UK airports ‘will shut down in weeks’ due to coronavirus

The government has been warned that unless there is “urgent” intervention UK airports could close “within weeks” due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Airport Operators Association said, “we are clear that airports will shut down in weeks unless urgent action is taken to support the industry”.

They have called on the government to suspend business rates and all other taxes on UK airports.

The transport secretary, Grant Shapps warned commuters on Monday that due to the rapid decline in people using trains, they could be shut down.

On Monday the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson told reporters at a press conference in Downing Street, that “now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact and to stop all non-essential travel”

As part of a range of stringent new measures, Johnson has now urged people to work from home and avoid pubs, clubs and theatres.

However, the UK is set to follow Italy, Spain, France and Ireland by closing restaurants, pubs and cafes, as the government has not ruled out a total shut down to combat coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus across the UK now stands at 1,543, up by 171 in one day.

The current death toll stands at 37 in the UK, but this will be updated later today.