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Coronavirus: What are the new restrictions and why are they needed? Coronavirus: What are the current restrictions and why are they needed?
(8 days later)
A series of strict new measures to fight the coronavirus outbreak have been announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. A series of strict measures to fight the coronavirus outbreak has been introduced by the government.
In a televised address, he said a "moment of national emergency" meant staying at home was necessary to protect the NHS and save lives. They are aimed at stopping the spread of infection by making people stay at home unless absolutely necessary.
When are people allowed to leave their homes?When are people allowed to leave their homes?
Mr Johnson said everybody should stay at home and would only be allowed to leave for specific reasons: Under the new regulations nobody may leave their homes "without reasonable excuse".
People should not meet friends or family members who do not live with them. Reasonable excuses include:
What other new measures are there? Religious ministers are also allowed to visit their place of worship.
The prime minister said: When outside your home, you should keep a safe distance of 2m or more from anyone who is not a member of your household.
All of the new measures will last for three weeks from 23 March before being reviewed. What's been closed under the restrictions?
Many businesses and venues have been ordered to close. These include:
Shops that remain open include supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations and post offices. A full list can be found here.
Tradespeople can still carry out repair and maintenance work in people's homes as long as they are well and have no symptoms, and keep 2m away from people in the household.
However, in households where people are self-isolating, or where a vulnerable individual is being shielded, no work should be carried out except emergency repairs to remedy a direct safety risk to the household.
What other measures are being taken?
All gatherings of more than two people have been banned by the government. The only exceptions are:
In addition, the government has stopped weddings, baptisms and other religious ceremonies, apart from funerals.
The restrictions were announced on 23 March by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, with the plan to review them after three weeks.
How will the measures be enforced?How will the measures be enforced?
The police will be given the powers to make sure people follow the measures - by dispersing groups and issuing fines. The police have been given powers to make sure people follow the measures.
The National Police Chiefs' Council told the BBC that officers would be talking to people and explaining why they shouldn't be out. If you leave your home or gather in public for any reason other than those allowed, the police may instruct you to go home or disperse. They may also instruct you to stop your children from also breaking the rules. They also have the power to take you home or arrest you.
If they do not accept the advice, they would then be given a fine. However, fines won't be issued until Parliament passes the emergency legislation - which should be by the end of Thursday. If the police believe you have broken rules, or if you refuse to follow their instructions, they may issue you with a fine of £60 (reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days). If it's the second time you've received a fine, the amount will increase to £120 and double on each further repeat offence.
Downing Street says fines could initially be set at £30, but that could increase significantly if people don't comply. The guidance says that "the police will act with discretion and common sense in applying these measures".
Councils will also play a role to make sure local businesses follow the rules. Local authorities (such as trading standards officers) will be monitoring local businesses to make sure they also follow the rules. Those that don't comply will face the threat of fines, and of being closed down.
The Local Government Association says that "anyone who sees a business breaching government closure restrictions should report it to their local council so it can investigate and take appropriate action".
What about non-food shops?
Some other types of non-food retailers are also allowed to stay open, according to government guidance:
If a customer visits any of these premises, they need to ensure they stick to the social distancing rules.
What about online deliveries?
Customers should still be able to receive online deliveries.
Amazon said there would be some changes, with essential items (like food and healthcare products) being prioritised. That means that delivery times for other items may take longer than usual.
In order to avoid any unnecessary contact, Amazon in-home deliveries have been paused and drivers have been advised to place packages at the customer's doorstep and step back. This means bulky items, like fridges and washing machines, will not be brought directly into homes.
John Lewis says it's still offering home deliveries for larger items such as furniture and home appliances, but will no longer offer home installation or assembly.
The Royal Mail is still operating its service for parcels and letters, but with some delays and alterations.
What else do I need to know?
How does the UK compare to other countries?
Many countries have already imposed severe restrictions on their populations.
Why are tougher restrictions being introduced?
The government had already told people to only go out when necessary - for example, to buy food and medicine, or for exercise - and keep 2m (6ft) apart. This is known as social distancing.
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".
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.