Boris Johnson has introduced tougher new measures to help stop the spread of coronavirus as the death toll in the UK reaches 335.
In a stark warning to the public on Monday night, the Prime Minister warned all but essential businesses to close immediately to help curb the spiralling pandemic.
The Government has also put limits in place for social interaction, imposing a two-person limit on any public activity, including walks or to pick up crucial items such as food essentials and medication.
In a further warning, he said anyone caught breaking the rules could be questioned by police, dispersed and handed an on the spot penalty fine.
In his address to the nation, Jonson said people will be able to leave their home for four, very limited, reasons.
The new rules state you can only leave your house for the following reasons:
- Shopping for basics as infrequently as possible
- Exercise, such as running, walking or cycling, once a day – alone or with those you live with
- Travelling to or from work where it is impossible to work from home
- To care for a vulnerable person or to attend an urgent medical appointment.
The Prime Minister has also introduced a ban on
- Meeting with friends
- Meeting with family members you do not live with
- All weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies excluding funerals
- All gatherings of more than two people in public.
How much is the fine?
Police will be able to fine people £30 if they ignore the rules and these on the spot charges will be “ramped up” if there is widespread flouting, the Government said.
The move will be phased in gradually from today – and will last for at least three weeks as part of emergency measures to stop the fast-spreading infection.
Under the measures, all shops selling non-essential goods will also be closed, while libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship have also been ordered to close.
Parks will remain open for exercise but will be patrolled.
Announcing the move from No10, Boris Johnson admitted: “No Prime Minister wants to enact measures like this.
“I know the damage that this disruption is doing and will do to people’s lives, to their businesses and to their jobs.
“At present there are just no easy options.
“The way ahead is hard, and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost.”
The PM’s speech came less than three hours after Britons travelling abroad were told to return home immediately.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “We are strongly urging UK travellers overseas to return home now, where and while there are still commercial routes to do so.
“Around the world, more airlines are suspending flights and more airports are closing, some without any notice.
“Where commercial routes don’t exist, our staff are working round the clock to give advice and support to UK nationals. If you are on holiday abroad the time to come home is now while you still can.”
The UK’s coronavirus death toll has climbed to 335, with another 46 deaths in England, four in Wales and four in Scotland.
The disease could kill up to 70,000 people unless lockdown measures are beefed-up, research suggests.