Thousands in Kent were left working from home for a second day as the government announced schools will be shut at the end of the week.

On Monday the Prime Minister pleaded with the population to work from home and avoid pubs, clubs, and theatres, and yesterday a £350 billion health package was announced to save businesses and families.

BLOG: Here's how today's events unfolded

8.55pm

Department store Fenwick, which has a shop in Canterbury, has announced the temporary closure of all its stores from 6pm tomorrow.

Bosses said in a statement: "As a family business, the health and wellbeing of our customers, our teams and our local communities is always close to our heart and in these times of great uncertainty we need to do the right thing for them by mitigating the potential spread of the virus.

"We have therefore taken the very difficult decision to temporarily close all Fenwick stores to the public from 6pm on Thursday until further notice.

It has pledged to continue trading via its websites and social media platforms.

8.40pm

Thanet Council has cancelled a ward by-election in Ramsgate tomorrow at the 11th hour amid coronavirus concerns.

8.20pm

The latest figures show the number of people infected with the coronavirus in Kent has risen to 25 - four of which are in Medway.

7.20pm

Do you rent your property? If so you should watch this KMTV report

6.40pm

The award-winning Process Gallery in Lenham has temporarily closed "in light of the latest developments relating to COVID-19".

6.20pm

Older people and those with disabilities will be able to use their bus passes before 9am in Medway on services provided by Arriva, Nu-Venture and ASD Coaches.

In Kent, residents will be able to use the passes on services provided by Stagecoach, Arriva, Go Coach, and Nu-Venture before 9.30am.

5.17pm

Schools in Kent and the rest of England have been ordered to close on Friday afternoon amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

5pm

Panic buying and hoarding shoppers across Kent have been branded "disgusting and selfish" by pensioners who have found supermarket shelves stripped bare.

4.55pm

The Connected Festival - which saw 6,000 people party for 12 hours straight at Lydd Airport - is running again this year in spite of the coronavirus outbreak.

4.20pm

The World Health Organisation has announced 32 more COVID-19 deaths in the UK - bringing the total number of fatalities to 104.

3.48pm

Tesco have announced customers will be restricted to only three items per customer on every product line and multi-buy promotions will be removed in order to try and stop panic buying. The changes come into force tomorrow.

3.40pm

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally believes Premier League clubs should provide financial assistance to the English Football League during the coronavirus pandemic.

The EFL are in meetings today to discuss their next steps.

Scally told Sky Sports News, racking up more debts is not an option for many lower tier sides - even if they get support from the government.

3.25pm

Bluewater says it remains open despite reports some shops are being closed following the coronavirus outbreak.

3.15pm

Andrew Scott-Clark, Kent County Council's director of public health says schools are the safest place for children.

Speaking ahead of the government's announcement this evening, he said he was concerned by reports of falling attendance rates.

"The national advice is that we keep schools open and most schools have been sensible and only one has shut, although I know there are schools that are delicately poised, not because they have an issue with children but with staff who may be self isolating," he said.

"Any decision to close schools could have major repercussions, with question marks over public exams such as GCSEs and A-levels."

There are around 450 primary schools in Kent, alongside about 100 secondary schools.

2.57pm

Crooks are trying to con their way in to elderly people's homes in Ashford by pretending to be government coronavirus testers.

North Kent College has also closed its campuses.

2.28pm

The Eurovision Song Contest is off.

Closer to home Maidstone's Hazlitt Theatre has closed.

2.12pm

There has been a huge jump in coronavirus cases in the UK.

A day ago 1,950 of 50,442 people tested were positive. Today that figure is 2,626 of 56,221. The death toll will be announced later on, says the Department of Health.

2.08pm

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has assured Gillingham and Rainham MP Rehman Chishti that Gillingham FC will be entitled to government financial packages to help them through the crisis.

1.53pm

As we await a likely schools announcement the Kent Resilience Forum, which is here for you in times of crisis, says there are no plans for the military to step in.

Meanwhile, a vet has introduction a pet collection service to help those self-isolating.

The charity Resolution Run due to take place this Sunday has been called off.

Joggers were due to take part in a 5K, 10K or 15K route at Mote Park in Maidstone to raise money for the Stroke Association.

1.30pm

Schools in Wales will also close from Friday.

English Heritage will close all of its staffed historic sites until May.

The charity has 10 sites in Kent, including castles in Dover, Rochester, Deal and Upnor and other attractions.

Following the government's advice it will close its doors from the end of today until May 1.

Free-to-enter sites, with large open spaces, will remain open for visitors as it allows for social distancing.

Chief executive Kate Mavor said: "Our first priority is the health and wellbeing of all our members, visitors, volunteers and staff.

"As a charity, we could not survive without their support but we also have a responsibility to them - hence this decision.

“Our stone circles and castles, abbeys and historic houses are found in the centre of towns, on the brows of hills and in the heart of the countryside and I hope that over the coming months, the sight of these long-standing landmarks will provide a sense of continuity.

"It may also be of some comfort to remember that England’s past is full of stories of hope in the face of adversity and of people coming together to overcome challenges.

“Today we face new challenges of our own - English Heritage wishes everyone well and we look forward to welcoming you back to our sites as soon as possible.”

People with pre-booked tickets for events which are cancelled will be automatically refunded.

1.15pm

Schools in Scotland will close from the end of the week and may not open before the end of the holiday.

As the PM said earlier a decision on English ones is "imminent'.

1pm

by Lynn Cox

During Prime Minister's questions today Boris Johnson said more frontline staff would be tested for Covid-19 and assured the public a decision on school closures would be made imminently.

He said: "I want to thank our fantastic NHS staff for coping at this extremely different time.

"We put £5 billion into the NHS last week, whatever funding is necessary we will do to it to support the whole country."

He also said workers across the country would be supported during the crisis.

He said: "This is a national emergency and an unprecedented time and it is only right when we are asking people to take action to isolate themselves, it is right whatever their circumstances workers should get our support.

"In addition to working with unions and others, we will bring forward further measures to support all workers in all areas.

"Of course, we will ensure no one is penalised from protecting themselves and others and statutory sick pay will be supplemented by other benefits.

"The State is making these demands (self isolation) of the public and it is only right that we do whatever it takes to support them."

He also said measures were being taken to protect private tenants from eviction during the crisis.

He added: "I can indeed confirm that we will bring forward legislation to protect private tenants from eviction.

"We will be taking other steps to protect the economy too."

And Mr Johnson said more frontline workers were being tested and NHS workers were being prioritised.

He added: "We are prioritising NHS staff obvious reason we went them to look after everyone else, increasing testing for the virus from 10,000 to 25,000 a day and coming up with a test which will be able to show if people have had the virus or not."

The Prime Minister also said business would be helped immediately.

He added: "We will put immediate cash injections into businesses to help them during this difficult time and every worker will be protected. We are asking the public to do extraordinary things. We all have to work together.

"And it will better our chances to relieve the burden on the NHS. This is an enormous challenge for this country but people must understand we will beat it."

Financial packages were being considered for workers who may be struggling during the crisis.

He added: "Do not underestimate the measures we have already announced for businesses and to help keep people in their jobs, it is also important to support workers, we are looking at many suggestions. "It is very important that no one would be penalised for doing the right thing.

"Our thoughts are with the entire country we will do whatever it takes to support businesses individuals, families and all workers during this crisis.

Mr Johnson also said a decision on whether to keep schools open during the crisis will be made imminently.

And that a coalition was working together to get the ventilators the country needs. We already have 8,000 and the government will create a stockpile.

Additionally pharmaceutical goods and food suppliers have been granted extended delivery times to get food and medicines out to people who need it.

He also told the house, £46 million had been invested into testing for a vaccine and DBS checks are being speeded up for volunteers during the crisis, so more people can get help in their communities.

12.27pm

Darent Valley Hospital has banned all non-essential visitors.

A Thanet furniture shop is shopping for those in self-isolation.

Border Force rescued 25 migrants from the Channel and tested them for coronavirus - but won't provide the results.

12.05pm

Afternoon!

As many companies prepare for a tough few months those which stock the supermarkets are on a recruitment drive.

The Prime Minister is facing PMQs before the daily press conference later on.

11.50am

As supermarkets start dedicated elderly shopping sessions KCC has de-restricted bus passes accordingly.

Brands Hatch has suspended all driving events.

Two schools in the Ashford area have announced changes in operations despite no update coming from central government.

Wye School has told parents that pupils in Years 9,10 and 12 will have to study at home from tomorrow until Friday, when a decision will be made on whether further closure will be required. Headteacher Luke Magee has put the decision down to staffing shortages, selecting the most appropriate year groups based on upcoming exams and ability to self-study.

Likewise The North School - where the first Ashford case of coronavirus was confirmed - has announced the same year groups will not have scheduled lessons from tomorrow and should stay at home.

The National Coastwatch Institution, which is based in Folkestone and helps keep people safe at sea, has decided to close its watch station.

The organisation is run by volunteers, some of an older age.

A statement said: " It is with regret that in light of the current escalating situation, together with the age profile of our volunteer membership, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close our watch station as from 5pm on Friday, March 20.

"All emergency services including HM Coastguard have been notified.

"National Coastwatch Institution intends to reopen the station immediately the current Covid19 situation and government recommendations allow us so to do.

"To ensure that the station remains in operational readiness, a program of daily visits has been established to maintain the integrity of both our equipment and building.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and post any update as and when circumstances change and would take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and understanding at this difficult time."

11.15am

Glastonbury is off! For the time being at least. It was only a matter of time.

In more positive news Domino's Pizza is now offering contact free delivery.

10.10am

The BBC, already gearing up for Question Time without an audience, has now announced all filming on ongoing shows, including EastEnders and Casualty, will cease.

9.20am

Eurostar is reporting reduced services due to coronavirus travel restrictions so check on its website if you had a trip booked.

Every park run in the UK is cancelled.

The Great British Spring Clean has been postponed until September.

The annual event, which is organised by Keep Britain Tidy and invites communities to clean their local environments, usually takes place between March and April.

The Litter Picking Watch Romney Marsh group had arranged to take part.

But it is now being delayed.

A statement from Keep Britain Tidy reads: "The aim of the Great British Spring Clean is for communities to come together, clean up their local environment and have fun, which of course means staying safe at all times.

"However, given the current situation, sadly we have taken the decision – in consultation with our partners - to postpone the Great British Spring Clean until September and would encourage everyone who has organised an event to log on to their dashboard on the website and rearrange their event to take place during our new campaign period from September 11th to 27th.

"Obviously, though the Great British Spring Clean has been postponed until September, we do understand that some people may decide to do a clean-up in the intervening period. In light of recent Government advise, our stance is that in order to keep everyone safe, all group clean-ups should stop until the end of April, when this will be reviewed.

"Individuals can, of course, do litter-picks when they go out for a walk – wearing gloves as always – but we cannot advocate group events. If you wish to continue individual litter-picking activity over the next few months then please do so but ensure you follow the latest Government advice on Covid-19 to ensure you protect your own safety."

Folkestone & Hythe District Council is advising residents to call or to go online to access information about services.

The appeal has been made to reduce visitor numbers at the Civic Centre in Folkestone to try and restrict the spread of the coronavirus illness

All formal council meetings have been cancelled and legislative changes are expected which will advise local authorities how to proceed with meetings.

Staff have been instructed to work from home where possible.

Folkestone & Hythe Council can be reached on 01303 853000 or online www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

9.05am

Film news now and as cinemas and theatres shut down our movie reviewer takes a look at the blockbusters being pushed back by Covid-19.

On a more positive note some attractions across Kent are still open amid the outbreak.

8.50am

In more school news Maidstone's Oakwood Park Grammar School will also be partially shut.

A tweet sent out last night reads: "PARTIAL SCHOOL CLOSURE tomorrow, Wednesday 18th March.

"Years 9, 10 and 12 WILL NOT be in school. Work will be sent home via Edulink and email.

"Years 7, 8, 11 and 13 WILL be in school. School will finish at 2.45pm."

There are also suggestions the UK's ports and airports could be closed and police given new powers to detain people suspected of having coronavirus, under emergency legislation.

It's understood laws to help tackle the public health crisis will be introduced in the House of Commons this week.

8.45am

Over in Thanet a primary school has closed completely because parents are keeping a third of all pupils at home.

Nationally Sainsbury's are having a dedicated shopping hour for elderly and vulnerable customers first thing tomorrow morning.

In justice news any criminal trial estimated to last longer than three days due to start before the end of April in England and Wales will be postponed.

Meanwhile McDonald's has closed the seating areas in all its UK restaurants to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, meaning they'll only operate as takeaways, deliveries and drive-thrus.

8am

Morning, as millions prepare to work from home for the second of who knows how many days schoolchildren will be heading in as usual.

But not at New Line Learning Academy in Maidstone. A message was sent out last night telling parents due to the large number of children self-isolating a partial closure will be in place.

There have been a lot of event cancellations over the past few days, here's KMTV's report

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Kent