New measures will be in place for at least three weeks to prevent people in the UK leaving their home except for very limited purposes.

The Prime Minister pleaded today in a pre-recorded announcement that "you must stay at home" and people should only be allowed to leave under specific circumstances.

He announced that from this evening people can leave the house for limited action:

  • Essential shopping
  • One form of exercise a day - whether a run, walk or cycle - by yourself or just one other family member
  • Any medical need to provide care / help vulnerable person
  • Travelling to or from work

He added that shoppers should only go out for essentials and instead use food delivery services when they can.

Anyone caught flouting the restrictions will be fined or dispersed, with police granted special powers. 

All shops selling non-essential goods, libraries, outdoor gyms must close.

He said that they will stop all social events including weddings, baptisms - but excluding funerals.

While parks will be open for exercise, child play areas will be shut.

During the speech he said: "I can assure you we will keep these restrictions under constant review.

"But at present there are just no easy options."

He added that "many lives will be sadly lost."

He said day-by-day, we are strengthening our NHS with retired workers returning, increasing stocks, pioneering work on a vaccine and buying testing kits.

Mr Johnson concluded: "We will beat the coronavirus and we will beat it together. And therefore I urge you at this moment of national emergency to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives."

Mr Johnson assured the public that the restrictions are to be kept under constant review.

They could be relaxed in three weeks if evidence shows the Government is able.