THE Government has announced new recommendations to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

At a press conference on Monday, March 16, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as case numbers across the country continue to rise.

Under new recommendations, people over the age of 70 or have serious health conditions should stay at home for 12 weeks from the weekend; entire households should self-isolate for 14 days if someone has a fever or continuous cough; people should work from home if possible and avoid public venues such as pubs and restaurants.

As of Tuesday, March 17, the total number of UK cases stands at 1,543 with a total of 55 deaths. There are now eight confirmed cases in Cornwall and 20 in Devon.

To keep up-to-date on the number of cases in each region, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public#number-of-cases