- Title: Britain wakes up to coronavirus lockdown, confusion continues
- Date: 24th March 2020
- Summary: LONDON, ENGLAND, UK (MARCH 24, 2020) (REUTERS) (MUTE) VARIOUS DRONE SHOTS OF SUNRISE OVER PARK IN FULHAM, SOUTHWEST LONDON ROOFTOPS AND EMPTY EMPTY STREETS DRONE SHOTS OF STREET ROOFTOPS LONDON, ENGLAND, UK (MARCH 24, 2020) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF SUNRISE OVER RIVER THAMES, WALKWAYS ABANDONED, TRAINS STILL MOVING NEAR-EMPTY M1 MOTORWAY IN HENDON TOWARDS LONDON STREET IN EALING BROADWAY, WEST LONDON SHUTTERED SHOPS PADLOCK ON SHOP SHUTTERED HAIR SALON NOTICE ON DOOR NOTIFYING CUSTOMERS OF SALON CLOSURE VARIOUS OF SHUTTERED SHOPS IN HIGH STREET NOTICE ON DOOR OF SHOE SHOP CLOSED SHOP CHURCH VARIOUS OF PEOPLE IN SAINSBURY'S SUPERMARKET MORRISONS SUPERMARKET VARIOUS OF BRITISH NEWSPAPERS FROM MARCH 24
- 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: LVA001C6EWIMF
- 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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