'Stay at home': UK introduces sweeping new coronavirus restrictions
The UK’s 66 million people will be subject to an unprecedented lockdown inside their homes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson ramped up restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of Monday night (local time), people in Britain will only be allowed to leave their homes for “very limited purposes” which include shopping for basic necessities, one form of exercise a day and travel for medical needs.
Work travel is only allowed if “absolutely necessary”.
Gatherings of two people or more outside are now banned with police patrolling the streets to implement the tough new restrictions.
"No prime minister wants to enact measures like this," Mr Johnson admitted.
"From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction – you must stay at home,"
While the BBC suggested the move wasn’t a complete lockdown, the restrictions align with other mainland European lockdowns.
All shops selling non-essential goods have been ordered to close. This includes clothing and electronics stores.
All social events, including weddings, are now banned however funerals are exempt.
“We will come through it stronger than ever. We will beat the coronavirus and we will beat it together,” Mr Johnson said.
There have so far been 335 deaths from coronavirus in the UK, with 6,724 confirmed cases.
Mr Johnson revealed 7,500 retired medics will return to assist the UK’s fight against the virus.
“I urge you at this moment of national emergency to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives,” he added.
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