A driver has made a 220-mile round trip across the U.K. to collect some windows he bought on eBay, despite the current coronavirus lockdown.
The man was stopped by police as he drove from Coventry to Salford. The police discovered his wife was in the trunk as there wasn't enough room for her to sit in the car.
The Government has banned all non-essential travel as part of the strict measures put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus.
North West Motorway Police tweeted details of the incident on Sunday afternoon, posting: "A driver has traveled from Coventry to Salford to collect a £15 [$18.33] eBay purchase of windows.
"His wife could not fit in the vehicle so she was traveling in the boot for the return journey when stopped on the M6 Cheshire. The driver was given a TOR (traffic offense report) for the offense."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered people to only leave their homes for "very limited purposes" and has banned public gatherings of more than two people. People are only allowed outside to buy essential goods such as food, for medical needs and to exercise once a day.
The general public has also been asked not to socialize with people outside their homes and to avoid visiting other people's houses.
Every citizen must comply with these new measures and the police have been given powers to enforce them through fines and dispersing gatherings.
Roadblocks have been set up in some parts of the country to stop people from traveling unnecessarily.
People are continuing to break the rules however, risking spreading COVID-19 further.
Last week, police in the U.K. had to break up a "massive" karaoke party during a lockdown put in place to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Derbyshire Police said their officers were in "absolute shock" to find more than 25 adults and children defied social distancing guidelines to gather at a party on Sunday night.
Police said they ensured people dispersed and the hosts of the party were "dealt with."
"Officers have just attended an address in absolute shock to find 25 adults and children having a massive party with speakers and karaoke," police said on Twitter. "Everyone dispersed and hosts dealt with."
They added: "It is clear people are still having complete disregard for the government advice and rules."
World Health Organization advice for avoiding spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Hygiene advice
- Clean hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rub.
- Wash hands after coughing or sneezing; when caring for the sick; before, during and after food preparation; before eating; after using the toilet; when hands are visibly dirty; and after handling animals or waste.
- Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your hands, nose and mouth. Do not spit in public.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue immediately and clean your hands.
Medical advice
- Avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms.
- Stay at home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and runny nose, to avoid potential spread of the disease to medical facilities and other people.
- If you develop serious symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) seek medical care early and contact local health authorities in advance.
- Note any recent contact with others and travel details to provide to authorities who can trace and prevent spread of the disease.
- Stay up to date on COVID-19 developments issued by health authorities and follow their guidance.
Mask and glove usage
- Healthy individuals only need to wear a mask if taking care of a sick person.
- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
- Masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand cleaning.
- Do not touch the mask while wearing it. Clean hands if you touch the mask.
- Learn how to properly put on, remove and dispose of masks. Clean hands after disposing of the mask.
- Do not reuse single-use masks.
- Regularly washing bare hands is more effective against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves.
- The COVID-19 virus can still be picked up on rubber gloves and transmitted by touching your face.
