Laura Sharman 24 March 2020

UK goes under lockdown to fight ‘national emergency’ of coronavirus

Boris Johnson has put Britain under a three-week lockdown in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.

The unprecedented move sees households ordered to stay at home except for a very strict number of reasons. This includes shopping for basic necessities, exercising once a day, any medical needs, helping a vulnerable person, or travelling to work only if absolutely necessary.

The police have been given the power to fine people who break the restrictions and disperse groups of more than two people.

Public spaces such as playgrounds, outdoor gyms, libraries and places of worship have also been closed under the measures.

Mr Johnson said: ‘From this evening 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.’

You can read our full coverage of the coronavirus crisis and its impact on local government here

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