Mother’s Day plans all over the country this Sunday are being scrapped with concerns that large family gatherings could lead to the spread of the killer coronavirus.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson plunged Britain into an extraordinary lockdown yesterday after he urged people to stop all ‘non-essential’ contact with others.
And with the government also urging citizens to avoid all unnecessary travel, Mother’s Day celebrations look set to be put on hold indefinitely.
Last night’s advice added: ‘Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.’
The advice was met with dismay online, with many pointing out that it meant serious Mother’s Day issues.
However, some retailers, such as Moonpig, suggested the virus could lead to an increase in online purchases for this weekend’s special day.
Coronavirus cases in the UK are rapidly climbing, and the spiralling outbreak yesterday prompted Boris Johnson to take the drastic step of advising against all social contact in a desperate measure to delay the spread of infection
A Moonpig spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Mother’s Day is a very special time that we all want to spend with our loved ones.
‘But with the Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday, many of us might not have the chance to do so this year. We will try to do everything we can to make sure people can still have a heartfelt Mother’s Day, even if they can’t meet in person.
‘Moonpig is confident that we can meet increased demand for online orders, and we’re working with our delivery partners to implement social distancing wherever possible by leaving deliveries on doorsteps.’
Over-70s have been told to self-isolate amid the virus outbreak, with the PM saying they should avoid leaving the house if possible.
Concerned people took to Twitter to share their worries, with one saying: ‘I bet all the Mother’s Day lunch cancellations are going to be devastating for the restaurant industry.’
Another said: ‘If we are going on lockdown just wait until after the weekend ok? I want to still be able to take my mum out for Mother’s Day.’
While a third added: ‘Move Mother’s Day to October?’
As of yesterday, there have been 1,543 positive tests for coronavirus in the UK with a death toll of 55.
The PM warned that the coronavirus was now in a phase of rapid spread across the UK, with London seeing a particular surge, and it was time to take radical action to stop the NHS being swamped.
Everyone should avoid contact that is not absolutely necessary – with restaurants, bars and cinemas and travel off limits, and an end to large gatherings.
Admitting that the squeeze could last 12 weeks or even longer, Mr Johnson acknowledged he was ‘asking a lot’ and described the measures as draconian – though necessary.
Entire households should self-isolate for two weeks if one person has been showing symptoms, and older people should prepare to stay away from risks for months to come. He said that meant ‘you should not go out, even to buy food or essentials’.
At a dramatic press conference in Downing Street yesterday, as the UK coronavirus death toll spiked to 55, the PM said: ‘If necessary, you should ask for help from others for your daily necessities.
‘If that is not possible, you should do what you can to limit your social contact when you leave the house to get supplies.’
‘Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and stop all non-essential travel.
‘We need people to start working from home where they possible can. You should avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues.’
In a special plea to the capital, Mr Johnson said people there were at the highest risk.
‘It looks as though London is now a few weeks ahead… it’s important that Londoners now pay special attention to what we are saying about avoiding all non-essential contact.’
The move came after ministers were warned the death toll from the virus could hit 260,000 unless dramatic measures were taken immediately.
The Prime Minister said the global economy was facing a ‘potentially severe blow’ and insisted the Government would help businesses and staff.