Assembly to debate legislation on emergency powers to force people to stay at home - Arlene Foster there will be ‘wave of deaths if people don’t obey social distancing’

Last night the prime minister Boris Johnson introduced the Coronavirus Bill, which introduces sweeping measures aimed at preventing the spread of the disease.

The address marked a major shift in the government’s efforts to tackle Covid-19.

People can only leave their homes for very limited purposes such as shopping for necessities and medicine.

In his address he said that one form of exercise per day and essential travel to work is allowed, but gatherings of more than two people have also been banned.

First Minister Arlene Foster said there would be a “wave of deaths” in Northern Ireland if people did not obey social distancing rules as the coronavirus will spread.

Mrs Foster said: “These new rules on social distancing may seem extreme but they are absolutely crucial in slowing the spread of this virus.