A planned easing of lockdown has been postponed a day before it was due to come into effect. 

The Prime Minister warned the country "cannot be complacent" amid a rise in the prevalence of coronavirus in the community.

Measures due to be lifted on Saturday, including allowing small wedding receptions, reopening bowling alleys and casinos and pilots of larger gatherings in sports venues, have been delayed for at least two weeks.

And in a strengthening of precautions, Boris Johnson announced that face coverings will become mandatory in indoor settings such as museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship from August 8.

Wandsworth Times: Worshippers observe social distancing at a mosque in West YorkshireWorshippers observe social distancing at a mosque in West Yorkshire

In a Downing Street press conference on Friday, the Prime Minister revealed what he described as a "pretty punchy" new slogan - "Hands, face, space" - for people to be mindful of in their efforts to control the spread of Covid-19.

Standing alongside Mr Johnson, England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, warned that it might not be possible to ease lockdown further, saying the UK has "probably reached near the limit or the limits" of what can be done to reopen society.

Mr Johnson told the briefing: "As we see these rises around the world, we can't fool ourselves that we are exempt. We must be willing to react to the first signs of trouble.

"We cannot be complacent and I won't stand by and allow this virus to threaten to cause more pain and more heartache in our country.

He said that, with numbers rising, "our assessment is that we should squeeze that brake pedal in order to keep the virus under control".