"If we don't get this right, we will see thousands of lives lost needlessly," says Mr Johnson. "We have the opportunity to get on top of this and turn the tide."

It is necessary and right for the government to stand behind businesses and workers, he adds.

Earlier Mr Johnson also said he is confident the UK economy can bounce back.

The first minister is expected to give a short statement on the latest coronavirus developments outside her residence at 18:00 tonight. We plan to stream it live.

The prime minister is asked about Mothers' Day this Sunday, and he says everyone should think carefully about the risk of transmission of the virus, where anyone has is elderly or in a vulnerable health group.

Asked if he would see his own mother, he said he would be working very hard on Sunday.

Nick Eardley
Political correspondent

This is a colossal intervention from the government - as the chancellor said, unprecedented in the UK.

It reflects how concerned the government is about the economic impact this crisis could have - and is having already.

It’s worth remembering this is the third big intervention from government in recent days. This crisis has changed all the rules completely.

We now move to questions. The first question is about how the closure of pubs, clubs and theatres will be enforced.

Prime Minister Johnson says there are "licensing arrangements that will make it simple".

However, he suggests it won't need to be enforced adding that "in reality, everybody can see the imperative of what is necessary".

Actions like washing hands help take the strain off the NHS, says Boris Johnson.

"We will be able to save literally thousands of lives," he says, if we take actions together and "make sacrifices".

He tells businesses: "We will stand by you" and that everything is being done in the government's power.

Boris Johnson added that takeaways would be excluded from the new measures coming in from tonight.

The measures on closures will be reviewed on a monthly basis.

The chancellor also said self-assessment income payments would be deferred and business interruption loans would be interest fee for 12 months, rather than the six months previously announced.

"In the face of a generation-defining moment, we want to remember that we stood together," the chancellor said.

You can listen in to Douglas Fraser's analysis here.

The chancellor says he is also deferring VAT for all businesses until the end of June.

Image source, Getty Images

Chancellor Rishi Sunak says the government is setting up a job retention scheme and employers can get a grant to cover most wages.

He says the economic intervention he is announcing is unprecedented but necessary.

He says he knows people are worried and says it will require a collective effort.

Mr Johnson says the government is strengthening the measures announced earlier this week.

"We are telling cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants to close tonight as soon as they reasonably can and not reopen tomorrow."

Places like nightclubs, cinemas and gyms will also follow suit.

The measures will be considered as time goes on, Boris Johnson says. But he stresses people should not go out tonight to pubs, clubs or other public venues.

"We want you to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives", he adds.

He adds it seems to go against the freedom-loving instincts of British people but "we will get through this - we will get through it together and beat this virus".

The BBC's health editor, Hugh Pym, reports that a hospital in London declared a critical incident for 24 hours because of the pressure on critical care beds. The critical incident is now over.

Residents in high-rise flats are being warned about potential fire risks ahead of the weekend.

The Scottish government has issued posters to building managers urging people to keep common areas clear and to report any fire risk issues.

Image source, Getty Images

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: “The tragic events at Grenfell Tower emphasised how important building and fire safety is.

"Although we already have stringent regulations in place, we are determined to do everything we can to strengthen the safety of those living in high-rise buildings.

“Keeping common areas clear can help reduce the risk of the spread of fire, while also ensuring that if there is a fire that escape is not impeded and firefighters can get fast access."

Councils to produce list of workers whose children will be looked after if they have no childcare.