Strict new curbs on life in the UK to tackle the spread of coronavirus have been announced by Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. The new measures comes at the same time as the UK government converted the ExCel Conference Centre in East London as a makeshift hospital that can accommodate 4,000 patients.
People may only leave home to exercise once a day, to travel to and from work where "absolutely necessary", to shop for essential items, and to fulfil any medical or care needs, said Johnson.
Shops selling non-essential goods have been told to shut and gatherings in public of more than two people who do not live together will be prohibited.
The UK death toll has reached 335. If people do not follow the rules police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings, Johnson said.
He said the country faced a "moment of national emergency" and staying at home was necessary to protect the NHS and save lives.
He said the restrictions would be in place for at least three weeks and would be kept under constant review.
The government guidance says people should only leave home to shop for food or medicine, go to work, exercise or attend a medical appointment.
Even when following this guidance, people should minimise the amount of time spent out of their homes and should keep two metres away from people they do not live with.
The government has also stopped all social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies - but funerals will be allowed.
Comments (0)
We appreciate your feedback. You can comment here with your pseudonym or real name. You can leave a comment with or without entering an email address. All comments will be reviewed before they are published.