
Long queues outside stores were witnessed in London (Reuters)
Up to 40 London tube stations were set to close ahead of an expected lockdown.
The British government has told members of the public to avoid unnecessary social contact and work from home where possible.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hosted a conference call with dozens of industry leaders to urge them to help the country increase production of key medical equipment.
Addressing the nation, Queen Elizabeth said the royal family would play its part as Britain rises to the challenge of overcoming the pandemic.
Indian doctors in the UK called on the UK government to take urgent steps to address the growing pressures on the state-funded National Health Service (NHS) by cancelling all non-urgent surgeries.
The Britain government announced it would be closing schools in the coming days and placing 20,000 troops on standby in efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus.
The Chief Brexit Negotiator for the European Union (EU), Michel Barnier, was tested positive for COVID-19.
Despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson urging shoppers not to panic to buy, long queues outside stores were witnessed in London with reports of unruly behaviour by customers. The stores are being stripped bare of food and British supermarkets are expecting to get police support to deter unruly behaviour.
British shoppers were queuing around the block early on Thursday morning to buy basic goods such as bottled water and tinned goods ahead of an expected toughening of measures to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
Most supermarkets are still taking online orders but they will not be delivered for up to three weeks.