Over 70s will be told to self-isolate for up to four months as the UK increase measures to fight the global pandemic.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it is a "very big ask", but it is a measure which is for their own "self-protection".

The death toll doubled on Saturday from 11 to 21, whilst the number of people testing positive passed the 1,000 marks.

Matt Hancock said:

"The measures that we're looking at taking, are very, very significant.

“They will disrupt the ordinary lives of almost everybody in the country to tackle this virus.

"Our generation has never been tested like this.

"Our grandparents were, during the Second World War when our cities were bombed during the Blitz.

"Despite the pounding every night, the rationing, the loss of life, they pulled together in one gigantic national effort.

"Today our generation is facing its test, fighting a very real and new disease."

The extreme but 'necessary' measure is to be introduced in the coming weeks.