93% of Brits back Boris Johnson’s lockdown measures to tackle coronavirus, new poll shows
The Prime Minister announced new lockdown measures on Monday night (PA)
2 min read
The vast majority of British people support the Government’s new stricter lockdown measures to tackle coronavirus, according to a snap poll.
The YouGov survey found that 93% of British supported the plans announced by Boris Johnson on Monday night.
Under the measures, people will only be able to leave their homes to shop for "basic necessities, as infrequently as possible".
One form of exercise a day will be allowed either alone or with members of a household.
The only other occasions when someone can leave their home will be for "medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person", or to travel to and from work "where this is absolutely necessary".
Gatherings of more than two people are banned, while all shops selling non-essential items, places of worship and community venues have all been shut.
Of the 2,788 people polled by YouGov, 76% said they strongly supported the lockdown, while 66% also said they would find it easy to follow the new rules for the next three weeks, after which the Government will decide whether they can be relaxed.
However, the country is split over whether police have enough powers to enforce the new measures.
Officers have been given powers to fine those who do not comply.
But according to the poll, 39% of Brits think that is insufficient, with the same number believing the powers go far enough.
It comes as cases of coronavirus in the UK soared by 967 on Monday to a total of 6,650, with the death toll reaching 335.
SPORTS DIRECT
Meanwhile, Sports Direct has announced it will not be opening to the public after Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove led criticism of the company's insistence that its items were "essential" to helping the country stay fit during the crisis.
Mr Gove said: "There was a case where Sports Direct thought it would be appropriate for their stores to remain open in order to help people get exercise equipment.
"We made it clear that was wrong, that that store should not be open, and the management of that store have not got the message.
"Sports Direct will now not be open, so wherever possible we’re asking people to follow the guidance and the govet will seek to ensure that peaople appreciate the vital importance of staying at home, protecting the NHS and protecting lives."
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