ATHERSTONE tonight went into effective lockdown following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's solemn nationwide TV broadcast in which he laid down stringent new rules in the battle to beat 'Enemy Coronavirus'.

Confirmed cases in Atherstone and district are still in single figures while the county total has risen to 35, with 6,650 cases of coronavirus nationwide – up nearly 1,000 in 24 hours.

The number of deaths in the UK is now 335, according to latest figures available. Four of those have ben at Atherstone's main hospital – the George Eliot in Nuneaton.

Basically Mr Johnson has outlined four key things this evening – with staying at home being the overriding message.

But much of the detail remains to be filled in.

For example, people can leave their homes to go to work – but what employment is acceptable has not been defined.

And the definition of two people making up the maximum public gathering lacks real clarity.

The brief outline of actions sanctioned tonight is:

• All gatherings of more than two people in public were forbidden – meaning a ban on all social events, including weddings and baptisms;
• Tens of thousands of non-essential shops were ordered to close;
• Communal play and exercise areas inside parks will also be shut down, but not parks themselves;
• Places of worship such as churches and mosques must also shut, except to host for funerals; and
• Travel on roads, trains and buses is also banned, unless it's essential to get to work.

Anyone breaking the rules will be fined at least £30 – and up to £1,000 if they fail to self-isolate.

However, we fully expect more information will be forthcoming from Government and we will keep you informed.

Now we would like to know what you are planning to do.

What services are being provided to support local people?

And how you are all working together as a community, online and in your homes to get through this situation.

Not since World War Two have local communities required the level of togetherness they need today.

The local media – social and web-based – has a big role to play, keeping everyone fully informed. We are here for you.

If you have a story to tell, email editor [email protected] or call 07852 490666.

We are in this together and together we will emerge stronger in a united borough community.