Can I go outside my home, to work or out to get food? What UK coronavirus lockdown means for you

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They will have a huge impact on how we live our lives for at least the next three weeks – and possibly even longer.

The PM laid out the drastic steps in an address to the nation

Anyone who doesn’t obey the rules faces a fine, too.

The PM’s order will last for an initial three weeks, when it will be reviewed to see whether the contagion rate is down.

The draconian measures which will change every aspect of Brits’ lives included:

  • All gatherings of more than two people in public were forbidden – meaning a ban on all social events, including weddings and baptisms
  • Tens of thousands of non-essential shops were ordered to close
  • Communal play and exercise areas inside parks will also be shut down, but not parks themselves
  • Places of worship such as churches and mosques must also shut, except to host for funerals
  • Travel on roads, trains and buses was also banned, unless it’s essential to get to work.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new rules, which will come into play at midnight tonight (Tuesday morning).

Q. Will I need an ID or proof of what I’m doing outside of my home?

A. It’s not yet clear. In France and other countries where similar lockdown are enforce people have to carry out forms detailing why they are out of the house.

The PM didn’t mention this in his press statement.

He said that Brits will ONLY be allowed out of the home for exercise once a day, to work if they have to, to buy shopping or medicine, or going to a medical appointment.

Q. Can the police arrest me or fine me?

A. Yes. On Thursday police will have the power to fine you and even force you into self-isolation if they suspect you from being ill.

Those who refuse could be fined up to £1000.

New fines are also set to be put in place of £30 for refusing to obey the new measures to stay indoors.

Q. Can I have a picnic in the park?

A. No. Gatherings of more than two people outside of a household have been banned.

You will be able to jog, go for a walk or bike-ride in a park once a day.

You won’t be able to go to the playground or a public gym, however, as these will be shut down.

Parks will remain open.

Q. Can I go to the shops?

A. You will be allowed out once a day to get “basic necessities” like food and medicine.

All other non-essential shops will be shut anyway.

Food deliveries and other online shopping will go ahead as normal, Boris said tonight.

Shops that can stay open are supermarkets, pharmacies, vets, pet shops, hardware stores, retail shops in hospitals, newsagents, petrol stations, banks, post offices, laundrettes and undertakers.

Q. Can I still go to work?

A. Yes but only if it is absolutely essential and the work cannot be done at home.

Key workers are still allowed to carry on because their work is vital to the running of the country.

Travel on roads, trains and buses was also banned, unless it’s essential to get to work.

Q. Can I go to a Church, Mosque or Synagogue or other place of worship?

A. No. All religious gatherings, including weddings have been banned.

Only Funerals will be able to take place – and only immediate family members will be allowed to attend.