Prime Minister Boris Johnson has sent out a letter to every UK home insisting the Government will do 'whatever it takes' to help people through the coronavirus crisis.

On Saturday, the number of British people who have died from the virus topped 1,000 and more than 17,000 have tested positive.

In his letter to the public, Johnson says he is aware of the difficulties that the pandemic has caused millions of people, but has once again urged people to remain in their houses.

He says: “I understand completely the difficulties this disruption has caused to your lives, businesses and jobs.

“But the action we have taken is absolutely necessary, for one very simple reason. If too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to cope. This will cost lives.

“We must slow the spread of the disease, and reduce the number of people needing hospital treatment in order to save as many lives as possible. This is why we are giving one simple instruction — you must stay at home.”

Johnson is also quick to remind everyone that the UK has not yet hit the peak of the virus which is expected to come in the next two to three weeks.

He says that although the country will get past this, in the near future it will only get worse.

“It’s important for me to level with you — we know things will get worse before they get better," he added.

“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.”