U.K. Locks Down

Britain went on virtual lockdown Monday to prevent the spread of coronavirus — prohibiting meetings of two or more individuals, closing nonessential businesses, and forcing people to remain in their homes.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said citizens who disobey the new order will face fines, according to The New York Times. People may leave their homes for trips for food or medicine and exercise alone or with family. Parks will remain open. 

The number of confirmed cases in Britain hit 6,650 on Monday, up from 5,683 on Sunday. The country has seen at least 335 deaths so far. Experts believe the country two weeks behind Italy in terms of spread and they expect to see those numbers surge.

“No prime minister wants to enact measures like this,” Johnson said. “I know the damage that this disruption is doing and will do to people’s lives, to their businesses and to their jobs.”