‘STAY HOME, SAVE LIVES’

As city goes into lockdown, the Gazette backs hospital doctor leading Kent’s fight against coronavirus and pleads…

We must stay at home. That’s the stark message Boris Johnson gave when he addressed the nation from Downing Street on Monday, as the nation went into a lockdown to try and slow the spread of coronavirus.

If people are caught going outside without a good reason, they could face an on the spot fine of £30.

The Prime Minister said it was vital people complied.

“We need to fight the disease. “Without a huge national effort, there will be no health service, there would not be one in the world that would be able to cope. If too many become ill, the NHS will not be able handle the numbers.

“It is vital to slow the spread of the disease and save more lives.” Mr Johnson said the Government will look at the rules again in three weeks and relax them if the evidence shows this is possible.

Under the new guidelines, people will only be allowed to leave their homes to buy essential goods, exercise once a day, travel to or from essential work and for any medical need. Mr Johnson added: “That’s all, these are the only reasons you should leave home. If your friends ask you to meet, say ‘No.’ “If you do not follow the rules police will have powers to ensure compliance.

“We will close all shops selling non-essential goods, and other premises, stop all gatherings of more than two people and weddings will be cancelled.”

All UK nationals travelling abroad have also been advised by the Foreign Office to return home, if commercial flights are still available.

The department said it was working to keep routes open, but international travel was becoming very limited as borders close.

Mr Johnson added: “There are no easy options, the way ahead is going to be hard. Many lives will sadly be lost, but there is a clear way though. “Simply staying at home is key and we are working on a pioneering vaccine and buying a million testing kits. “Each and every one of us is now obliged to join together to halt this disease and protect the NHS.”

The extra measures are all part of a 329 page emergency bill passed by the House of Commons.

As soon as the Coronavirus 2020 legislation is put through the House of Lords, it will become enforceable by law which is due to happen by today (Thursday).

At that point, it will give police the power to issue on-the-spot fines to people not following the regulations.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the ‘extraordinary measures’ being brought in from the legislation have never before been seen in peacetime.

“There are no easy options, the way ahead will be hard, lives will be lost”

Picture: BBC Shopping to buy essential supplies is one of the few things which are permitted as Britain ramped up its response to the coronavirus outbreak. Right: Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, addresses the nation on Monday