UK introduces stricter measures to fight COVID-19

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:00, March 24, 2020

LONDON, March 23 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Monday evening a series of measures that aim to restrict social contact in the country in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Johnson made the announcement during a TV address to the nation.

Starting from Monday night, people in Britain will only be allowed to leave their homes for "very limited purposes", including shopping for basic necessities, for any medical need, for one form of exercise a day, and to travel to and from work when necessary, said the prime minister.

Meanwhile, all shops selling non-essential goods, such as clothing and electronic stores, are ordered to close, and libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship will be closed.

All social events are banned and even gatherings of more than two people in public, except for people one lives with, are banned.

Police have powers to enforce the rules, including through fines and dispersing gatherings, according to Johnson.