After calling for companies such as nightclubs, restaurants and gyms to close as Covid-19 continues to spread, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced at the beginning of this week that the public should now stay home and not go out unless absolutely necessary.
Essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies will remain open, and other key workers are able to remain in work, but all other work must either pause or be done at home.
These lock-down measures will last for at least three weeks, and the police are ready to enforce this to ensure the virus does not spread and the public is kept safe.
Martyn Underhill, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset echoed Chief Constable James Vaughan in his recent interview with BH Living saying: “The new measures may seem severe, but they are absolutely vital.
“Both Chief Constable James Vaughan and I are confident that people will listen, and abide by the new restrictions.
“We know the public of Dorset, and we know they understand just how important this is.”
Those who are considered vulnerable are still urged to self-isolate for 12 weeks, and those with symptoms are told to self-isolate for 7-14 days.
The Prime Minister said in his speech on Monday that people should stay at home and only leave the house once a day for exercise, you are allowed to leave to go to and from work, for essential grocery shopping or for health reasons.
Social distancing measures should still be observed, it is advised to stay at least 6ft away from other people, and to only socialise if necessary in pairs, or in your existing household.
Martyn Underhill added: “I know how worrying self isolation is, and know it must be far worse when you are on your own.
“But as a country we step up when the going gets tough. History proves that time and time again, and now we must all step up to look after our family, friends and community.
“It’s vital that we all play our part in reducing the spread of the virus, so please follow the advice from Public Health England.”
New updates are coming every day as Boris Johnson gives his speeches and Public Health England releases new statistics. For regular updates, see our updates here.