Coronavirus - PM Declares Lockdown

The prime minister insists the measures - the toughest seen since wartime - are vital to slow the spread of the disease.

Boris Johnson has stunned millions of Britons with a momentous and tough lockdown announcement to tackle coronavirus, warning people to stay at home or face a fine.

In a dramatic and historic TV address to the nation, the prime minister said all shops apart from food stores and chemists must close immediately, meeting friends will be banned - and just one form of exercise a day will be allowed.

The COVID-19 lockdown, which will be in force for at least three weeks, follows growing pressure in recent days from the government's top medical advisers and senior politicians.

Announcing powers not seen since wartime, Mr Johnson declared: "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."

People will only be allowed to leave their home for "very limited" purposes:
- Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible
- One form of exercise a day - for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household
- Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
- Travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home

He added: "That's all - these are the only reasons you should leave your home.

Watch the address using the below link.
https://youtu.be/Qiew4dgbihU

Mr Johnson added that these measures will come into force immediately:

- Closing all shops selling non-essential goods,​ including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship
- Closing hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, and boarding houses for commercial/leisure use (excluding permanent residents and key workers)
- Stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public - excluding people you live with
- Stopping all social events​, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, but excluding funerals.

Source - SkyNews