New rules in U.K. allow for more exercise
Government gives OK for sporting activities such as tennis and swimming
LONDON—The sound of a crisply struck golf ball could be heard in England for the first time in nearly two months as courses reopened Wednesday as part of a modest easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions that has bred confusion and an increase in the use of public transport.
People in England are allowed to exercise more than once a day and with one person from outside their household, provided they remain two metres apart. Other sporting activities, such as tennis and swimming in lakes and fishing, are allowed, too.
David Baillie, the pro at Dulwich & Sydenham Hill Golf Club in southeast London, said 170 members booked tee-off times to play in pairs on Wednesday and that all slots are taken through Tuesday.
“It’s gone swimmingly well,” he said.
Stores selling gardening supplies can reopen, while potential house buyers can visit properties. And, importantly in the context of getting the ailing British economy back on its feet, people who can’t work from home, such as those in construction and manufacturing, are being encouraged by the government to return to work if they can do so safely. Automaker Ford has announced plans to restart production at two factories in the U.K.
The lifting of some restrictions, first announced by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday, applies only in England. The semi-autonomous governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are going more slowly and sticking with the “Stay Home” message.
The four parts of the U.K. have moved as one during the lockdown, which has been in place since March 23, but are starting to take different approaches during the easing phase, partly because the epidemic is at different stages.
Johnson justified the modest easing on the grounds that Britain has passed the peak of the outbreak, with average daily death rates down. The U.K. has officially recorded the most coronavirus-related deaths in Europe — more than 33,000, a toll second only to the United States.
Critics of the U.K. government say the changes, spelled out in a 50-page document, are confusing and potentially dangerous — especially when it comes to returning to work.
Johnson denied that there has been mixed messaging and told lawmakers that “the common sense of the British people is shining through.”
One of the main concerns centres on how those who can’t do their job from home travel to their place of work given the social distancing requirements.
Carl Moss, 39, a gardener at St. Thomas’ Hospital in central London, said it’s been “busier today” and that he’d seen “more office, finance-type people” than before, when he’d mainly see tradesmen.
“I think the economy needs to start getting back together, but it’s still unclear at the moment for some people,” he said.