The outbreak of the virus is the most serious threat that the country has faced in decades. Without significant government intervention, the rapid spread of the disease could overwhelm the NHS and put lives in danger.
That is why the Government has now ordered the closure of all retailers selling non-essential goods and all non-essential premises. This includes restaurants, pubs, bars, hotels and clubs as well as hair and beauty salons, community centres, libraries, cinemas, theatres, museums and concert halls. Gyms, spas and leisure centres are also now closed. Parks remain open for individuals and households to exercise in once a day but sports courts, sport pitches, playing grounds and other communal spaces in parks are closed.
Supermarkets, health shops and pharmacies remain open and restaurants may provide takeaway and food delivery services. Other businesses providing essential services such as banks, post offices, newsagents, corner shops, garages, laundrettes, dry cleaners and petrol stations also remain open. Places of worship are closed for services but may remain open for solitary prayer.
For a full list of which businesses and premises are closed, I would encourage you to read the government guidance at the following address:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-c…
You must now stay at home and outings should be limited to shopping for basic necessities, medical need, one form of exercise a day and travel for essential work which cannot be done from home. The police will have the power to enforce these measures.
The next few weeks and months will be difficult but with our actions we can reduce the number of people falling ill at any one time, protect the NHS’s ability to treat patients and beat the coronavirus.
