Police have the power to issue ‘unlimited fines’ to people who don’t comply with social distancing measures, the health secretary has told the House of Commons.

Matt Hancock said fines would start at £30 ($35.25) but could rise indefinitely for non-compliance.

He said: “These measures are not advice, they are rules and will be enforced, including by the police with fines starting at £30 up to unlimited fines for non compliance.

“Home is now the front line, and in this national effort, working together, we can defeat this disease. Everyone has a part to play.”

Boris Johnson’s official spokesman confirmed that fines would start at £30 but would be increased significantly if necessary.

According to the Evening Standard, he said: “The Prime Minister issued a clear instruction on behalf of the government on the actions the public are required to take to help prevent the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.

“As with existing laws, the overwhelming majority of the public can be expected to follow the rules without any need for enforcement action. We would expect that compliance to begin immediately.”

“The punishment for non-compliance would be a fixed penalty notice initially set at £30 but we will keep this under review and can increase it significantly if it is necessary to ensure public compliance.”

The Prime Minister announced yesterday (Monday) in an address to the nation that the UK would be put on lockdown for at least three weeks.

During this period, people are only allowed out to shop, exercise once a day, for any medical need, to help the vulnerable, or to travel to and from work.

Meetings of more than two people are banned, and you should not have visitors to your home or meet family and friends.

Johnson said: “That’s all – these are the only reasons you should leave your home. You should not be meeting friends. If your friends ask you to meet, you should say ‘no’.”