
Britain's 66million people are today beginning a new life in coronavirus lockdown after Boris Johnson ordered the immediate closure of all non-essential shops and threatened people with fines or even arrest if they do not 'stay at home'.

The Prime Minister's shutdown will last for a minimum of three weeks and the UK's new state of emergency is unprecedented in modern history.

Gatherings of more than two people will be banned in the most dramatic curbs on freedom ever seen in Britain in time of peace or war, as the government goes all out to stop the spread of the killer disease, which has claimed 335 lives.

In a grim address to the nation from Downing Street, Mr Johnson said: 'Without a huge national effort to halt the growth of this virus, there will come a moment when no health service in the world could possibly cope; because there won't be enough ventilators, enough intensive care beds, enough doctors and nurses', adding: 'I must give the British people a very simple instruction - you must stay at home'.

He said any family reunions, weddings, baptisms and other social events must be cancelled to stop the NHS collapsing under the strain. Funerals can go ahead attended by just a handful of closest relatives.

People must only leave their homes for essential supplies, medical help, or to travel to work if it is 'absolutely' unavoidable. Going out for exercise will be allowed once a day, but parks will be patrolled to make sure there is no abuse of the rules.

Police will have powers to fine those who do not fall into line, and disperse any public gatherings, in measures to curb movement only seen during the Second World War. Historians have claimed you have to go back to 1666 to find when people were last forced to stay at home en masse, when Britons had to stay at home for 40 days to halt the spread of the Great Plague.

The PM was finally forced into the draconian move amid fury that many people are still flouting 'social distancing' guidance, with parks and Tube trains in London - regarded as the engine of the UK outbreak - still busy despite repeated pleas.

'Though huge numbers are complying – and I thank you all - the time has now come for us all to do more,' Mr Johnson said.

'From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction - you must stay at home.

'Because the critical thing we must do is stop the disease spreading between households.'

Millions of people will receive a text from the Government today urging them to stay at home.

Ministers have agreed a deal with phone operators to send the alert carrying Boris Johnson’s warning to every mobile in the country

The government's Cobra emergency committee met at 5pm and signed off the extraordinary new restrictions - similar to those which have already been imposed across the rest of Europe.

They will last for three weeks initially - but the government's own experts have suggested the situation could take up to a year to resolve.

The stringent limits, which came after weeks of mounting pressure for the PM to escalate the response, were welcomed across the political spectrum - in itself a sign of the unprecedented times the country is enduring. However, police officers cautioned that their task would be 'challenging'.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the rules on who was allowed to travel to work was too loose, suggesting construction employees might feel they were not covered by the ban.

The coronavirus threat was thrown into sharp relief earlier as the number of UK fatalities went up by 54 to 335 in a single day - the second biggest rise yet. The number of positive tests went up by 967, to 6,650 - although the true figure is thought to be more than 300,000.

Mr Johnson spelled out just four reasons why Britons can leave their houses.

They are:

shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible;

one form of exercise a day - for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household;

any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person;

travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home.

He said the government will be acting in three key ways to 'ensure compliance'.

closing all shops selling non-essential goods,​ including clothing and electronic stores, and other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship;

stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public – excluding people you live with;

stopping all social events​, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, but excluding funerals.

Stressing that 'no Prime Minister wants to enact measures like this', Mr Johnson invoked the wartime spirit by saying he wanted to 'enlist' everyone into the battle against coronavirus.

'Without a huge national effort to halt the growth of this virus, there will come a moment when no health service in the world could possibly cope; because there won't be enough ventilators, enough intensive care beds, enough doctors and nurses,' he warned.

'And as we have seen elsewhere, in other countries that also have fantastic health care systems, that is the moment of real danger.

'To put it simply, if too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to handle it - meaning more people are likely to die, not just from Coronavirus but from other illnesses as well.'

Boris Johnson plunged the UK into coronavirus lockdown last night - ordering the closure of all shops selling non-essential goods as well as playgrounds and churches

Boris Johnson's address to the nation in full Good Evening. The coronavirus is the biggest threat this country has faced for decades – and this country is not alone. All over the world we are seeing the devastating impact of this invisible killer And so tonight I want to update you on the latest steps we are taking to fight the disease and what you can do to help. And I want to begin by reminding you why the UK has been taking the approach that we have. Without a huge national effort to halt the growth of this virus, there will come a moment when no health service in the world could possibly cope; because there won't be enough ventilators, enough intensive care beds, enough doctors and nurses. And as we have seen elsewhere, in other countries that also have fantastic health care systems, that is the moment of real danger. To put it simply, if too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to handle it - meaning more people are likely to die, not just from Coronavirus but from other illnesses as well. So it's vital to slow the spread of the disease because that is the way we reduce the number of people needing hospital treatment at any one time, so we can protect the NHS's ability to cope - and save more lives. And that's why we have been asking people to stay at home during this pandemic. And though huge numbers are complying – and I thank you all - the time has now come for us all to do more. From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction - you must stay at home. Because the critical thing we must do is stop the disease spreading between households. That is why people will only be allowed to leave their home for the following very limited purposes: Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible. One form of exercise a day - for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household; Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person. And travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home. That's all - these are the only reasons you should leave your home. You should not be meeting friends. If your friends ask you to meet, you should say No. You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home. You should not be going shopping except for essentials like food and medicine — and you should do this as little as you can. And use food delivery services where you can. If you don't follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings. To ensure compliance with the Government's instruction to stay at home, we will immediately: Close all shops selling non-essential goods,​ including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship. We will stop all gatherings of more than two people in public – excluding people you live with. And we'll stop all social events​, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, but excluding funerals. Parks will remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed. No Prime Minister wants to enact measures like this. I know the damage that this disruption is doing and will do to people's lives, to their businesses and to their jobs. And that's why we have produced a huge and unprecedented programme of support both for workers and for business. And I can assure you that we will keep these restrictions under constant review. We will look again in three weeks, and relax them if the evidence shows we are able to. But at present there are just no easy options. The way ahead is hard, and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost. And yet it is also true that there is a clear way through. Day by day we are strengthening our amazing NHS with 7500 former clinicians now coming back to the service. With the time you buy – by simply staying at home - we are increasing our stocks of equipment. We are accelerating our search for treatments. We are pioneering work on a vaccine. And we are buying millions of testing kits that will enable us to turn the tide on this invisible killer. I want to thank everyone who is working flat out to beat the virus. Everyone from the supermarket staff to the transport workers to the carers to the nurses and doctors on the frontline. But in this fight we can be in no doubt that each and every one of us is directly enlisted. Each and every one of us is now obliged to join together. To halt the spread of this disease. To protect our NHS and to save many many thousands of lives. And I know that as they have in the past so many times. The people of this country will rise to that challenge. And we will come through it stronger than ever. We will beat the coronavirus and we will beat it together. And therefore I urge you at this moment of national emergency to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives. Thank you. Advertisement

In his historic speech, delivered from behind a desk in Downing Street, Mr Johnson spelled out the reasons people could go outside.

And he added: 'That's all - these are the only reasons you should leave your home.

'You should not be meeting friends. If your friends ask you to meet, you should say No.

'You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home.

'You should not be going shopping except for essentials like food and medicine — and you should do this as little as you can. And use food delivery services where you can.

'If you don't follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.'

Underlining the soul-searching that had gone into the announcement, Mr Johnson said: 'No Prime Minister wants to enact measures like this.

'I know the damage that this disruption is doing and will do to people's lives, to their businesses and to their jobs.

'And that's why we have produced a huge and unprecedented programme of support both for workers and for business.

'And I can assure you that we will keep these restrictions under constant review. We will look again in three weeks, and relax them if the evidence shows we are able to.

'But at present there are just no easy options. The way ahead is hard, and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost.

'And yet it is also true that there is a clear way through.'

He added: 'I know that as they have in the past so many times.

'The people of this country will rise to that challenge.

'And we will come through it stronger than ever.

'We will beat the coronavirus and we will beat it together.'

As the crisis pushed the UK and the world to breaking point today:

The government has suspended rail franchises to maintain services, as operators faced collapse with passenger numbers tumbling;

Mr Hancock has insisted he will ensure that NHS staff get all the personal protection equipment they need, amid fear they are currently 'lambs to the slaughter' when treating patients;

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is preparing a fresh economic bailout for five-million self-employed amid warnings thousands of sole traders will not survive the crisis;

The children of coronavirus key workers including firefighters have been turned away at the school gates while parents who fail to meet the criteria have verbally abused teachers and threatened to sue;

The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett, has said no new trials will start and that ongoing trials will be paused while arrangements are put in place so they can continue safely;

Health minister Nadine Dorries, the first MP confirmed with coronavirus, has returned to work after recovering from the illness;

The government is pushing emergency legislation through the Commons, but Tory and Labour MPs have secured more checks on the measures including a fresh vote in six months;

Research has suggested that the government's current policy could still result in up to 70,000 deaths from coronavirus;

A backlash has been mounting against Mr Johnson's 'relaxed' style, with warnings of a 'full-scale mutiny' among Cabinet if the lockdown was not extended, and Labour claiming his 'mixed messages will cost lives'.

Earlier, Downing Street dodged questions about the prospect of a revolt, and said it was looking at evidence to decide whether social distancing must be enforced. 'If our analysis is that people haven't stopped their interaction then we will take further measures,' the PM's spokesman said.

Labour's official position has shifted to insist it is time to introduce harsher 'compliance measures'.

Jeremy Corbyn said this evening: 'The Prime Minister is right to call for people to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives.

'This is the right response to the coronavirus pandemic, and one we have been calling for.

'There now needs to be clear guidance to employers and workers about which workplaces should close – and the Government must close the loopholes to give security to all workers, including the self-employed, as well as renters and mortgage holders.

'We welcome these moves and will be working to ensure everybody has the protection and security they need.'

Martin Hewitt, chairman of the National Police Chiefs' Council, said: 'Measures to ensure social distancing have so far not had the necessary effect.

'These new measures are sensible, based on scientific evidence and give people clarity on the exact steps they must take to stop the rapid transmission of this disease.

'The majority of people are already making real sacrifices to save lives and we urge everyone to follow the advice that is designed to keep us all safe.

'We are working with the government and other agencies to consider how these new rules can be most effectively enforced.'

However, the chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation warned that the PM was putting officers in a difficult position, and there were 'mixed messages'.

Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said he was already seeing 'large amounts of sickness' among officers across London.

Pedestrians walk across Clapham Common in south London, despite government advice to stay at home where possible

He said: 'As you quite rightly point out, we haven't seen one of the 24,000 officers that we lost across the country.

'So it will be very, very challenging and very difficult for us with what's put in front of us.

'But we don't actually know what is being put in front of us yet other than we're going to be asked to disperse crowds, it's going to be a real, real challenge.'

But he warned: 'We will be dealing with it, but I'm not sure we will have the resources to be able to see it through.'

Who should still be going to work? London Mayor warns government's rules are too LOOSE London Mayor Sadiq Kahn has warned that the government risks undermining its coronavirus lockdown by allowing too many people to go to work. Boris Johnson left some wriggle room in his announcement this evening, merely saying that people should only travel to work if it was 'absolutely necessary'. The government laid out who was counted as a 'key worker' and still permitted to send their children to schools last week. But Mr Khan said the definition was too wide, and many would be confused about who was allowed to leave the house. He said the Welsh and Scottish First Ministers agreed with him. 'The only people that should be leaving home are those that are essential to look after us,' he told the BBC. He added: 'In my view the only construction workers that should be working are those that are needed for safety.' Here are the government's key workers, as set out on the official website. Health and social care This includes but is not limited to doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK's health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributors of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment. Education and childcare This includes nursery and teaching staff, social workers and those specialist education professionals who must remain active during the COVID-19 response to deliver this approach. Key public services This includes those essential to the running of the justice system, religious staff, charities and workers delivering key frontline services, those responsible for the management of the deceased, and journalists and broadcasters who are providing public service broadcasting. Local and national government This only includes those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the COVID-19 response or delivering essential public services such as the payment of benefits, including in government agencies and arms length bodies. Food and other necessary goods This includes those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (for example hygienic and veterinary medicines). Public safety and national security This includes police and support staff, Ministry of Defence civilians, contractor and armed forces personnel (those critical to the delivery of key defence and national security outputs and essential to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic), fire and rescue service employees (including support staff), National Crime Agency staff, those maintaining border security, prison and probation staff and other national security roles, including those overseas. Transport This includes those who will keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response, including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass. Utilities, communication and financial services This includes staff needed for essential financial services provision (including but not limited to workers in banks, building societies and financial market infrastructure), the oil, gas, electricity and water sectors (including sewerage), information technology and data infrastructure sector and primary industry supplies to continue during the COVID-19 response, as well as key staff working in the civil nuclear, chemicals, telecommunications (including but not limited to network operations, field engineering, call centre staff, IT and data infrastructure, 999 and 111 critical services), postal services and delivery, payments providers and waste disposal sectors. Advertisement

Mr Marsh told Sky News that he believed the Army could be drafted should police numbers fall due to illness.

He said: 'The Army are already in place on the outskirts of London and across the country. And I don't doubt again for one minute that they will be called if needed.

'Because if we start losing large numbers in policing terms, through isolation and actually having Covid-19, then they are going to step in and support us in some way.

'It could be tailored in quite quickly and I would save that everything is on the table.'

Asked if there were fears that major crimes were now not the 'priority', Mr Marsh said: 'Absolutely, 100 per cent.

'We will police the same as we do up to a certain degree, but this has taken over everything, as it quite rightly should.

'This is the biggest thing that's ever happened in my lifetime and anyone's lifetime really, and we need to get on top of it.'

Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted: 'I know that the coming weeks will be testing for our frontline police officers. I will do everything I can to ensure that they have the resources they need to keep themselves and the public safe. Their selflessness, compassion and commitment inspires us all every single day.'

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said new coronavirus restrictions 'amount to a lockdown'.

'I am not going to sugercoat it in any way,' she said. 'Coronavirus is the biggest challenge of our lifetime.'

She said the new measures are 'not done lightly'.

'Stay at home,' she said. 'That is the message I gave yesterday and I am reinforcing that message now.'

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said in a video posted to Twitter: 'I want to speak directly to Londoners: these rules are not optional.

'These instructions have been put in place to stop the spread of the virus and must be followed at all times to save lives.'

He added: 'These unprecedented circumstances call for extraordinary measures. Unless we follow these rules, people will die.'

However, Mr Khan also delivered a stark warning that the definition of key workers was 'too wide' and would mean too many people do not follow the guidance to stay at home - saying that the Welsh and Scottish First Ministers agreed with him.

'The only people that should be leaving home are those that are essential to look after us,' he told the BBC.

He added: 'In my view the only construction workers that should be working are those that are needed for safety.'

Former Labour leader Ed Miliband tweeted: 'Constructive request: more guidance/videos/messaging from government urgently needed for people about social distancing when they do go outside. Some people are still unsure/unclear about it.'

The prospect of brutal restrictions was looming earlier as the UK death toll jumped to 335, with Wales and Scotland each announcing four more fatalities and England 46.

Wales has now recorded a total of 16 deaths from the killer virus, the second highest in the UK outside of England.

Fourteen patients have succumbed to the illness in Scotland, while Northern Ireland has reported two deaths. The remaining 303 fatalities are in England.

There have been more than 6,000 positive coronavirus tests, but experts say the true number infected is likely to be more than 300,000 because the Government is only testing people hospitalised by the disease.

For every death there are thought to be roughly 1,000 more cases of the virus.

There were appalling scenes over the weekend as Britons across the UK flocked to beaches and parks up and down the country to take a stroll with their loved ones for Mother's Day, despite Mr Johnson urging families to stay apart and meet via Skype or other remote communications.

Mr Johnson effectively put the public on warnings last night, saying that even though he understood the physical and mental health benefits of open spaces, he would take drastic steps to curb the pandemic.

Exercise classes were taking place on Bristol Downs today amid a growing backlash at the lack of 'social distancing' enforcement by the government

He suggested the UK could copy some of the more extreme lockdowns in other parts of Europe, such as Italy and France.

'I don't think you need to use your imagination much to see where we might have to go,' he said.

A grim-faced Mr Johnson made his dramatic announcement from behind a desk in Downing Street last night

Emergency powers Bill to be passed after No10 concession The Government has announced it will add a six-month renewal clause as part of its emergency powers designed to tackle the spread of coronavirus. MPs are due to debate and sign off on strict measures that would grant ministers, councils, police, health professionals and coroners increased controls that are due to last for up to two years. Changes include reducing the number of doctors required to sign off on sectioning those with mental health issues from two to one, while police would be given authority to force those infected with Covid-19 to self-isolate. But a former Cabinet minister is calling for Boris Johnson to go further by introducing a rewritten Bill in 12 months' time if the powers are still deemed necessary. David Davis, the ex-Brexit secretary, said six-monthly reviews were not sufficient to keep such wide-reaching legislation in check and predicted there were likely to be 'mistakes' in the 300-plus pages of emergency legislation. Downing Street has confirmed the Government will introduce an amendment to the Coronavirus Bill on Monday to ensure the fresh powers within it had to be renewed every six months. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The measures in the Bill are temporary, proportionate to the threat we face, and will only be used when strictly necessary. 'However we recognise the importance of parliamentary scrutiny and have heard concerns about the need for periodic reviews of the powers in the Bill.' Advertisement

Mr Hancock warned today that the behaviour of a minority of the public was 'selfish'.

'We have been really clear in the actions that we have taken,' he said. 'We have demonstrated if we need to that we are willing to take more action.'

Asked about measures such as bans in Germany on public gatherings of more than two people, 'Nothing is off the table. Of course we are looking at what other European countries are doing.'

As pressure mounted for a change in approach, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: 'We are entering a new phase of this outbreak and the Government urgently needs to move to a new policy. We have had too many mixed and confusing messages. Absolute clarity is now needed.'

Rosena Allin-Khan, the Labour deputy leadership candidate and practising doctor, said Boris Johnson's 'relaxed' approach to coronavirus could cost lives.

The Tooting MP told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'If we look at the fact that we are two weeks behind Italy, we are headed for a disaster if people do not heed the social distancing measures.

'The Prime Minister simply said yesterday he wants people to enjoy themselves outside while also saying that people should stay two metres apart outdoors.

'This relaxed style, mixed messaging will cost lives and I believe people are struggling to follow guidelines because they are just not clear.'

The emergency department doctor confirmed she would support a 'full lockdown' if that was proven to be the way to save lives.

In Dorset over the weekend many strolled across the sands while others thought nothing of going for a dip in the sea this afternoon.

London began to shut its public parks today after thousands of people flaunted coronavirus social distancing rules.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council has become the first local authority in the UK to close all of its parks after they were 'full of people' on Saturday and Sunday.

Meanwhile, The Royal Parks which runs numerous public spaces in the capital including Hyde Park, Regent's Park and Richmond Park has threatened to shut all of its gates unless people follow social distancing guidelines.

The government has advised against all non-essential travel and social contact with those who do go outside for exercise told to stay at least two metres away from other people.

Key workers were still able to take their children to school today, even though they have been shut for most people

Extraordinary images from London - regarded by experts as the engine of the UK's outbreak - showed Tube trains still rammed yesterday morning

The scene in London's Hyde Park today where many people were still out jogging or strolling the sunshine

NHS England chief Sir Simon Stevens (left) and Chief medical officer Chris Whitty (right) were in Downing Street today as ministers plotted the new UK lockdown

London starts closing public parks London has begun to shut its public parks after thousands of people flaunted coronavirus social distancing rules at the weekend. Hammersmith and Fulham Council has become the first local authority in the UK to close all of its parks after they were 'full of people' on Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, The Royal Parks which runs numerous public spaces in the capital including Hyde Park, Regent's Park and Richmond Park has threatened to shut all of its gates unless people follow social distancing guidelines. The government has advised against all non-essential travel and social contact with those who do go outside for exercise told to stay at least two metres away from other people. Ministers have put in place the guidance in a desperate bid to slow the spread of the deadly disease. But there are growing fears some people are failing to take the outbreak seriously enough as they continue to meet up in groups and stand too close to each other. The start of the parks shutdown came as the government updated domestic travel advice to tell people not to visit second homes, holiday homes, campsites or caravan parks. Ministers said people should not visit those places either for self-isolation or for a holiday because doing so would place unnecessary strain on rural communities. Advertisement

Ministers have put in place the guidance in a desperate bid to slow the spread of the deadly disease.

But there are growing fears some people are failing to take the outbreak seriously enough as they continue to meet up in groups and stand too close to each other.

The start of the parks shutdown came as the government updated domestic travel advice to tell people not to visit second homes, holiday homes, campsites or caravan parks.

Ministers said people should not visit those places either for self-isolation or for a holiday because doing so would place unnecessary strain on rural communities.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that children of coronavirus key workers including firefighters have been turned away at the school gates while parents who fail to meet the criteria have verbally abused teachers and threatened to sue.

Headteachers have been 'overwhelmed' by applications and education experts believe the parents of two million pupils - a quarter of the total UK school population - have asked for emergency places.

Schools ordered to close for up to six months on Friday have reopened to care for children whose parents' work is 'critical' to the fight against coronavirus, which has killed 281 in the UK so far.

But genuine key workers have already been turned away, with firefighter Mark Atkinson tweeting the Government this morning: 'I'm a key worker and my child was refused entry to school today. Does the school have the right to refuse?'

However, where school staff have asked for proof from parents who fail to meet the criteria there have also been ugly scenes at the school gates this morning.

One man, whose wife is a school teacher, wrote on social media today: 'My wife and her colleagues have been verbally abused by parents of non key workers demanding their children are in school'.

Teachers have revealed that nail bar workers, mobile hairdressers as well as McDonald's and KFC workers have asked for spaces for their children claiming their work is crucial to keeping the country running.

Others wanted their offspring at school because they 'can't cope with their kids at home for five days a week' because they need 'peace and quiet'.

Nicola Sturgeon warned Scotland that life 'shouldn't feel normal right now' as she blasted people who were endangering lives by flouting anti-coronavirus measures.

At a press conference today, the Scottish First Minister said: 'If life is carrying on as normal then you are not doing the right thing.'

Children of key workers 'are being turned away from schools' The children of coronavirus key workers including firefighters have been turned away at the school gates while parents who fail to meet the criteria have verbally abused teachers and threatened to sue, it was revealed today. Headteachers have been 'overwhelmed' by applications and education experts believe the parents of two million pupils - a quarter of the total UK school population - have asked for emergency places. Schools ordered to close for up to six months on Friday have reopened to care for children whose parents' work is 'critical' to the fight against coronavirus, which has killed 281 in the UK so far. But genuine key workers have already been turned away, with firefighter Mark Atkinson tweeting the Government this morning: 'I'm a key worker and my child was refused entry to school today. Does the school have the right to refuse?' However, where school staff have asked for proof from parents who fail to meet the criteria there have also been ugly scenes at the school gates this morning, MailOnline can reveal. One man, whose wife is a school teacher, wrote on social media today: 'My wife and her colleagues have been verbally abused by parents of non key workers demanding their children are in school'. Teachers have revealed that nail bar workers, mobile hairdressers as well as McDonald's and KFC workers have asked for spaces for their children claiming their work is crucial to keeping the country running. Others wanted their offspring at school because they 'can't cope with their kids at home for five days a week' because they need 'peace and quiet'. Advertisement

Ms Sturgeon said that pubs and restaurants still open faced being forcibly closed.

'We will within days have emergency powers and we will use them,' she said.

Ms Sturgeon said shops not providing essential items like food and medicines should close now.

And in a message for employers in non-essential services, she said: 'It was clear this morning that there are too many people across country who are being expect to go to work as normal.'

The Government has announced it will add a six-month renewal clause as part of its emergency powers designed to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

MPs are signing off on strict measures that would grant ministers, councils, police, health professionals and coroners increased controls that are due to last for up to two years.

Changes include reducing the number of doctors required to sign off on sectioning those with mental health issues from two to one, while police would be given authority to force those infected with Covid-19 to self-isolate.

But a former Cabinet minister is calling for Boris Johnson to go further by introducing a rewritten Bill in 12 months' time if the powers are still deemed necessary.

David Davis, the ex-Brexit secretary, said six-monthly reviews were not sufficient to keep such wide-reaching legislation in check and predicted there were likely to be 'mistakes' in the 300-plus pages of emergency legislation.

Downing Street has confirmed the Government will introduce an amendment to the Coronavirus Bill on Monday to ensure the fresh powers within it had to be renewed every six months.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The measures in the Bill are temporary, proportionate to the threat we face, and will only be used when strictly necessary.

'However we recognise the importance of parliamentary scrutiny and have heard concerns about the need for periodic reviews of the powers in the Bill.'

Coronavirus lockdown: Who can still go out and why?

By Joe Middleton and Jack Maidment

Boris Johnson last night imposed an unprecedented virus lockdown and told everyone in the UK they 'must stay at home' to slow the spread of coronavirus as he set out just four instances when people can go outside.

Describing the crisis as a national emergency, he ordered families to stay in their homes except in special circumstances.

All 'non-essential' shops will be closed and public gatherings of more than two people banned.

Mr Johnson said the measures will be 'under constant review' and will be considered for relaxation in three weeks' time if the evidence allows.

He said that 'no prime minister wants to enact measures like this' but the drastic new measures allowing people to only leave home for the 'very limited purposes' were necessary to slow the spread of the disease.

'To put it simply, if too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to handle it - meaning more people are likely to die, not just from coronavirus but from other illnesses as well,' he added.

What are the four reasons that Britons can leave their homes?

shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible;

one form of exercise a day - for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household;

any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person;

travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home.

Even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are six feet (two metres) apart from anyone outside of your household.

What stores will close? And what are the exceptions that will stay open?

Restaurants - exceptions are food delivery and takeaway that can remain open

Cafes, including workplace canteens - exceptions are food delivery and takeaway can remain operational. Cafés or canteens at hospitals, care homes or schools; prison and military canteens; services providing food or drink to the homeless.

Public houses

Bars and nightclubs, including bars in hotels or members' clubs

Hair, beauty and nail salons, including piercing and tattoo parlours

Massage parlours

All retail with notable exceptions - Supermarkets and other food shops, health shops, pharmacies including nondispensing pharmacies, petrol stations, bicycle shops, home and hardware shops, laundrettes and dry cleaners, bicycle shops, garages, car rentals, pet shops, corner shops, newsagents, post offices, and banks.

Outdoor and indoor markets - exceptions are market stalls which offer essential retail, such as grocery and food.

Auction houses

Car showrooms

Hotels, hostels, BnBs, campsites and boarding houses - exceptions are where people live in these as interim abodes whilst their primary residence is unavailable they may continue to do so. Key workers can continue to stay in hotels or similar where required.

Caravan parks/sites for commercial uses - exceptions are where people live permanently in caravan parks or are staying in caravan parks as interim abodes where their primary residence is not available, they may continue to do so.

Libraries

Community centres, youth centres and similar - Facilities may remain open for the purpose of hosting essential voluntary or public services, such as food banks or homeless services. We will do everything to support vulnerable people who are without a network of friends and families.

Places of worship for services - exceptions are for funerals following the social distancing guidance; places of worship should remain open for solitary prayer. Live streaming of a service without audience would be permissible.

Cinemas, theatres and concert halls - Live streaming of a performance by a small group could be permissible with social distancing observed.

Museums and galleries

Bingo halls, casinos and betting shops

Spas

Skating rinks

Fitness studios, gyms, swimming pools or other indoor leisure centres

Arcades, bowling alleys, soft play centres and similar

Enclosed spaces in parks, including playgrounds, sports courts and pitches, and outdoor gyms or similar

Boris Johnson has put the UK into a state of lockdown as the government stepped up its fight against coronavirus

Who are the key workers?

Health and social care -

Doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers; producers and distributers of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment.

Education and childcare -

Nursery and teaching staff , social workers and specialist education professionals who must remain active to keep schools running.

Key public services -

Those running of the j ustice system, religious staff, charity workers, undertakers, journalists and public service broadcasters.

Local/national government -

'Only those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the COVID-19 response or delivering essential public services such as the payment of benefits'.

Food and other vital goods -

Those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery as well as those essential to the provision of key goods like hygienic and veterinary medicines.

National security -

Police and support staff, MoD workers, the armed forces, fire and rescue services, those maintaining border security, prison and probation staff and other national security roles.

Transport -

Workers on air, water, road, and rail passenger modes, as well as air, water, road, and rail freight transport modes.

Utilities, communication and financial services -

Staff needed for financial services like banks and stock markets; workers in the oil, gas, electricity and water sectors, the postal service, sewerage and telecoms.

How long will the new restrictions last?

The government's Cobra emergency committee met at 5pm yesterday and signed off the extraordinary new restrictions - similar to those which have already been imposed across the rest of Europe.

They will last for three weeks initially - but the government's own experts have suggested the situation could take up to a year to resolve.

What enforcement action will there be?

In his address to the nation Mr Johnson said if people do not follow the new rules officers 'will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings'.

Police will be able to fine people £30 if they ignore the rules and these on-the-spot fines will be 'ramped up' if there is widespread flouting, the government has said.

Environmental Health and Trading Standards officers will monitor businesses compliance with the regulations, with police support if necessary.

Businesses and premises that breach them will be subject to prohibition notices, and potentially unlimited fines.

What social events can go ahead?

All social events are also being stopped including weddings, baptisms and other religious ceremonies but funerals will still be allowed to go ahead, attended by immediate family only.

The government is banning public gatherings of more than two people, what are the exceptions?

where the gathering is of a group of people who live together - this means that a parent can, for example, take their children to the shops if there is no option to leave them at home.

where the gathering is essential for work purposes - but workers should be trying to minimise all meetings and other gatherings in the workplace.

Are you still allowed to get a takeaway?

Government guidance says people can still access their local takeaway, this includes delivery drivers. But people are not allowed to consume any food or drinks on the premises.

Venues offering takeaway or delivery services must not include alcoholic beverages in this list if their license does not already permit.

Met Police Federation casts doubt on officers' ability to deal with lockdown after Boris Johnson said rule-breakers could be fined – meaning ARMY may need to enforce it

by Joe Middleton

The chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation last night has cast doubt on officers' ability to deal with Boris Johnson's lockdown - meaning the Army may need to help enforce the strict new measures.

This evening, the Prime Minister put strict limits on when people are able to leave the house, and also banned gatherings of more than two people.

In his address to the nation Mr Johnson said if people do not follow the new rules officers 'will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings'.

Police will be able to fine people £30 if they ignore the rules and these on-the-spot fines will be 'ramped up' if there is widespread flouting, the government has said.

Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said the lockdown plans would be 'very difficult' and he was already seeing 'large amounts of sickness' among officers across London.

Police gather at Newcastle's Monument, moving on people who gather in a bid keep the population social distancing in order to stop the coronavirus spreading on Monday

Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said the lockdown plans would be 'very difficult' and he was already seeing 'large amounts of sickness' among officers across London

He told the BBC: 'As you quite rightly point out, we haven't seen one of the 24,000 officers that we lost across the country.

'So it will be very, very challenging and very difficult for us with what's put in front of us.

'But we don't actually know what is being put in front of us yet other than we're going to be asked to disperse crowds, it's going to be a real, real challenge.'

In his address to the nation Mr Johnson said you will be allowed to leave your home for the four very limited reasons:

Shopping for basics, as infrequently as possible;

Exercise, such as running, walking or cycling, once a day– alone or with those you live with;

Travelling to or from work where it is impossible to work from home;

To care for a vulnerable person or attend an urgent medical appointment.

Mr Marsh told Sky News that he believed the Army could be drafted should police numbers fall due to illness.

He said: 'The Army are already in place on the outskirts of London and across the country. And I don't doubt again for one minute that they will be called if needed.

'Because if we start losing large numbers in policing terms, through isolation and actually having Covid-19, then they are going to step in and support us in some way.

'It could be tailored in quite quickly and I would save that everything is on the table.'

The Prime Minister intervened with the new restrictions after pictures emerged this week showing people taking advantage of the warm weather on parks and beaches and flouting government guidelines on social distancing.

Police parked at the gates to Greenwich Park on March 22, after people were urged not to visit their mother's

Martin Hewitt, chairman of the National Police Chiefs' Council, added: 'Measures to ensure social distancing have so far not had the necessary effect.

'These new measures are sensible, based on scientific evidence and give people clarity on the exact steps they must take to stop the rapid transmission of this disease.

'The majority of people are already making real sacrifices to save lives and we urge everyone to follow the advice that is designed to keep us all safe.

'We are working with the government and other agencies to consider how these new rules can be most effectively enforced.'

On Monday evening the Prime Minister detailed a short list of reasons why individuals can leave their homes as he ordered the immediate closure of all shops selling non-essentials items on Monday evening.

He ordered people to only leave the house to shop for basic necessities 'as infrequently as possible' and to perform one form of exercise a day.

Or they could seek medical help, provide care to a vulnerable person or travel to work if 'absolutely necessary', he said in a televised address from within Downing Street.

'That's all - these are the only reasons you should leave your home,' he said.

'You should not be meeting friends. If your friends ask you to meet, you should say No. You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home.

'If you don't follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.'

To ensure people follow the rules, Mr Johnson ordered the immediate closure of non-essential stores including those selling electronics and clothing.

All public gatherings of more than two people - other than those they live with - will be barred, the PM said.

Other premises being shuttered are libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship.

And, while parks will remain open for exercise, all social events including weddings and baptisms will be stopped. Funerals, however, can continue.

Hotels and campsites will now join pubs, cafes and restaurants in being closed to slow the disease's spread.

Mr Johnson said the measures will be 'under constant review' and will be considered for relaxation in three weeks' time if the evidence allows.

He said that 'no prime minister wants to enact measures like this' as he reminded the public of the support programme to aid ailing businesses and struggling individuals.

But he said the drastic new measures allowing people to only leave home for the 'very limited purposes' were necessary to slow the spread of the disease.

'To put it simply, if too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to handle it - meaning more people are likely to die, not just from coronavirus but from other illnesses as well,' he added.