Today marks a turning point in history as British prime minister Boris Johnson announced a UK-wide lockdown preventing people from leaving the house unless they are going grocery shopping.

As a result, all non-essential businesses will be forced to close to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lockdown is expected to last for at least 3 weeks. However, police forces are being told to prepare for a lockdown lasting up to six months.

In addition to the televised announcement, the government has also issued text messages to thousands of people across the UK, ordering them to stay at home.

The picture below is an example of the text messages that are being sent.

What does the UK lockdown mean?

Under these new regulations, citizens will be prevented from visiting family and friends. They will also be prohibited from visiting family members that do not live in their household. Those who are in violation of the rules will be fined.

All restaurants, recreational facilities, places of worship and community centres have been ordered to close. Libraries, museums, and stores selling non-essential goods have also been ordered to close, along with all other public facilities (with the exception of parks, and those selling essential goods or services). Pet shops, laundrettes, car rentals, post offices, supermarkets, banks, hardware stores and petrol stations can remain open.

What is permitted

The government has announced that people will only be allowed to leave their homes to purchase basic necessities. Brits will be permitted to take one form of exercise per day outside of the house.This includes a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household.

Strangely, despite the pandemic, Brits will still be able to leave the house in order to donate blood. Under-18s of separated parents can visit both homes.

People are also allowed to leave to look after their medical needs or to travel to and from work if it cannot be done from home.

Social events such as weddings and baptisms have been banned.

Emergency callouts are also permitted but the guidelines state that social distancing of two metres should be observed.

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