The UK is to go into full lockdown in a desperate attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Boris Johnson has declared.
People can only leave for:
- Shopping for “basic necessities, as infrequently as possible”
- One form of exercise a day alone or with family members
- “Medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person”
- Travel to or from work “where this is absolutely necessary”
Weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies will also be banned, although funerals will still go ahead.
Police will have the power to disperse groups of more than two people and will also have the power to issue fines to anyone who flouts the strict rules
Mr Johnson said the measures are “vital to slow the spread of the disease.
“Because that is the way we reduce the number of people needing hospital treatment at any one time, so we can protect the NHS’s ability to cope – and save more lives.
“And that’s why we have been asking people to stay at home during this pandemic. And though huge numbers are complying – and I thank you all – the time has now come for us all to do more.
“From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction – you must stay at home.
“Because the critical thing we must do is stop the disease spreading between households.”
The strict measures will be reviewed in three weeks’ time, and may be relaxed if it is judged appropriate.
