The UK Home Office has announced that police have been given the power to arrest people or fine people up to £960 ($1160 USD) if they are caught flouting the coronavirus lockdown rules in England. Per <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/coronavirus-lockdown-uk-arrest-fine-police-rules-latest-a9428196.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1585235469">The Independent</a>, the UK government has said that the unprecedented measures are necessary in an attempt to "reduce the spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives". Following <a href="https://vt.co/news/uk/uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-announces-strict-nationwide-lockdown-rules/">UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's lockdown rules</a>, new public health regulations will allow for the police to instruct people violating the guidelines to go home, leave an area or disperse, and to ensure parents stop their children from breaking the rules. The new rules will be in place for six months. PM Boris Johnson reveals new lockdown rules: [[jwplayerwidget||https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/vdQ0pIpY-Q0L14jDU.mp4||vdQ0pIpY]] Adults who are caught committing an offense under the new regulations will be handed a £60 ($73) fine, which will be reduced to £30 if payment is made within 14 days. However, if somebody is caught breaking the lockdown rules for a second time, the fine will be doubled. This can continue up to a maximum of £960. People will have the opportunity to pay the fines within 28 days, after which enforcement action will start and they can be convicted of an offense. A spokesperson for the Home Office has said: "Individuals who do not pay a fixed penalty notice under the Regulations could be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines. "If an individual continues to refuse to comply, they will be acting unlawfully, and the police may arrest them where deemed proportionate and necessary. "However, in the first instance the police will always apply their common sense and discretion." Per <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/people-flouting-coronavirus-lockdown-face-21760346">the Mirror</a>, Home Secretary Priti Patel said in relation to the new regulations: "The Prime Minister has been clear on what we need to do: stay at home to protect our NHS and save lives." Under the rules, people can only leave their homes for infrequent shopping for basic necessities, such as: <blockquote>- Obtaining basic necessities, including food, pet supplies and medical supplies. (This also includes supplies for the essential upkeep and maintenance of a household.) - To take exercise - To seek medical assistance - To provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person - To donate blood - To travel for work or to provide voluntary or charitable services, if it's not reasonably possible to work from home - To attend a funeral of a member of the person's household or a close family member - or a friend if they do not have anyone in their household or family who can attend - To attend court or satisfy bail conditions or participate in legal proceedings</blockquote> We are urging all of our readers to adhere to the advice from their respective governments and medical bodies, and practice social distancing and self-isolation where required. Together, we will beat this...

Coronavirus: UK police given powers to arrest and fine people up to £960 for breaking rules

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