Jenrick offers hope on lockdown if we ‘flatten curve’
THE nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of coronavirus could be relaxed within weeks if the rate of infections flattens, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday.
Robert Jenrick said if people stick to government advice, the numbers of infected people would fall and relieve pressure on the NHS.
The Housing Secretary, offering hope to worried families, said: “If we all adhere to the measures, there is reason to believe they will begin to flatten the curve.
“And we could see the evidence coming through that the NHS is being able to cope with the situation as best as possible.
“If that is the case, there may be the potential to relax measures in a sensible way in accordance with medical advice in the weeks and months that would follow that.”
But he warned that the next two weeks will be critical as Britain surges towards the peak of the virus outbreak.
Mr Jenrick added: “It’s likely the numbers will get worse in the coming days before they get better.” Some experts have indicated the worst period of the Covid19 epidemic could strike between April 6 and April 20, when most fatalities are likely to occur.
Mr Jenrick said the deaths of a 13-year-old and a 19-year-old with coronavirus is a reminder that the disease affects everyone.
He said: “Every death is a tragedy but two young people dying is even more sobering. It does remind us all that this is a virus that’s indiscriminate.
“It doesn’t just affect the elderly, or those who are extremely vulnerable because of their pre-existing conditions, although those people do need to take particular care. It can affect all of us.
“Some young people have felt almost invincible, and you saw that a couple of weeks ago with young people out enjoying themselves when we first started to implement social distancing measures.
“Now everybody understands and appreciates the seriousness of the situation, and is following the medical advice, which is to stay at home. By doing so, you protect the NHS and help to save lives.”