Who can work during the coronavirus lockdown?
THE single most important action we can all take, in fighting coronavirus, is to "stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives", says Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
After he announced more stringent measures on March 23, what do these new rules mean for workers, and when are you allowed to leave your home?
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Can I still go to work now the UK is in lockdown?
Yes you can - but ONLY if you come under the key worker categories.
Brits are still allowed to go to work if they cannot work at home, but only if they can stay two metres apart from each other during it.
Travel on roads, trains and buses has been banned, unless it’s essential to get to work, shopping for essentials, or health appointments.
But public transport is still running to get key workers to and from their work places.
Who is classified as a key worker?
Front line workers include NHS staff, emergency services, food shop workers and delivery drivers, people in food preparation, police and more.
The working heroes' children will be exempt from the decision to close classrooms from Monday, March 23, to stop the spread of the deadly bug.
Key workers whose children will be allowed back to school as they play a crucial role in Britain's fight against coronavirus have been named by the Government.
Will I be fined if I leave my house?
A failure to follow the rules could see cops dispersing gatherings of more than two people, and imposing fines.
Financial penalties start at £30, according to Government officials.
Police and other relevant authorities will be handed additional powers to enforce the new drastic measures.
The virtual house arrest rules will initially last for three weeks from March 23 until April 13, when the Government will possibly relax them if the evidence shows the spread of the virus has slowed down.
However, the PM is facing calls for clarity after placing the UK on a police-enforced lockdown.
Boris Johnson said on Monday, March 23, "we will stop all gatherings of more than two people in public – excluding people you live with".
Also, the Government is stopping all social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, but excluding funerals.
When can I go outside?
People will only be allowed to leave their home for the following very limited purposes:
- shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible
- one form of exercise a day - (a run, walk, or cycle) - alone or with members of your household
- any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
- travelling to and from work, but only where absolutely necessary and this cannot be done from home
That’s all - these are the only reasons you should leave your home.
Dogs
When it comes to pets, then Government advice is that you can still walk your dog but you need to keep two metres away from other people.
If you are staying at home because you or someone in your family is showing signs of the coronavirus then you can use your garden as a place for your dog to toilet and play.
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Closed for business
The Government has:
- Closed all shops selling non-essential goods, including clothing and electronic stores
- It's also shut other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, as well as massage and tattoo parlours
- Here's the full, official list of those affected by the lockdown as of March 23:
