In the past few minutes, Boris Johnson has announced that the UK is going into lockdown from this evening. In a statement in Downing Street (which you can read in full here), he announced that people will not be allowed to leave their homes unless they are doing so for the following:
– shopping for basic necessities
– one form of exercise a day such as a run, walk or cycle and either alone or with other members of the same household
– medical needs or caring for a vulnerable person
– travelling to or from work but only when absolutely necessary.
The police will be given the power to fine people and disperse gatherings and all non-essential shops and events such as weddings and baptisms will be banned.
Johnson explained that the reason he was announcing this now was that ‘though huge numbers are complying’ with the government guidance, ‘the time has now come for us all to do more’.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in