MORE THAN half of British people believe that the government’s social-distancing measures to tackle the spread of Covid-19 were introduced too late, according to a poll. 

The stricter measures introduced by the Tory government on March 23 required non-essential workers to stay at home and businesses to close.

However, 53 per cent of those surveyed in an Ipsos Mori online poll believe the measures came too late. 

That view echoes a damning announcement by Italy’s chief scientific advisor last week that Britain’s lockdown came 10 days late, and that lives would be lost as a result. 

Walter Ricciardi, who is also Italy’s World Health Organisation representative, said the British government should have learnt lessons from his country. 

“When we scientists put the evidence on your table, you should take action,” Mr Ricciardi said.

"When you take the decision late you pay a price in sick people and in deaths."

The Ipsos Mori poll surveyed 1,072 British adults aged 18-75 between March 27 and 30.