- Title: Britain wakes up to coronavirus lockdown, confusion continues
- Date: 24th March 2020
- Summary: FRONT PAGE OF DAILY MIRROR WITH HEADLINE READING (English) "NATIONAL LOCKDOWN" CAPTIONS READING (English): "ONLY ALLOWED OUT ONCE A DAY & £30 FINE FOR BREAKING EMERGENCY RULES" AND "GATHERINGS OF 3 OR MORE BANNED AND NON-ESSENTIAL SHOPS ARE TO SHUT" VARIOUS OF FRONT PAGE OF THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WITH HEADLINE READING (English) "END OF FREEDOM" FRONT PAGE OF THE SUN WITH HEADLINE READING (English) "HOUSE ARREST" HEADLINE INSIDE DAILY STAR READING: (English) "BACK IN YA BOX YOU COVIDIOTS" HEADLINE INSIDE THE SUN READING: (English) "IT WASN'T WORKING" FRONT PAGE OF THE TIMES WITH HEADLINE READING (English) "YOU MUST STAY HOME" FRONT PAGE OF DAILY EXPRESS WITH HEADLINE READING (English) "YOU MUST STAY AT HOME... FOR ALL OUR SAKES" HEADLINE INSIDE THE SUN READING: (English) "THREE'S A CROWD"
- Embargoed: 7th April 2020 11:17
- Keywords: Boris Johnson Coronavirus London London streets empty streets lockdown outbreak stay at home streets work from home
- Location: LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
- City: LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
- Country: United Kingdom
- Topics: Health/Medicine
- Reuters ID: LVA002C6EWIMF
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:Britain awoke to a virtual lockdown on Tuesday (March 24) after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered people to stay at home, shops to close and an end to all social gatherings to halt the spread of coronavirus.
The unprecedented peacetime restrictions, which will last for at least three weeks, were brought in to prevent the state-run National Health Service (NHS) from being overwhelmed as the number of deaths in Britain rose to 335.
While much quieter than usual, streets across London nonetheless saw steady traffic flows, although with far fewer pedestrians.
Social media images also showed London Underground trains were still packed with commuters and one large retail chain suggested it wanted to stay open.
There were complaints that the advice was confusing or did not go far enough.
The curbs on movement, under which people should only leave their homes for very limited reasons such as going to supermarkets or once a day for exercise, were announced in a national address by Johnson late on Monday.
He had resisted bringing in lockdowns which other European countries have introduced, but earlier advice for Britons to avoid gatherings was being widely ignored with people flocking to parks and beauty spots.
All but essential shops must close immediately and people should no longer meet family or friends. Police will break up gatherings of more than two people and social events such as weddings, although not funerals, will be stopped.
Senior government minister Michael Gove said stronger measures than 30-pound ($35) fines for people who flouted the new restrictions could be introduced.
Police said they were working with government to see how the rules could be effectively enforced.
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