Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to write to every household in the UK urging them to stay at home, in a bid to get the message across.

A letter from the Prime Minister will land on the doorsteps of 30 million households from next week, in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Prime Minister will outline the guidance everyone should follow and the measures the government has put in place to fight coronavirus and to support businesses and workers.

The letter will urge everyone to follow the rules to save lives and thank NHS staff working round the clock, as well as everyone volunteering their time to protect others.

The Prime Minister will say: “We know things will get worse before they get better.

“But we are making the right preparations, and the more we all follow the rules, the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal.

“I want to thank everyone who is working flat out to beat the virus, in particular the staff in our fantastic NHS and care sector across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“It has been truly inspirational to see our doctors, nurses and other carers rise magnificently to the needs of the hour.

“Thousands of retired doctors and nurses are returning to the NHS – and hundreds of thousands of citizens are volunteering to help the most vulnerable.

“That is why, at this moment of national emergency, I urge you, please, to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

Alongside the letter, residents will receive a leaflet outlining the government’s advice, with clear explanations of symptoms, hand washing guidance, rules on leaving the house, self-isolating with symptoms and shielding vulnerable people.

The leaflet contains UK-wide information as well as directions about where to access online guidance specific to the four countries.

It is expected to cost £5.8 million to print and distribute, with the aim of reinforcing the rules that came into force on Monday evening that prevent people from leaving their homes except for essential shopping and healthcare, exercise once a day and as a keyworker.

Despite this, police say they are still having to disperse large groups of people and residents of some Cornish towns and villages are complaining that holidaymakers continue to arrive, even though there is a ban on non-essential travel.

The Prime Minister is continuing to lead the government’s response to coronavirus as he self isolates after testing positive for the virus.