Looking Back: When Somerset was deserted during lockdown

But streets across the county resembled a ghost town on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, after Boris Johnson told the British public to stay at home to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

The then-Prime Minister announced a number of strict new measures on Monday, March 23, as the UK coronavirus death toll continued to rise.

The measures meant that people were only allowed to leave their home for very limited purposes, including shopping for basic necessities, one form of exercise a day, medical needs and travelling to work only when absolutely necessary.

To ensure residents complied with the new measures, the government closed all shops selling non-essential goods, including clothing and electronic stores, banned public gatherings of more than two people, and said police would have the power to fine people who did not obey the rules.

Taunton's streets were empty.

With gatherings of more than two prohibited, just a handful of people were spotted walking around at the time, as more and more people started to work from home.

Social distancing measures were in place as people queued up to use a bank in the town centre.

It was a similar story in Chard.

Many streets were empty and social distancing measures were in place at supermarkets, shops, and banks, with people leaving a safe space between them while queuing up.

In Bridgwater, streets were almost empty but shops selling essential items such as food and medicines were still open in the town, including Angel Place shopping centre.

The iconic statue of Robert Blake was also protected after a prankster placed a gas mask on it in the town centre.

A spokesperson for Angel Place Shopping Centre said at the time: "Following the continued development of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation, and in line with government restrictions, the centre remains open for essential goods and services only.

"The centre's toilet facilities have also been closed, and the car park is operating with card-only payments during this time.

"The health of our retailers, centre teams, and visitors is paramount, and we are working hard to ensure people are being supported wherever possible.

"We ask all our customers to shop sensitively and respectfully, and follow the social distancing guidelines.

"We thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time."

Seaside towns have also suffered.

Burnham-on-Sea's streets were almost empty, with only a few people going out to get basic supplies.

A number of businesses across Somerset were still offering delivery services despite closing their doors to customers, and communities pulled together to help those in need.

The new measures were the most stringent in peacetime Britain and reflect what Mr Johnson said was a "moment of national emergency" and "the biggest threat this country has faced for decades."

In a speech to the nation at the time, the now-ex-Prime Minister said: "No Prime Minister wants to enact measures like this.

"I know the damage that this disruption is doing ... yet it is also true that there is a clear way through."