PM slammed for unclear stance on lockdown as UK toll crosses 32K
The British government on Monday came under fire from the opposition Labour Party, leaders of Scotland, Wales and members of the public for allegedly confusing messages on easing lockdown curbs, as the death toll in the UK reached 32,065.
Johnson dropped the core message to “stay home” in a widely watched televised address on Sunday evening, but Scotland first minister Nicola Sturgeon pointed out that his announcement applied only to England and that Scotland would retain the “stay home” advice.
Wales first minister Mark Drakeford said, “There are some differences in the messaging between England and Wales which I am concerned may cause confusion.” The number of cases in the UK rose to 223,060, the department of health and social care said.
A 60-page document setting out details of the new official advice was published on Monday afternoon, which included covering the face in public places. A five-stage alert system was also announced.
The government is proposing a three step plan. In step one, starting on Wednesday, workers who cannot work from home should travel to work if their workplace is open, and workplaces should follow new “Covid-19 Secure” guidelines. The government is also urging more vulnerable children, who are already able to attend school, to do so.
In step two, which will begin no earlier than June 1, nurseries and primary schools will begin a phased return. Some businesses will reopen and sporting events will be able to take place behind closed doors — but not hairdressers or beauty salons.
In step three, which will start no earlier than July 4, more businesses will be able to open although some, which are crowded by design, will not be able to open. Under conditional plan, all these dates could be delayed if not enough progress is made in tackling the virus, with restrictions reintroduced to prevent a so-called second peak of the virus.