The current number of coronavirus cases in the UK has now risen to 1,950, with London entering the world's top 20 most "at-risk" cities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the outbreak has "pandemic potential", with the government advising the following:

- Everyone should avoid gatherings and crowded places, such as pubs, clubs and theatres

- Everyone should work from home if they can

- All "unnecessary" visits to friends and relatives in care homes should cease

- People should only use the NHS "where we really need to" - and can reduce the burden on workers by getting advice on the NHS website where possible

- By next weekend, those with the most serious health conditions must be "largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks"

- The UK is now "three weeks" behind Italy - the worst-hit country in Europe

- If one person in any household has a persistent cough or fever, everyone living there must stay at home for 14 days

-Those people should, if possible, avoid leaving the house "even to buy food or essentials" - but they may leave the house "for exercise and, in that case, at a safe distance from others"

-Schools will not be closed for the moment

Chief medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty said the group of people who should take "particular care to minimise their social contact" were:

-People over the age of 70

-Other adults who would normally be advised to have the flu vaccine (such as those with chronic diseases)

- Pregnant women

We must ensure we are taking every possible measure to educate, advise, and protect our employees and minimise any risk of contamination at our clients' sites.

City & Essex are currently training all employees in COVID-19 Prevention & Treatment, as advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and will be reevaluating our control measures in accordance with the latest developments. 

For further information, please download our COVID-19 Advice document.