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Coronavirus: What are the new restrictions and why are they needed? Coronavirus: What are the new restrictions and why are they needed?
(about 1 hour later)
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a series of new restrictions to fight the coronavirus outbreak in a televised address from 10 Downing Street.Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a series of new restrictions to fight the coronavirus outbreak in a televised address from 10 Downing Street.
What are the new measures?What are the new measures?
The prime minister said:The prime minister said:
Mr Johnson said that if these rules are not followed then police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.Mr Johnson said that if these rules are not followed then police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.
People are also being told not to meet friends or family members who do not live with them.People are also being told not to meet friends or family members who do not live with them.
Mr Johnson said people would only be allowed to leave their homes in future for specific and limited purposes:Mr Johnson said people would only be allowed to leave their homes in future for specific and limited purposes:
The measures will last for three weeks from 23 March before being reviewed.
Why are tougher restrictions being introduced?Why are tougher restrictions being introduced?
The government had already told people that to prevent the spread of coronavirus they should only go out when necessary - for example, to buy food and medicine, or for exercise.The government had already told people that to prevent the spread of coronavirus they should only go out when necessary - for example, to buy food and medicine, or for exercise.
When out, people have been told to keep at least 2m (6ft) apart from other people. This is known as social distancing.When out, people have been told to keep at least 2m (6ft) apart from other people. This is known as social distancing.
However, since this advice was issued, there have been many examples of people not following it.However, since this advice was issued, there have been many examples of people not following it.
At the weekend, parks and open spaces were packed with people. Snowdonia National Park, for example, said it had experienced the "busiest ever visitor day in living memory".At the weekend, parks and open spaces were packed with people. Snowdonia National Park, for example, said it had experienced the "busiest ever visitor day in living memory".
And with the reduction in train services across the UK and tube trains on the London Underground, passengers on their way to work were crowded together on Monday.And with the reduction in train services across the UK and tube trains on the London Underground, passengers on their way to work were crowded together on Monday.
What has the UK already done?What has the UK already done?
People had already been urged to work from home where possible, and not to visit pubs, restaurants, cafes, theatres and other venues.People had already been urged to work from home where possible, and not to visit pubs, restaurants, cafes, theatres and other venues.
Last Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that these places should all close, although takeaways could still offer a service.Last Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that these places should all close, although takeaways could still offer a service.
Schools also shut on Friday, although some have been kept open to provide a service for the children of key workers, such as NHS staff.Schools also shut on Friday, although some have been kept open to provide a service for the children of key workers, such as NHS staff.
Why do people need to stay apart?Why do people need to stay apart?
Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets into the air. These can be breathed in, or cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on, and then touch your face with unwashed hands.Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets into the air. These can be breathed in, or cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on, and then touch your face with unwashed hands.
How does the UK compare to other countries?How does the UK compare to other countries?
Many countries have already imposed severe restrictions on their populations.Many countries have already imposed severe restrictions on their populations.