BRITS should only shop once a week for their food during the coronavirus lockdown, the Transport Secretary said today.
Grant Shapps suggested that the population shouldn’t go out more than that to get necessities from shops.
However, neither the emergency laws nor the Government’s guidance does not state how often anyone should stop.
It merely said Brits are allowed out to get food, and they should go out as little as possible.
People are asked to use their common sense on the matter.
A No10 spokesperson said today that the guidance was clear – but there was no official limit.
Downing Street said: “I think the guidance says you should be shopping for basic necessities, food and medicine which must be as infrequent as poss
“The guidance does not specify that, no, but it should be as infrequent as possible.
“For some people I am sure their judgement is that will be once a week, but it is not in the guidance.”
It comes just days after Michael Gove suggested that people should not spend more than an hour outside for their daily exercise of a walk or a run.
Again, there’s nothing technically to stop people for going out for longer than that in the laws.
Instead ministers insisted it was just “guidance” for the public.
But the lockdown is not set to be lifted anytime soon, Mr Shapps added.
He told BBC News: “There is a long way to go.
“I know people are seeing two or three days of the chart coming down but I don’t expect that to continue.
“We are not at the peak yet and it is really important we continue following this advice.”
All Brits have been told they must stay at home unless essential – such as going out for food or medicine.
And one exercise trip per day is allowed too.
But no one should be meeting anyone outside their households unless they absolutely have to, the Government has said.
Strict fines are in place for people gathering in groups of more than two in public.
Boris Johnson told Cabinet today – which was done via videolink – that it would get worse before it gets better.
A No10 spokesperson said this morning: “The PM said the rising death toll in recent days showed the vital importance of the public continuing to stick to the social distancing guidance which has been put in place by the Government, based on scientific and medical advice.
“The message to the public is: Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.
“The PM said that the situation is going to get worse before it gets better – but it will get better.”
Earlier an extra 40 deaths from outside hospitals were revealed – and more jumps are expected.
Regional data released showed all areas outside of London had steady increases in hospital admissions but were not spiking, giving more time to get ready for extra cases.
Three regional hospitals in London, Birmingham and Manchester are in the process of being set up to help deal with cases.
