Government orders people to stay at home

The government has ordered people to stay home and gatherings of more than two people in public not from the same household will be banned.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the demands that come into force immediately in an address to the nation tonight, Monday, March 23.

People will only be allowed to leave home for shopping for essential items, one form of exercise a day, any medical need for you or a vulnerable person and for travelling to and from work when absolutely necessary.

“Non-necessary” shops will be closed.

Occasions such as weddings or baptisms will be banned, though funerals will be allowed.

Parks will remain open for exercise, but groups will be dispersed.

The Prime Minister said the measures would be reviewed constantly, but also said that would be in three weeks time.

He said: “Without a huge national effort there will come a time that no health service inhe world will be able to cope as there won’t be enough ventilators, enough intensive care beds, doctors not nurses and we have seen that is the moment of real danger.

“I’m leading a very simple instruction. You must stay at home.

“If you don’t follow the rules police will have the powers to enforce them through fines.”

You can read the full transcript of the speech here

more >

Spalding man found guilty of attempting to kidnap girlfriend’s husband

18 Jul 2025

Pair look to land funds for charity

18 Jul 2025

Back to the 80s for air ambulance

18 Jul 2025

Deputy mayor asks residents how transport network should be improved

17 Jul 2025

Plans for 86-bed care home on Bull and Monkie passed

17 Jul 2025

Alleged attempted kidnapper from Spalding concedes he has ‘distinctive’ Yorkshire accent as co-accused chooses not to give evidence

17 Jul 2025