UK ministers arrive for emergency virus meeting

Cabinet ministers in the United Kingdom gathered at a COBRA meeting on Wednesday to discuss next steps in their strategy to tackle the new coronavirus.

On Tuesday the government unveiled a massive economic support package to address the impact of the virus on businesses.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his government will “act like any wartime government and do whatever it takes to support the economy.”

Among the measures, Treasury chief Rishi Sunak said the government would provide 330 billion pounds ($405 billion) worth of government-backed loans and guarantees for small and large businesses.

The government has told people to work from home where possibke and to avoid unnecessary travel as well as going to pubs and restaurants. It has not yet instructed schools to be closed.

Worldwide the coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 198,000 people and killed more than 7,900.

The COVID-19 illness causes mild or moderate symptoms in most people, but severe symptoms are more likely in the elderly or those with existing health problems.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.

More than 81,000 people have recovered so far, mostly in China.