Everything you need to know about when you can leave your house as the United Kingdom enters lockdown

As the United Kingdom is placed on lockdown in a bid to reduce the spread of coronavirus, here is everything you need to know about the series of measures set out by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Here are the key points from the Prime Minister’s address to the nation, which came into effect immediately after the broadcast at 8.30pm on Monday, March 23.

- People will only be allowed to leave the house for limited purposes

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Johnson said that residents will only be allowed to leave their homes for shopping for basic necessities - as infrequently as possible.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson made an address to the nation in which he set out a series of measures to place the UK on lockdownPrime Minister Boris Johnson made an address to the nation in which he set out a series of measures to place the UK on lockdown
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made an address to the nation in which he set out a series of measures to place the UK on lockdown

One form of exercise a day will be allowed - for example a run, walk or cycle - alone or with members of your household, while those with any medical need or anyone providing care or helping a vulnerable person.

Travelling to and from work will be permitted, but only when absolutely absolutely necessary and work cannot be done from home.

- Police will have powers to enforce rules

Anyone who is not following the rules could be fined, Mr Johnson said, while police will have powers to disperse gatherings.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Although parks will remain open for exercise, gatherings will be dispersed.

- All shops selling non-essential goods are to shut

To ensure compliance with the instruction stay home, Mr Johnson said all shops selling non-essential goods, including clothing and electronic stores, will be closed.

Libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship will also be closed.

Roads and rail lines will remain open so workers can travel to their workplaces.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Supermarkets, pharmacies, vets, pet shops, hardware shops, banks, laundrettes, post offices, pet shops and undertakers will remain open.

- All social events will be stopped

Gatherings with more than two people in public, excluding people you live with, will be stopped, as will weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies.

Mr Johnson said these measures exclude funerals.

- The measures will be under constant review

Mr Johnson assured the public that the restrictions are to be kept under constant review.

They could be relaxed in three weeks if evidence shows the Government is able.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In his speech to the nation, Mr Johnson said the virus is the “biggest threat this country has faced for decades”.

“The time has now come for us all to do more. You must stay at home,” he added.

He said we are all now “enlisted” in the UK’s fight against the coronavirus.

This comes after Britain’s schools were closed to all but vulnerable children, and those whose parents are key workers, on Friday afternoon.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Johnson ordered the closure of the UK’s pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafés a matter of hours later.

A total of 6,650 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK, 106 of which were in Sheffield, 82 in Derbyshire and 71 in Nottinghamshire.