Coronavirus: The four reasons you are allowed to leave your home
“The time has now come for us all to do more,” Boris Johnson told the nation in a televised address on Monday night.
As coronavirus continues to take hold of the UK, the prime minister announced the government’s most draconian measures yet as it desperately tries to slow the spread of the virus.
The “instruction” was clear, Johnson said.
“You. Must. Stay. At. Home.”
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People will now only be allowed to leave their home for the following reasons...
1. Shopping
For basic necessities only, such as food and medicine.
This should only be done as “infrequently as possible”, the PM said.
All shops selling non-essential goods, such as clothing or electrical stores, must close indefinitely.
2. One form of exercise a day
This can include a run, walk or cycle.
People can have company while doing this – but only if they are part of the same household.
Parks will remain open for exercise purposes.
3. Any medical need
Including to provide care or help vulnerable people.
4. Travelling to and from work
“But only when this is absolutely necessary,” Johnson said, “and cannot be done from home”.
Anything else?
No. “That’s all,” the PM instructed. “These are the only reasons you should leave your home.”
This means people can’t meet friends and family outside their household.
All social events – including weddings, baptisms, other ceremonies and gatherings of more than two people – are also off the table.
Johnson also warned police now have the power to issue fines and disperse gatherings “if you don’t follow the rules”.
The measures were announced after the UK death toll jumped by 54 to 335.