Stewartry on lockdown after tough new rules were introduced to tackle the coronavirus pandemic

The Stewartry is on lockdown after tough new rules were introduced to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

People have been told to stay at home unless they need to go out for what Prime Minister Boris Johnson described as “very limited purposes”.

And with cafes, pubs and the majority of shops all shutting down, it meant King Street in Castle Douglas and high streets across the region have become deserted.

Addressing the nation on Monday night, Mr Johnson said: “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.”

One of the many signs telling shoppers that businesses are closed. (Jim McEwan)

The only exceptions are shopping for necessities, one form of exercise a day, travelling to and from work where “absolutely necessary” and for medical reasons.

The region now has one of the highest rates of confirmed cases per head of population in the country.

Other measures introduced in a bid to stop the spread include stopping social events and gatherings of more than two people.

Mr Johnson added: “If you don’t follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.”