The Guardian view on the latest Covid-19 steps: a recipe for isolation | Editorial

The prime minister has given people clear instructions to avoid each other. But big questions about the strategy and its impact remain unanswered

The new week that is now under way will be like no other. Europe is officially the centre of the global coronavirus pandemic. Last weekend saw the imposition of drastic new measures by governments across the continent, with schools, museums, businesses and national borders closed. Gatherings, including major sporting fixtures, have been cancelled and states of emergency declared. In the UK, local elections that were due to take place in May have been postponed. In Italy it was announced that 368 people had died in 24 hours - the worst single-day death toll for any country including China, where the Covid-19 outbreak began in November. Markets around the world have fallen sharply, with the FTSE 100 closing on Monday at an eight-year low.

Boris Johnson's late afternoon press conference on Monday, and the promise of daily televised briefings, went some way to calm justified fears about his government's approach to the coronavirus crisis. In a dramatic ratcheting up of official guidance, described by the prime minister as "very draconian", entire households are now asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days if any member has either of the two key symptoms of a high temperature or continuous cough. Everyone should minimise non-essential contact, work from home if possible and avoid unnecessary travel. Vulnerable groups, including over-70s and pregnant women, should stay indoors for 12 weeks.