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LONDON, March 16-- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday urged the people, especially residents of the hardest-hit London, to avoid "non-essential contact" in fighting the spread of novel coronavirus, which he said is "very disruptive." The statement came as the prime minister was giving his first daily televised update on coronavirus after chairing a meeting of the COBRA emergency committee to coordinate the government's ongoing response to coronavirus. "Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel," the prime minister said. "Anyone who lives with someone who has a cough or a temperature should stay at home for 14 days. People should start working from home where they possible can," Johnson said. Meanwhile, the prime minister also asked people to "avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues." From Tuesday, the British government will no longer be "supporting" mass gatherings using emergency workers, he said. Groups particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 will be asked to stay at home for 12 weeks by the weekend, he said. The prime minister made the plea just hours after British health officials confirmed a total of 1,543 people have tested positive for the virus in the country since the outbreak. Concerns are rising as Britain is taking less stringent measures than other European countries. London is a few weeks ahead in terms of the virus curve than other places, meaning transmission is happening more rapidly, Johnson said. | 
