TODAY marks the third anniversary since the beginning of the first national lockdown in the UK after the coronavirus outbreak.
On Monday, March 23, 2020, Boris Johnson announced sweeping measures to stem the spread of the virus and protect the NHS.
The former Prime Minister said people should only leave their homes to shop for basic necessities, exercise once per day, for medical needs, to care for a vulnerable person or to travel to work when “absolutely necessary”.
Police had the power to enforce the rules by handing out fines and dispersing gatherings.
In Somerset, shops closed and high streets emptied as hospitals cared for patients with the virus and communities pulled together to help those in need.
Here is how our news titles covered the first week of lockdown.
UK LOCKDOWN: The only reasons you can now leave the house
This story summarised Mr Johnson's statement, which said people were only allowed to leave their homes for very limited purposes.
Shops selling items like clothing and electronics closed alongside salons and markets, excluding those that sold food, as well as playgrounds and some other outdoor spaces.
Mr Johnson said: “From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction – you must stay at home.
“Because the critical thing we must do is stop the disease spreading between households.”
Coronavirus cases confirmed at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton
On the same day, it was confirmed that a number of patients with coronavirus were being treated at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.
A NHS spokesperson said: “As is clear from the national daily reports, the situation is rapidly changing and we will not be commenting on speculation or rumour.
“I can confirm that at Musgrove Park Hospital we are caring for people with symptoms that may be coronavirus and some with confirmed Covid-19.”
At the time, it was believed that at least three people admitted to Musgrove had tested positive for coronavirus. The hospital was caring for people with symptoms.
National stores closing in Taunton due to Coronavirus
This story was about national stores closing due to the lockdown to help control the spead of the virus.
Among those closing their doors in Taunton and the rest of the country were Primark, River Island, Topshop, Timpsons, TK Maxx and Moss Bros.
McDonald's also closed its doors. It had been serving takeaways only but later closed entirely.
Empty streets across Somerset as country goes into lockdown
High streets across the county emptied with the ‘stay at home’ announcement.
But streets across the county - including Taunton, Bridgwater and Chard - resembled ghost towns on Tuesday, March 24 after Mr Johnson addressed the nation.
This picture shows Taunton’s streets, which are usually packed with shoppers, cars and workers, empty.
Bridgwater volunteers show caring community spirit in coronavirus crisis
This article reflected the help and support Bridgwater received as people rallied to support one another during the crisis.
Musgrove Park Hospital A&E worker Kirstie Sutton, who lived in Bridgwater, saw the pressures the hospital was facing first-hand.
She decided it would be good for people in the Bridgwater area to be able to communicate coronavirus concerns and help each other where possible, helping reduce pressure on the strained NHS resources.
From there, the Coronavirus Community Help Bridgwater (CCHB) Facebook group was born, with volunteers Daniel Ball and Simon Bale soon getting involved to help as administrators.
The group proved a popular point of contact for information sharing, and already has more than 2,000 members.
Bridgwater's landmark Robert Blake statue given gas mask
A prankster took it upon themselves to place a gas mask on Bridgwater's iconic Robert Blake statue in the town centre on the day of the Prime Minster's address.
Pictures taken at around 11am on March 23 by Bridgwater Mercury photographer Aisling Magill, showed the town's most famous resident with his new attire as the people followed restrictions being put in place to minimise the spread of coronavirus.
Highbridge Foodbank remains open during coronavirus outbreak
In another example of community spirit shining at a time of adversity, volunteers at Highbridge Area Foodbank reassured the public that they would remain open.
The volunteers continued to dedicate their time to helping others after receiving confirmation that they were able to keep up their work.
In a post on social media on Tuesday, March 24, a spokesperson for the foodbank said: “We remain open thanks to the selfless commitment of our wonderful volunteers.
“The latest government advice explains food banks can legally continue operating and buildings that host food banks can continue to open for those sessions, provided we follow social distancing rules, because our work qualifies us as key workers ‘caring for the vulnerable.’”
Mayor 'humbled and proud' of community for 'pulling together' during coronavirus outbreak
The Mayor of Burnham and Highbridge also said he was “humbled and proud” of how the community pulled together to help those in need.
Cllr Andy Brewer said the outbreak of coronavirus created “an unprecedented situation across the country” and in the community and praised community groups for their hard work to help the vulnerable and elderly.
The Mayor also praised volunteers at Highbridge Area Foodbank for their hard work and said the town council agreed to make funds available if they needed help.
These stories were reported by the County Gazette, Bridgwater Mercury and Burnham & Highbridge Weekly News during the first week of lockdown.
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