NI Lock Down: Bars, clubs and restaurants ordered shut as UK hospital declares critical incident after running out of intensive care beds

The announcement was made by Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, at Friday's daily press conference in 10 Downing Street.

The order applies to pubs, cafes, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, theatres, leisure centres and gyms.

Mr. Johnson said he would enforce the measure through licencing legislation.

"It's heartbreaking to think about the companies that will be affected by our measures," said Mr. Johnson.

"Our message to businesses is if you stand by your workers we [government] will stand by you."

The decision to close the outlets was welcomed by the Shadow Health Secretary, Jonathan Ashworth.

“We welcome Boris Johnson’s decision to shut pubs, restaurants and other venues.

“We have been increasingly concerned that the social distancing measures needed were not being followed which is why we called for this earlier. We all have to adjust our behaviour to defeat this virus," said Mr. Ashworth.

Shortly before the press conference started Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow declared a critical incident after running out of intensive care beds.