Britons free to leave homes and work

– People living in England have more freedom to leave their homes, starting yesterday, and to go to work if necessary in the first stage of an easing of the coronavirus lockdown.

The pandemic has killed more than 36 000 people in Britain, according to official statistics, and despite a fall in deaths and hospitalisations, officials are still concerned, particularly by the death rates in care homes.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday a gradual easing of the lockdown, which would be dependent on keeping infection rates down.

Residents in England are now be able to drive to the countryside, play tennis or golf, see one friend in a public space or visit a garden centre.

But they must at all times remain two metres away from other people, risking a £100 (R2 263) fine if they break the rules.

Millions of people who are unable to work from home should also go back to their jobs, under the plan unveiled by Johnson.

Transport Minister Grant Shapps urged those returning to the workplace to “cycle or walk” if possible. “We are asking people to be very sensible and not flood back to public transport,” he told Sky News.

“There will not be enough space,” he added.

People can also move house, while home viewings are also allowed for the first time since the country shut down on 23 March, with more than 450 000 buyers and renters caught in limbo.

The easing of restrictions comes as the government attempts to revive the economy, which fell two percent in the first quarter. – AFP