PM: BACK TO NORMAL BY CHRISTMAS
Boris roadmap leads us out of lockdown
LIFE in Britain could return to “normality” by Christmas, Boris Johnson declared yesterday.
The Prime Minister offered hope to millions of families that they will be able to enjoy the festive season together as he revealed his plan to get the country through the next stage of the coronavirus pandemic.
Under the new guidelines, people may use public transport, whether or
not their trip is essential, while workers will get new advice from August 1.
Speaking from Downing Street, Mr Johnson said he was “hoping for the best and planning for the worst”.
He promised further easing of the lockdown would take place next month, including the end of the “work from home” advice, the opening of businesses such as bowling alleys and skating rinks, and the ending of the ban on wedding receptions.
He also promised “lightning lockdowns” would be introduced to stop regional flare-ups of coronavirus, with local councils getting the power to shut down transport networks, limit public gatherings and order certain businesses to close.
Controlling
The Prime Minister said there was no need for the sort of “blanket national measures” used to control the spread of the virus in spring, because the number of cases had fallen and authorities now understood how Covid-19 behaved much better than they did.
The PM said his new road map “remains conditional” on continued progress in controlling the virus and preventing a second wave of infections that could overwhelm the NHS.
The measures came as Britain announced 114 more coronavirus deaths, bringing the total to 45,233.
Mr Johnson said: “It is my strong and sincere hope that we will be able to review the outstanding restrictions and allow a more significant return to normality from November at the earliest – possibly in time for Christmas.”
The Government’s current guidance requires people in England to stay at least a metre apart, with certain precautions.
Devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have the power to set their own guidelines and timetable.
The PM insisted public transport could now open up for everyone to get people back to work.
He said: “In England from today we are making clear that anybody can use public transport while encouraging people to consider alternative measures of transport where they’re availa
ble.” Officials are reportedly working on a grading system to highlight the busiest and quietest times to travel, with avoiding public transport between 7am and 9am recommended.
In a move to hunt down and stamp out any coronavirus flareups, Mr Johnson handed councils powers for “lightning lockdowns” so they can shut pubs and cafés without going to the Government first. The rules will allow town hall bosses to ban weddings and other gatherings at short notice.
Mr Johnson explained: “They will be able to close specific premises, shut public outdoor spaces and cancel events.
“These powers will enable local authorities to act more quickly in response to outbreaks where speed is paramount.
“Where justified by the evidence, ministers will be able to close whole sectors or types of premises in an area, introduce local stay-athome orders, prevent people entering or leaving defined areas, reduce the size of gatherings beyond the national defined rules or restrict transport systems serving local areas.”
Cllr James Jamieson, chairman of the Local Government Association, said: “Locally-led responses have proven to be the best way to tackle significant outbreaks, which this framework rightly emphasises. Councils know their local communities best and know how to address each unique outbreak.
“It is good that this framework also acknowledges the tireless efforts of councils already to try and contain and prevent any local outbreaks.”
Indoor performances with socially distanced audiences in theatres, music halls and performance venues will also be allowed from next month. However, softplay areas and nightclubs will remain closed beyond that date, although rules for these “will be kept under review.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he will look at the details of the Government’s plan to get people back to work but stressed “this can’t be done on a wing and a prayer, and requires a credible plan and national leadership”.