The UK government has sent a mass message to everyone in the country ordering them to stay inside after Boris Johnson announced a coronavirus lockdown. A text sent to all Britons warns them that new rules are ‘in force now’ and they ‘must stay at home’ to ‘protect the NHS’ and ‘save lives’.
The message notes that there are ‘exemptions’, with a link taking the user to the government website which explains the situation in further detail. Many people have already received the text, but others in the UK are set to get it later today. The government had to work with the UK’s mobile networks to send the message, after an emergency alert system, trialled almost seven years ago, was never put into action.
For all the latest news and updates on Coronavirus, click here. Read the latest updates: Coronavirus news live. A 2014 report concluded that ‘the system would be an effective way of getting people to take specific protective action during an emergency’.
It remains unknown why it was not set up, but a BBC source suggested cost may have been a factor. If it had been established, the government could have sent messages directly to all phone users without having to ask operators.
On Monday evening, the prime minister announced strict new curbs on normal life in order to tackle the virus, which has killed 335 people in the UK. Britons are only able to leave their houses for exercise once a day, to travel to and from work where ‘absolutely necessary’, to shop for essential items, and to fulfil any medical or care needs.
The new rules will be enforced by police, who have the power to give fines and disperse gatherings, the Tory leader said in a televised statement from Downing Street. Shops selling non-essential goods have been closed, as well as libraries, playgrounds and places of worship.
Gatherings of more than two people in public are banned – excluding people that are in the same household – and weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies have been stopped, excluding funerals. Parks will remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed by officers. The restrictions are in place for at least three weeks and will be kept under constant review, the government has said.
Addressing the nation, Mr Johnson said: ‘To put it simply, if too many people become unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to handle it. It’s vital to slow the spread of the disease because that is the way we reduce the number of people needing hospital treatment at any one time.’ ‘You should not be meeting friends.
If your friends ask you to meet, you should say No. ‘You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home. You should not be going shopping except for essentials like food and medicine – and you should do this as little as you can. And use food delivery services where you can. ‘If you don’t follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.’
