UK coronavirus lockdown: Can you get fined or arrested for breaking the rules?

23 March 2020, 21:46

Boris Johnson has officially put the UK in lockdown following the spread of coronavirus but what happens if people break the rules? Fines and police guidelines revealed.

Coronavirus has officially led Prime Minister Boris Johnson to put the UK into lockdown - but what are the rules in place? And can we get fined or arrested for breaking them?

Setting strong guidelines and procedures to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and to help the NHS cope, the UK will only be allowed out of their homes for essential trips.

Coronavirus UK: How long are we in lockdown for?

But what happens if you break the lockdown rules? And can we get arrested and fined by the police? Here’s what you need to know:

What are the UK lockdown rules?

During the coronavirus lockdown, the public are only allowed to visit shops for basic necessities, to get any medical needs and to travel to and from essential work that can not be completed from home.

You are also only allowed to leave the house for one form of exercise per day alone or with people from your house.

Can I get arrested for breaking lockdown rules?

Police have been given the power to disperse crowds of more than two people and will be monitoring any public gatherings.

Can I be fined for breaking lockdown rules?

Yes - Boris Johnson said: “If you don’t follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.”

Fines for breaching the new coronavirus lockdown measures will be set at £30 in England but could rise significantly, Downing Street said.