We’re happy but a little nervous
LOCKDOWN Brits desperate for a taste of freedom have reacted with delight at the Government roadmap that will allow them to start enjoying life again.
But on the streets of Leeds, London, Bristol and Birmingham yesterday an air of nervous caution remained over the four-step plan.
It will start with schools opening on March 8 and culminate in a proposed end to restrictions by June 21.
GRAHAM HULLAND, 67, LEEDS
“This has been a long and testing 12 months but if we can just pull through for the next few months then I think we’ll come out the other side in a good place.”
JACKIE KEARNEY, 59, BIRMINGHAM
“I’m looking forward to just getting in the car and going somewhere more interesting than my local park – anywhere for something different.”
JILL JEFFREY, 90, LONDON
“I am looking forward to seeing my grandchildren. I see them on the computer and speak to them on the phone, but they’re growing so much behind my back.”
LILY COX, 22, BRISTOL
“It’s nice to have a date to look forward to. But the Government has said a lot of things that haven’t turned out right. So I’m not going to hold my breath.”
LOUISE STEIN, 69, LONDON
“It’s better to take their time. I’d rather wait and be able to go out and see people without worrying about what might happen if we open up too early.”
ROSE KELLY, 27, LEEDS
“The first thing I want to do when lockdown ends is get to Ireland, where I’m from, and see my parents. It feels good to know I’ll be able to see them again.”
DR JAMES VANNER, 27, LEEDS
“There is still a fair distance to go but I think with a good plan and vaccination rates going up we’re in a decent place. I’ll be getting myself back into the gym soon.”
JOHN TURNER, 74, BIRMINGHAM
“Boris Johnson’s got it just right and is doing a great job. He’s going at the right pace after coming under pressure from all quarters to ease the first lockdown.”
SCOTT SOUTHALL, 42, BIRMINGHAM
“It’s a sensible plan and I’m looking forward to slowly getting back to normal, spending more time with family and going out a bit more.”
VICTORIA BRODIE, 30, LEEDS
“I want to spend some time out of the country with my new baby. It would be nice to do some travelling around Europe initially and perhaps south-east Asia after that.”
LEWAY NGUYEN, 29, LONDON
“I’m 50/50 whether anything is actually going to work or not. I don’t think things will be back to normal by the summer, but I really hope they will be.”
SIMON EMMS, 38, BIRMINGHAM
“I’m glad the restrictions are easing because I’m fed up with wearing a mask. We need to end lockdown straight away as it is doing more harm than good.”
BILLY MANI, 39, LONDON
“I’m looking forward to higher footfall and the business coming back strong. The older generation have been very scared. That will start to change.”
MOHAMMAD KANAWATI, 52, BRISTOL
“The plan is absolutely right. Being in the clear by June is a bit soon, but once we have vaccinated at higher levels it will be more practical.”
DEAN MORRIS, 58, LONDON
“I’ve started running every morning. I’m not worried about things going back to normal because I’ve made some good changes and I’m sticking to them.”
ROY TURLEY, 74, BRISTOL
“I don’t believe in Covid. I’ve gone and seen my family anyway. I don’t care what people say, you don’t reject family. I’m not frightened of the Government.”
LEIGH PATON, 58, BIRMINGHAM
“This can’t come soon enough. I was pleased to hear we’re finally getting out of this, but Boris should move even quicker. I would open all schools now.”