UK’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, on Monday, ordered Britons to stay at home to curb the spread of coronavirus. This new order will affect the everyday life of Britons.
According to the order, all businesses must stop except for essential shops where people can get supplies. People can neither meet family nor friends. Otherwise, they will be fined. Johnson said this in a televised address to the nation.
Although other European countries imposed lockdown earlier, Johnson had resisted pressures to enforce fill lockdown. However, after the forecast predicted an increase in the number of cases, he had no other option than to make the declaration.
Meanwhile, the coronavirus death toll jumped from 54 to 335 in Britain on Monday. However, the government already invited the military to step in. They will be helping with the shipment of supplies of personal protective equipment in millions. This includes masks for healthcare workers.
In addition, in the televised broadcast that replaced his daily news conference, Johnson made a statement. “From this evening, I must give the British people a very simple instruction – you must stay at home.”
They can only leave their homes to get essential needs, medical needs, exercise, provide care, or go to work where it is inevitable.
That’s all, according to Johnson’s statement. Except for these reasons, they have no other reason to leave their homes.
Furthermore, he warned that “If you don’t follow the rules, the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.”
According to the Mayor of London, these rules apply to all, as they are not optional.
Likewise, Jeremy Corbyn, the opposition leader, is in support of these new rules. Also, police chiefs find this rule sensible, and they will be cooperating with the government to enforce them.
Johnson said the government would shut the doors of all shops selling non-essential goods. This includes clothing stores, and other public places, including gyms, libraries, playgrounds, and places of worship.
Moreover, the British Retail Consortium reiterates that shop owners understand the delicate situation.
Britons previously ignored social distancing guidelines
This stricter rule comes after several shreds of evidence that people were ignoring social distancing guidelines. They overcrowded parks, beaches, and beauty spots.
More
- Australia’s Bondi Beach closed after crowds defy coronavirus rules
- The UK may consider Italy-style lockdown if people don’t stay at home
With these new rules, police will stop the gathering of two people in public places, except they stay together. They will also stop all social events, including weddings but not funerals.
However, parks will remain open for exercise. But the police will disperse any public gathering.
