibilities, by people with far more resources to crunch the numbers than anyone on here. I can guarentee that no government in the world would choose to make these decisions, with the huge financial cost, if there was any other choices.
People need to start taking this seriously and following whatever government advice is issued or things will get significantly worse.
Wash your hands, and keep your distance.