Coronavirus lockdown: PM Boris Johnson announces new measures
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MORAY, Scotland and the United Kingdom woke up to a coronavirus lockdown this morning.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced stringent controls last night in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19.
All non-essential shops are to close, people have been instructed to stay at home and not mix with people outwith their household.
People can only leave home to exercise once a day but mass gatherings of more than two people are banned and police have the powers to disperse them.
Only food stores, pharmacies and doctors surgeries remain open and other essential facilities.
Travelling to and from work is still allowed but only where it is absolutely essential and cannot be done from home.
People can leave their homes to buy essential food items but only infrequently.
Mr Johnson said: "You must stay at home. The critical thing we must do is stop the disease spreading between households.
"We should not be meeting friends. We should not be meeting family who do not live in your home."
The lockdown came into force from midnight on Monday.
The Prime Minister insisted the tough new measures are needed to slow the spread of the virus and save lives.
The Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Iain Livingstone QPM said: “We are fully behind the new measures announced by the UK and Scottish Governments to increase social distancing, and I urge and expect everyone to comply with them.
“We are aware of the proposed legislation in relation to coronavirus and are carefully considering the implications in this very fast moving situation, which presents the gravest of threats to the nation.
“In the meantime, Police Scotland has a clear, positive duty to both protect life and improve the safety and wellbeing of people across Scotland, while supporting the government and health agencies in our fight against this pandemic.
“Therefore, until the new legislation is in place, we will be increasing police patrols in key areas across the country to engage with and provide guidance to anyone in contravention of the measures.”
