Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued a warning to the British public the impact of coronavirus will get worse before it gets better.

Mr Johnson, who is currently in isolation after testing positive for the infection, says stricter restrictions could be put in place if necessary.

Britons will also get a leaflet detailing Government rules on leaving the house and health information.

It follows criticism over the clarity of Government advice to date.

In the letter being sent to 30 million households at an anticipated cost of £5.8 million, Mr Johnson writes: "From the start, we have sought to put in the right measures at the right time.

"We will not hesitate to go further if that is what the scientific and medical advice tells us we must do."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who is also self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus, has written an open letter of thanks to social care workers for everything they have done in response to the outbreak.

Meanwhile, Cabinet minister Michael Gove warned the lockdown could be extended if the virus is not brought under control with some experts suggesting it might need to be as long as three months.

The mortality rate of patients admitted to intensive care with a confirmed case of coronavirus is close to 50 per cent, according to an early study of critical care outcomes.

The report, by the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre shows out of 165 admissions to critical care units, 79 patients have died and 86 were discharged.

A further 609 patients were last reported as still being in intensive care.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has said domestic abuse victims are allowed to leave home to seek help at refuges despite rules to stop coronavirus spreading.

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Witham MP Ms Patel said current restrictions telling people to stay indoors were even harder for people whose "home is not the safe haven it should be".