Boris Johnson has issued a UK lockdown warning tonight as he tells people they must stay at home in the bid to slow the spread of Coronavirus.
The Prime Minister announced that all non-essential shops will be closed and people should only leave their homes if absolutely necessary as he outlined a number of exceptions.
He left the option of absolute lockdown on the table as he announced the new stricter measures would be in place for three weeks before review.
Addressing the nation, he said: "From this evening you must stay at home. That is why people will only be allowed to leave their home for the very basic necessities."
They include:
- Shopping
- One form of exercise a day
- Getting medicines
- To provide care to a vulnerable person
- Travelling to and from work
He continued: "These are the only reasons you should be leaving your home. You should only be shopping for essentials.
"If you don't follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them including fines and dispersing gatherings.
"We will immediately close all shops selling non essential items. We will stop all gatherings of more than two people in public. We will stop all social events including weddings and baptisms."
He said funerals may go ahead.
"No Prime Minister wants to enact measures like this," he added.
"I know the damage this is doing and that is why we have produced an unprecedented programme of support.
"We will keep these measures under review and look at them in three weeks. At present there are no easy options."
He said they are working on a vaccine and buying equipment to help fight COVID-19, among other measures.
Boris Johnson also thanked everyone fighting on the front lines to keep everyone safe.
"We have no doubt that each and everyone of us is enlisted... to help save many, many lives.
"I know that the people of this country will rise to this challenge.
"We will beat the Coronavirus and we will beat it together.
"Stay home, protect our NHS and save lives."
