The number of coronavirus cases in the UK have been increasing and the UK government has said the spread of the disease is likely. The government has the power to close schools, restrict public transportation, and stop mass gatherings to protect people from infection. Although they have the power to do it, massive and drastic steps like these would have major economic and social implications. Like in the US, ministers have stressed not to over-react. The bottom line is that its virtually impossible to stop all social contact, so any limits government’s impose on its citizens can not ultimately stop an outbreak, only slow it down.
Due to these facts, closures are only likely to be used in areas of local outbreaks to slow the spread.