Up to a fifth of UK workforce could be 'off sick' at peak of epidemic 

UK government warned that up to a fifth of the workforce may be off sick during the peak of the novel coronavirus epidemic. The announcement was made on Tuesday.

At a conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the government was committed to doing "everything possible" to "prepare for all eventualities," as the country reports 39 infections.

In the latest plans, the military could also provide support to emergency services if needed.

The plan includes school closures, reducing large-scale gatherings, and working from home if the epidemic situation worsens.