The UK has joined other European nations in enacting a lockdown that will be enforced by law, banning all gatherings of over two people to try to stem the spread of COVID-19.
“From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction—you must stay at home,” said prime minister Boris Johnson during an address to the nation.
Johnson has previously held off from adopting the more stringent restrictions on freedom seen in much of Europe.The British authorities had only previously advised the public on social distancing, in addition to shutting down restaurants, pubs, and gyms, but leaving many other types of shops and services open.
