The headquarters building of the European Medicines Agency, EMA,in background right, in London, July 28, 2019. .(Photo: AP)

LONDON (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday urged the people, especially residents of the hardest-hit London, to avoid "non-essential contact" in fighting the spread of novel coronavirus, which he said is "very disruptive."

The statement came as the prime minister gave his first daily televised update on coronavirus after chairing a meeting of the COBRA emergency committee to coordinate the government's ongoing response to coronavirus.

"Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel," the prime minister said.

"Anyone who lives with someone who has a cough or a temperature should stay at home for 14 days. People should start working from home where they possible can," Johnson said.

Meanwhile, the prime minister also asked people to "avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues."