The Prime Minister yesterday announced a string of new serious measures in a desperate bid to battle the pandemic.
In a dramatic address to the nation, he said that Brits should NOT be going outside their homes unless it was for one of four reasons – and they should not be meeting up with anyone else unless they are already living with you.
That is for food or essentials, a medical appointment, to go to work if you have to, and for exercise once a day.
The PM said last night: “You should not be meeting friends. If your friends ask you to meet, you should say no.
“You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home.”
Boris also announced that gatherings of more than two people would be banned.
But it was not clear about whether meeting one friend – such as a partner who lives in another house – would be allowed.
The only exceptions that have been revealed so far are for key workers taking their kids to school, or for separated couples taking children to see the other parent.
Today No10 were unable to confirm whether Brits would be able to still see their lovers – whether inside or outside of their homes.
Downing Street stressed that the rules were “clear” and that people should only be going out of the house with members of their own family – or stated if it were for “work reasons”.
More clarity is expected on the rules later today.
The PM’s spokesperson said this morning: “I think the rules are clear in relation to when you are out of the house, only do so with members of your own household or its for work reasons.
“People should follow rules in a common sense way.
“I think people should look at guidelines and use their common sense.
“We are working at pace and as people raise issues we will get clarity for them.”
Downing Street aides said it is highly likely to be extended into May and possibly June unless virus fatalities substantially fall.
The police are being given emergency new powers to enforce the draconian bans, initially with on the spot fines of £30.
Cops will begin issuing them to non-compliers as soon as new laws can be rushed through the Commons, probably by Thursday night.
The draconian measures which will change every aspect of Brits’ lives included:
- All gatherings of more than two people in public were forbidden – meaning a ban on all social events, including weddings and baptisms
- Tens of thousands of non-essential shops were ordered to close
- Communal play and exercise areas inside parks will also be shut down, but not parks themselves
- Places of worship such as churches and mosques must also shut, except to host for funerals
