The British Army has put 20,000 troops on standby to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
Forming part of its 'Covid support force', the Army has announced that a further 10,000 military personnel will be added to the 10,000 that are currently already on 'higher readiness' in the event of a civil emergency.
This means that thousands of troops are now being flown back to the UK to support the efforts of those in the NHS and police.
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According to reports, should the country be put into lockdown, troops will help police keep the peace.
Speaking about the drastic move, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the country's armed forces were dedicated to protecting British citizens.
He said: "The men and women of our armed forces stand ready to protect Britain and her citizens from all threats, including Covid-19.
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"The unique flexibility and dedication of the services means that we are able to provide assistance across the whole of society in this time of need.
"From me downwards, the entirety of the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces are dedicated to getting the nation through this global pandemic."
Major General Charlie Stickland, Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff, said: "Putting more personnel at a higher state of readiness and having our Reserves on standby gives us greater flexibility to support public services as and when they require our assistance.
"The Covid support force, potentially drawing upon our highly skilled scientists or oxygen tanker drivers, will form part of a whole force effort to support the country."
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This comes after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged all people who have one of the two main first symptoms of the infection - a new persistent cough and a fever - to stay at home for 14 days.
At the first of his daily coronavirus updates, Mr Johnson advised that people should work from home wherever possible. He added later that social venues such as pubs and theatres should not be visited.
He said: "Without drastic action, cases could double every five or six days."
Recognising that the country is on the brink of the coronavirus bringing unprecedented upheaval to the UK, he also said: "Now is the time to stop all non-essential contact with others and all non-essential travel."
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It's okay to not panic. LADbible and UNILAD's aim with our Coronavirus campaign, Cutting Through, is to provide our community with facts and stories from the people who are either qualified to comment or have experienced first-hand the situation we're facing. For more information from the World Health Organisation on Coronavirus, click here.
Topics: UK News, Coronavirus