The first UK-wide Covid lockdown was announced on the evening of 23 March 2020, with the legal stay-at-home rules coming into force on 26 March 2020.

Key details

  • Then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation on 23 March 2020 to announce immediate “stay at home” measures across the UK.
  • The formal regulations making the lockdown legally enforceable in England took effect from 13:00 on 26 March 2020.
  • This first lockdown marked the start of strict nationwide restrictions on movement, business openings, and social contact in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In simple terms: the first UK Covid lockdown “started” for most people on 23 March 2020, and became law on 26 March 2020.

Meta description (SEO-style):
Find out exactly when was the first Covid lockdown UK — the date it was announced, when it became law, and how it marked the beginning of nationwide restrictions in March 2020.

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