London,  British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a series of measures that aim to restrict social contact in the UK, so as to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Johnson made the announcement during a TV address to the nation. "From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction: you must stay at home," said the prime minister on Monday, Xinhua reported.



Starting from tonight, people in Britain will only be allowed to leave their homes for "very limited purposes," including shopping for basic necessities, for any medical need, for one form of exercise a day, and to travel to and from work when necessary, said Johnson.



Meanwhile, all shops selling non-essential goods, such as clothing and electronic stores, are ordered to close, and places like libraries, playgrounds, and outdoor gyms will also be closed.



All social events and even gatherings of more than two people in public, excluding people one lives with, are banned.