London, March 19 (AFP/APP): Britain announced Wednesday it would be closing schools in the coming days and placing 20,000 troops on standby in efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus, as the death toll topped 100. Prime Minister Boris Johnson had held off following the lead of other European countries because of the impact it would have on the workforce. But as the outbreak spreads and the death toll reached 104, up from 71 in a day, he said schools would be closed indefinitely later this week. “After schools shut their gates from Friday afternoon, they will remain closed,” he told his daily news conference. Exceptions will be made for the children of key workers — including healthcare staff, police and delivery drivers — and for the most vulnerable children. Johnson earlier this week advised people to work from home and avoid unnecessary social contact and travel, warning the infection rate was starting to spike. On Wednesday he said this was having an effect but repeated advice for people with symptoms to self-isolate for between one and two weeks, depending on circumstances. “We will not hesitate to bring forward further and faster measures,” he added. On Wednesday evening the Ministry … Continue reading London, hardest hit by the coronavirus