The government passed the Coronavirus Act 2020 on 25 March 2020.

Emergency legislation known as the Coronavirus Act 2020 was passed on 25 March 2020 to help the country cope with the demands caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

The Act has three main aims:

• to give further powers to the government to slow the spread of the virus

• to reduce the resourcing and administrative burden on public bodies

• to limit the impact of potential staffing shortages on the delivery of public services.

Read more on our Coronavirus Act 2020 web page.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced tough restrictions on public movement to tackle the spread of coronavirus, warning the public 'you must stay at home'.

You can now only leave your home for the following reasons:

• Shopping for essential items (eg, food) – this should be as infrequently as possible and you should use food delivery services where you can

• One form of exercise a day – a run, walk or cycle (alone or with members of your household)

• Any medical need – including to collect a prescription, or provide care for or help a vulnerable person

• Travelling to and from work – only where you cannot from home

The police will have the power to enforce these rules, including through fines and dispersing gatherings of more than two people.

All shops selling non-essential goods, as well as libraries, playgrounds and places of worship, will be closed. Most parks will remain open but gatherings are forbidden. Social events such as weddings and baptisms are also all cancelled – though funerals are excluded.