The UK is now officially in lockdown - and that means strict new rules we must all live by to make sure more people do not succumb to the deadly coronavirus virus.
In the historical announcement made today by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the public were ordered to "stay at home" in order to "save many, many, thousands of lives".
With lockdown, comes strict new rules and extra powers by the police who are now able to fine people caught breaking them. They can also order dispersal notices.
In short, this means that people will not be allowed to leave their homes except for:
- 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
The closure of shops does exclude some kinds of retailers though, reports Stoke-on-Trent Live.
The Government has tonight outlined which stores can still welcome customers as the country goes into full lockdown to curb the coronavirus pandemic in an unprecedented high street shutdown.
The shops that will remain open during coronavirus lockdown are
- Supermarkets
- Pharmacies
- Newsagents
- Pet shops
- Hardware stores
- Banks
- Post Offices
- Petrol stations
It is hoped that not only will lockdown - an "unprecedented" step made by the Government - save lives, it will ease the burden on the already struggling NHS.
Under the new rules shops selling non-essential items, such as clothing, electronics and other premises such as libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, are to close immediately.
But retailers will still stay open for online orders and you can have items delivered to your home.
The Prime Minister said: "You should not be going shopping except for essentials like food and medicine — and you should do this as little as you can. And use food delivery services where you can.
"If you don’t follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings."
