A number of scientists and medical experts have criticised the UK government for an 'out of step' approach to COVID-19.
More than 1,100 cases have been confirmed in the UK, along with 21 deaths to date.
So far, Boris Johnson's government has held off on school closures or advising the cancellation of events - although they are expected to announce a ban on large gatherings in the coming days.
A number of reports have claimed the UK has been considering a 'herd immunity' plan, where a majority of people in the UK would be infected in a bid to prevent any further spread.
The British Health Secretary Matt Hancock this weekend insisted that herd immunity is not a part of their plan, and that they are instead working off the "expertise of world-leading scientists" in their approach.
However, a number of prominent experts have criticised the government for their measures to date.
In an open letter, almost 400 scientists and academics called on the British government to implement more social distancing measures "with immediate effect".
They wrote: "By putting in place social distancing measures now, the growth can be slowed down dramatically, and thousands of lives can be spared.
"We consider the social distancing measures taken as of today as insufficient, and we believe that additional and more restrictive measures should be taken immediately, as it is already happening in other countries across the world."
Meanwhile, Dr Gabriel Scally, the physician who led the CervicalCheck review here, said the UK is "out of step" with the rest of Europe.
England's government & civil servants performing a shockingly slow U-turn on #COVID19 #coronavirus. UK is out of step with the rest of Europe and is being criticised by the @WHO. A dangerous and potentially deadly example of laissez faire #publichealth.
— Dr Gabriel Scally (@GabrielScally) March 14, 2020
Anthony Costello, a former director at the World Health Organisation, said the UK policy is "reckless".
UK policy is reckless: they’ve stopped population testing, contact tracing and rigorous quarantine measures - the bedrock of epidemic control and WHO advice. This will not delay but accelerate the epidemic. THREAD (1 )
— Anthony Costello (@globalhlthtwit) March 15, 2020
British officials have confirmed more restrictions will be implemented, although have so far declined to be drawn on the exact timing.
Earlier today, Mr Hancock told BBC that every British person over the age of 70 will be told "within the coming weeks" to stay at home for an extended period to shield them from the spread of the coronavirus.
