An estimated 200,000 people have lost their jobs since the virus struck.
This number could easily quadruple if there is no urgent action from the Government.
Boris Johnson may have acted with the best intentions but telling people to avoid pubs, restaurants and other meeting places has been a disaster for the retail and hospitality sectors.
The Government is promising to announce a package of support in the next few days to protect workers during this challenging time.
A better course would have been to have put these measures in place at the same time as the new guidelines. This is not just an economic priority but a social one.
Many low-paid workers may face the choice of losing their income if they stay at home or soldiering on to work where they risk either falling ill or infecting others.
(Image: PA)
We should be following the example of Denmark, Norway and Austria where the state has agreed to underwrite the cost of salaries making sure people stay in work.
Next, the Government must raise sick pay and improve support for the two million who earn too little to be entitled to it.
Ministers must also raise benefits, end the five week wait for Universal Credit and offer support for those most in need. The virus does not discriminate so the Government should not discriminate in who it helps.
In a bow to the inevitable yesterday it announced schools will close from tomorrow. This is not a decision taken lightly when it will cause disruption to millions.
(Image: CAMERA PRESS/TPG)
But ministers urgently need to explain how students will be assessed now exams have been cancelled. They also need to set out how the reduced service for key workers will work and how they will support children on free school meals or with special needs.
Many parents will struggle with childcare, especially as turning to grandparents is not an option. They need more help and guidance.
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