Britain Put On Lockdown For Three Weeks Amid Coronavirus “National Emergency”

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday ordered people to stay at home, escalating an already unprecedented clampdown on daily life to try and halt the spread of coronavirus. 

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“From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction - you must stay at home,” Johnson said in a televised address to the nation, replacing his usual daily news conference. 

Johnson said people would only be allowed to leave their homes for basic necessities: exercise, for a medical need, to provide care or travelling to and from work where absolutely necessary. 

“That’s all - these are the only reasons you should leave your home,” he said, adding that people should not meet friends or family members who do not live in their home. 

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

The government will close all shops selling non-essential goods, Johnson said, including clothing stores, as well as other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship. 

Advice to stay at home and avoid social gatherings went unheeded by millions at the weekend who took advantage of sunny weather to flock to parks and beauty spots, ignoring instructions to stay 2 metres (6 feet) apart. 

Reporting by Kate Holton, Sarah Young, Costas Pitas, David Milliken, Elizabeth Howcroft, Alistair Smout and Andrew MacAskill; Writing by Michael Holden and Kylie MacLellan; Editing by Stephen Addison

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