By Tony O’Riley-
Boris Johnson has announced an Italy-style lockdown on the UK to fight the coronavirus outbreak with gatherings of more than two people banned.
The prime minister authorised the police to enforce the new restrictions including by issuing fines and dispersing gatherings. He imposed closures on all shops are required to shut and draconian measures on when people can leave have been implemented.
Under the very strict rules, all shops selling non-essential goods, as well as all libraries, outdoor gyms and playgrounds, and churches or other places of worship. All public gatherings of more than two people will be banned, apart from if people live together. Also prohibited are all social events such as weddings and baptisms, although funerals will be permitted to take place.
“We will beat the coronavirus and we will beat it together,” Johnson said, adding that the measures are vital to protect the NHS’s capacity to deal with sick people in hospital. No more than two people who are not part of the same household will be allowed to meet, Johnson said.
The radical move follows a deaf tone response from stubborn Brits who continued to fill Pubs and scenes of parks filled over the weekend after a glimpse of sunshine continued to reveal the reckless attitude of several members of the public despite the serious warnings.
Image: PA