UK begins Coronavirus lockdown

National emergency

Last night Boris Johnson told the UK public to stay home. The only acceptable reasons to leave include: travelling to work if you're a key worker, shopping for essentials, fulfilling medical or care needs, or exercising once a day. Police can fine those who don’t comply. Public gatherings of more than two people are banned, and shops selling non-essential goods must close immediately.

Economic life support

The US Federal Reserve pledged to “buy a potentially unlimited amount of government debt” in their latest response to the coronavirus. Despite the promised stimulus, Wall Street’s S&P 500 closed down 1.1%. US stocks have now dropped more than 30% from recent highs in one of the worst corrections in history.

Home time

All British travellers have been urged to return to the UK by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. “If you are on holiday abroad the time to come home is now while you still can” cautioned Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.

Deliver-you

Around 2.5 million people have signed up to community groups set up to help people in coronavirus isolation. Within days some of them will be asked to deliver food aid to those in lockdown for the next three months. A makeshift supply chain made up of Councils, supermarkets, members of the armed forces, and community volunteers will bring essential supplies to those in need.