Boris Johnson puts UK on lockdown, restricts gatherings to two people

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered Britons to stay at home, banning public gatherings of more than two people.

In a televised address on Monday, Johnson said Britons must remain home and warned that the police will fine anyone caught flouting the rules.

Deaths from the virus in the country is now 335 with 6,650 confirmed cases.

Over the weekend, people reportedly flouted the directive to avoid social gatherings. Many were said to have flocked to the parks, beauty spots, and beaches.

The PM said the country faced a “moment of national emergency” and staying at home was necessary to protect the NHS, save lives and tackle “the biggest threat this country has faced for decades”.

He said all but essential shops must be closed.

He said people would only be allowed to leave their homes to exercise, shop for basic necessities, address a medical need, provide care for others, or travel to and from work where absolutely necessary.

“From this evening, I must give the British people a very simple instruction: you must stay at home,” Johnson said.

“That’s all – these are the only reasons you should leave your home.

“If you don’t follow the rules, the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.

“To put it simply, if too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to handle it – meaning more people are likely to die, not just from coronavirus but from other illnesses as well.”

He added that the new order would be under constant review and relaxation of the rules would be considered in three weeks.

”Parks would remain open for exercise but gatherings would be dispersed”, Johnson said.

There are currently 382,814 cases of coronavirus around the world — with 16578 deaths.