Coronavirus live: Transport bosses announce 40 London underground stations to close

18 March 2020, 06:08

By EJ Ward

@EJWardNews

TfL have announced they will be running a reduced service from Thursday.

There will be no Waterloo & City line, while the Night Tube will not run until further notice.

And from Thursday, up to 40 London Underground stations that do not interchange with other lines will be closed until further notice.

London buses will operate fewer services, but still run at night, and everyone will be urged not to use public transport for anything other than essential journeys.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "People should not be travelling, by any means, unless they really, really have to. Londoners should be avoiding social interaction unless absolutely necessary, and that means they should be avoiding using the transport network unless absolutely necessary.

"London will get through these extraordinarily challenging times, and ensuring the capital's critical workers can move around the city will be crucial.

"Frontline staff across our health and care service - as well as those ensuring Londoners stay safe and can access food and other essentials - should be commended for their hard work. We owe it to them to do whatever we can to help them do their jobs effectively.

"I'm urging Londoners to only use public transport for essential journeys. Everyone should follow this and the other advice to help keep themselves and each other safe."

The UK death toll from Coronavirus now stands at 104, after 32 died in England in a single day from the virus.

The total death toll in England is now 99, with today's victims ranging in age from 59-94 and all had underlying health conditions.

There has also been three deaths in Scotland and two deaths in Wales.

Schools across the UK will now be closed from Friday in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus.

It is not yet known how long the measure will be in place for, but Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it could last through to the summer.

The school closures will also not apply to children of "key workers" in the UK, and a national voucher system will be put in place for those who are eligible for free school meals.

Read more: Coronavirus - Who should self-isolate and for how long?

Read more: What is the Government doing for businesses during the coronavirus pandemic?

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