Covid-19: UK PM Boris Johnson Orders Lockdown From Tonight

From Friday 20th March, the UK will go into lock down to reduce the spread of Coronavirus, the Prime minister Boris Johnson has ordered.

Boris Johnson ordered all pubs, bars, restaurants in the UK to shut down tonight in a dramatic lock down to slow the spread of coronavirus. Social premises that also include theatres, cinemas, gyms and sports centres must close ‘as soon as they reasonably can and not to reopen tomorrow’.

“We urge the public to not panic as we are taking the necessary steps in order to suppress COVID-19. The military and police will be working across the country to ensure everything is running smoothly. I must stress that if you are found to be out of your property for no urgent reason, then you will face criminal charges.”

As the coronavirus death toll continues to climb to 177, with 40 more deaths today, the PM said that measures outlined on Monday for people to voluntarily self-isolate now had to go further, he ordered premises to shut down for an initial 14 days, after which it will be reviewed.

‘I know it has been difficult … but these actions we are taking together are helping to take the strain off the NHS,’ he said.

‘The speed of our eventual recovery depends entirely on our collective ability to get on top of the virus now and that means we have to take the next steps on scientific advice.

‘And following our plan we are strengthening the measures announced on Monday. We need now to push down further on that curve of transmission between us.

‘And so following agreement with all the … devolved administrations, we are collectively telling cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants to close tonight as soon as they reasonably can and not to open tomorrow.

‘We’re also telling nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres to close on the same timescale.’

Restaurants will be allowed to operate as take-aways, he added.