PM announces strict new rules amid coronavirus outbreak

March 24, 2020 by Emily Mertens

Boris Johnson has announced the strictest rules to date to delay the spread of coronavirus.

The latest rules include staying at home, only leaving for exercise once a day, to shop for essential items and medical needs and to travel to and from work but only if absolutely necessary.

All non-essential shops have also been ordered to close and gatherings of more than two people in public are no longer allowed. However, groups of family members who live together are allowed to go out in public as a group.

Fines and dispersing of gatherings may be put in place for those who do not follow these new rules.

It is also imperative to remember that even when following the above rules, the public should minimise the amount of time spent out of their homes and should keep two metres (6ft) away from people they do not live with.

The government is also stopping all social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies - but funerals will be allowed.

To avoid the confusion of what shops are 'essential' and what aren't, a list of businesses that won't need to close has been released, these include:

• Restaurants, cafes and work canteens - but only for food delivery and takeaway services
• Supermarkets and other premises selling food, including market stalls
• "Health shops" such as pharmacies
• Petrol stations, garages and car rental businesses
• Bicycle shops
• Home and hardware shops
• Launderettes and dry cleaners
• Pet shops
• Corner shops, newsagents and post offices
• Banks

Libraries, non-essential shops, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship have been ordered to close. Parks remain open for exercise but large groups are not allowed.

Hotels, hostels, campsites and caravan parks have also been told to close, unless they have key workers who need to stay there, or if other guests are unable to return to their primary address.

For all of our recent coronavirus updates, check out our range of blogs.