THE UNITED Kingdom is in lockdown as the government introduced brutally tough new measures to beat the coronavirus. 

In a televised address Boris Johnson told everyone to stay at home, and banned gatherings of more than two people in public.

With immediate effect, people will only be allowed to leave their home for shopping – the basic necessities as infrequently as possible - one form of exercise a day, for example, a run, walk or cycle alone, or any medical need to provide care, or to help a vulnerable person.

The Prime Minister said people would also be allowed to leave to travel to and from work, “but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home.”

Johnson told people that they should not be meeting friends, and family members who do not live with them.

He said: “If you don’t follow the rule 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 will stop all social events, including weddings baptisms and other ceremonies, but excluding funerals.

"Parks will remain open for exercise, but gatherings will be dispersed."