Boris Johnson has placed the UK on lockdown to tackle the coronavirus, threatening police fines for anyone who ignores new measures including a ban on public gatherings of more than two people.
The Prime Minister detailed a short list of reasons why individuals can leave their homes as he ordered the immediate closure of all shops selling non-essentials items on Monday evening.
He ordered people to only leave the house to shop for basic necessities “as infrequently as possible” and to perform one form of exercise a day.
Or they could seek medical help, provide care to a vulnerable person or travel to work if “absolutely necessary”, he said in a televised address from within Downing Street.
“That’s all – these are the only reasons you should leave your home,” he said.
“You should not be meeting friends. If your friends ask you to meet, you should say No. You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home.
We need to follow this advice to save lives and protect our hospitals.
— Arlene Foster (@DUPleader) March 23, 2020
People should stay in unless it’s essential to go out.
It won’t be easy but it’s for the best. https://t.co/N70Y4ETr4b
“If you don’t follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.”
[ Read More: Boris Johnson's address to the nation in fullOpens in new window ]
To ensure people follow the rules, Mr Johnson ordered the immediate closure of non-essential stores including those selling electronics and clothing.
All public gatherings of more than two people – other than those you live with – will be barred, the PM said.
Other premises being shuttered are libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship.
And, while parks will remain open for exercise, all social events including weddings and baptisms will be stopped. Funerals, however, can continue.
Mr Johnson said the measures will be “under constant review” and will be considered for relaxation in three weeks’ time if the evidence allows.
Here are the key points:
Here are the key points from Boris Johnsons’ address to the nation:
- People will only be allowed to leave the house for limited purposes
Mr Johnson said that residents will only be allowed to leave their homes for shopping for basic necessities – as infrequently as possible.
One form of exercise a day will be allowed – for example a run, walk or cycle – alone or with members of your household, while those with any medical need or anyone providing care or helping a vulnerable person.
Travelling to and from work will be permitted, but only when absolutely absolutely necessary and work cannot be done from home.
- Police will have powers to enforce rules
Anyone who is not following the rules could be fined, Mr Johnson said, while police will have powers to disperse gatherings.
Although parks will remain open for exercise, gatherings will be dispersed.
- All shops selling non-essential goods are to shut
To ensure compliance with the instruction to stay at home, Mr Johnson said all shops selling non-essential goods, including clothing and electronic stores, will be closed.
Libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship will also be closed.
- All social events will be stopped
Gatherings with more than two people in public, excluding people you live with, will be stopped, as will weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies.
Mr Johnson said these measures exclude funerals.
- The measures will be under constant review
Mr Johnson assured the public that the restrictions are to be kept under constant review.
They could be relaxed in three weeks if evidence shows the Government is able.
