Set out a clear road to recovery, Boris

FACE masks. Social distancing. Families kept in ‘bubbles’. It’s no wonder the public, fed up with this strange ‘ new normal’, desperately crave their old lives back.

Unfortunately, despite coronavirus being predominantly under control, the Government’s fear of a second spike means we must tolerate this ordeal for longer.

But people must be under no illusion. Unless they quickly lose their reluctance to go back to work, we’ll never return to normal. Britain will suffer economic annihilation – changing the complexion of the country unrecognisably.

Already, a jobs bloodbath is looming. Unemployment could hit four million – higher than in the 1980s. The country’s finances will be decimated.

Thankfully, tomorrow Boris Johnson will map out a pathway to recovery (with the nation’s health still a priority).

The Mail is pleased he will drop strict ‘work from home’ advice. That’s a start. But he must go further – by telling firms that keeping offices closed will spell disaster.

Above all, we need clarity. Witness the Government’s chaos over mask-wearing.

Originally, we were told they were all but pointless. Then that they were compulsory on public transport. Now, as infection rates dwindle, the Prime Minister tells us masks must be worn in shops.

A simple enough instruction? Not likely. Yesterday, Matt Hancock said face coverings should be used in sandwich shops… only to be contradicted by No 10.

If the Cabinet are confused, no wonder the public are losing confidence in their handling of the outbreak. For the sake of Britain’s future, we urgently require sharp focus and sure-footedness.