LIFE could be very different in just a matter of weeks as the Prime Minister warned of "tougher measures" if people continued to ignore government advice on tackling coronavirus.

At the weekend, thousands of people were seen on the region's beaches and parks despite previous guidance to avoid all but essential travel to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Already, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered Britain's pubs, clubs, theatres, restaurants and cafes to close as the number of confirmed UK cases now stand at more than 5,600. 

We've looked at what life could be like if the Prime Minister was to order a complete lockdown in Britain.

Shopping and supermarkets

The Northern Echo: Supermarket shelves have been left bare due to panic buyingSupermarket shelves have been left bare due to panic buying

A full UK lockdown could see all shops except food stores and pharmacies closed until further notice, with heavy restrictions on how you spend your time when you visit.

Across Europe, countries that have already gone into lockdown have been employing security guards to enforce a limit on the number of customers allowed in food stores and pharmacies at one time.

The lockdown process has already begun on the high street with some brands voluntarily shutting their doors until further notice including Primark and TK MAXX.

Those retailers choosing to go into voluntary lockdown have said they are doing so in the interests of their customers, suppliers and employees' health and safety.

The ban on 'non-essential' businesses could see the likes of salons, clothing shops and privately-owned gyms forced to close for at least three months.

Transport 

The Northern Echo: Arriva have already severely reduced their bus servicesArriva have already severely reduced their bus services

Bus companies across the North-East have already warned they may have to solely operate 'key routes' to support the transport of NHS and 'key workers' only.

Transport has become limited with operators either running to a Saturday or Sunday timetable on all routes - in Spain, public transport is said to be running at less than 50 percent.

A more severe lockdown could see road and rail operators told they cannot travel to other parts of the UK in order to reduce the movement of potential COVID-19 carriers.

Bus and coach operators have recently urged the government to support them as guidance tells Britons not to travel unless absolutely essential - the industry's trade body warns that thousands of jobs could be lost.

Travel

The Northern Echo:

The government has already advised against all but essential travel, with most recent guidance saying Britons should not visit second homes, camp sites, caravan parks or 'similar' even for self-isolation.

Under a full lockdown those who flaunt the government's guidance against 'all but essential' travel could be fined hundreds of pounds as is the case currently in France.

In France, a legal form with your name, birthday and reason is required if you decide to leave your home. Reasons are heavily restricted to either: work, 'essential' errands, health, family reasons or individual exercise.

Friends and family

The Northern Echo:

Under a full lockdown the opportunity to see friends and family members would be made difficult due to travel restrictions on the region's public transport.

However, in Europe some countries in lockdown are allowing people to visit their relatives for essential visits only - including to look after children or help elderly people in their homes.

Households across Britain could be restricted to only occupants that are legally entitled to live there meaning overnight visits could be banned as is the case in parts of China.

Strong guidance has already been issued suggesting those over 70 in the UK and those with certain underlying health issues should remain in their homes for at least twelve weeks.

When could this all happen?

The Northern Echo:

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned Britons to follow government advice and social distancing measures or face "tougher measures" neccesary to prevent the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths.

The Prime Minister is coming under increasing pressure from MPs to enact a full UK lockdown as more than 5,600 people in the UK have tested positive for the virus.

He is also coming under pressure from the opposition as Rosena Allin-Khan, Labour deputy leadership candidate and emergency department doctor, said she would support a full lockdown.

She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "If we look at the fact that we are two weeks behind Italy, we are headed for a disaster if people do not heed the social distancing measures.

"The Prime Minister simply said yesterday he wants people to enjoy themselves outside while also saying that people should stay two metres apart outdoors.

"This relaxed style, mixed messaging will cost lives and I believe people are struggling to follow guidelines because they are just not clear."

The emergency department doctor confirmed she would support a "full lockdown" if that was proven to be the way to save lives.

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