Today, March 23, 2022, marks two years since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the first lockdown in the UK,ordering people to “stay at home”. He started his speech to the nation, that was shown live: "The coronavirus is the biggest threat this country has faced for decades – and this country is not alone. All over the world we are seeing the devastating impact of this invisible killer.
"And so tonight I want to update you on the latest steps we are taking to fight the disease and what you can do to help. And I want to begin by reminding you why the UK has been taking the approach that we have.
"Without a huge national effort to halt the growth of this virus, there will come a moment when no health service in the world could possibly cope; because there won’t be enough ventilators, enough intensive care beds, enough doctors and nurses."
READ MORE: Covid in Wales is 'very concerning'
He announced that people would only be allowed to leave their home for the following 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; and
- travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home.
Adding that the UK government would immediately:
- close all shops selling non-essential goods, including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship;
- stop all gatherings of more than two people in public – excluding people you live with;
- stop all social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, but excluding funerals.
Parks were allowed remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed.
On the two-year anniversary of lockdown, victims of the coronavirus pandemic are being remembered.
The Prime Minister has paid tribute to those lost to the virus, as well as hailing the “heroic efforts” of NHS staff. Boris Johnson said those who died over the past two years “will never be out of our hearts and minds”, as the nation prepares to gather in reflection.
The country will pause on Wednesday in remembrance of those who have died during the crisis, as part of a series of events organised by the end-of-life charity Marie Curie.
It comes as the number of cases in Wales are on the rise again. First Minister Mark Drakeford has said that there is an "accelerating rate" which is resulting in "concerning circumstances", echoing the words of his health minister, Eluned Morgan, in saying that the results of this week's review of Covid rules is not a foregone conclusion. Read more of what they had to say here.
The latest infection rate based on PCR tests for the seven days up to March 17 is 403 cases for every 100,000 people – a rise from the 335 cases recorded on Monday. It's the first time the infection rate has gone above 400 since the seven days between January 31 and February 6.
