THE COUNTRY has been put under strict lockdown rules to control the spread of the new coronavirus variant - but will people follow the rules?

The whole of Oxfordshire was previously under Tier 4 restrictions meaning you could not meet up socially with people from other households inside and non-essential retail, pubs and hospitality venues were closed (unless they serve takeaway or click and collect).

But as of Yesterday, the whole country was put into lockdown – the third since March.

Lockdown rules mean you shouldn’t leave your house unless absolutely necessary like going shopping or getting exercise – which you can still do with one other person from outside your household in a public space.

New rules, which will be made the law tomorrow, also mean schools will be closed.

Pressure had been mounting from teachers and MPs to shut schools after some were closed in areas where the new variants is known to spreading rapidly and others were open for the start of term as normal.

We asked our readers on Facebook if they thought people would stick to the new lockdown rules more than Tier 4 restrictions.

An overwhelming number of people who answered said ‘no’.

Liliana Fodor said: “I don’t think they will, I’m a key worker (carer) and I’ve seen so many cars on the road and so many people.”

Sarah Chandler agreed, she said: “Of course they won’t. That’s why we are where we are now. Just really selfish people out there.”

Marie Hadaway said the rules were confusing, saying: “No because there are so many gaps in the rules still that we can each make them fit to our individual circumstances. Apart from the schools ‘closing’ there is very little change.”

Matthew Jones said it was a matter of ‘common sense’. He said: “People just need to use their common sense but that’s a bit far from reality people don’t have any common sense in Britain.”

Rachael Helen added: “No they won’t! And what angers me is that they all stood clapping NHS and key workers…said the government didn’t set the lockdown quick or long enough yet were BBQ’ing it with their mates in the summer and ignoring the rules. If everyone listened and actually followed instructions we could have had some form of normality back by now.”

John Bleakley, who lives along the A44, said thing were ‘no different to normal’ today. He explained: “Lots of cars, we have no chance with this vague lockdown. It is nothing like the lockdown in March. Not a single parking space in Woodstock today.”

David Cameron-Young said people wouldn’t follow the rules unless ‘police start getting tougher’. He explained: “People just need a nudge, to start following the rules. A few hefty, well publicised fines would do.”

Police have previously urged residents to report their neighbours who are breaking the rules.

In an emergency, always call 999.

Otherwise visit Thamesvalley.police.uk/report-a-crime

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