Nation urged to ‘follow the rules’ as PM sets out details
BORIS JOHNSON has urged the public to ‘follow the rules’ to control the spread of Covid-19 as he sets out plans on how lockdown in England will be eased in the coming months.
However, many people felt the Prime Minister’s message was unclear, including Calderdale councillor and Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment, Scott Patient, who said there has already been ‘backtracking’, as the country descended into its eighth week of lockdown.
Mr Johnson said the country is beginning to take steps towards opening up again, but
“Our challenge is to find a way forward that preserves our hard won gains.” Boris Johnson
only when there is a clear acknowledgement of decreased virus infection rates.
During a speech in the House of Commons, he said: “If the data goes the wrong way, if the alert level begins to rise, we’ll have no hesitation in putting on the brakes and delaying or reintroducing measures locally, regionally, or nationally.”
“Our challenge is to find a way forward that preserves our hard won gains, while easing the burden of lockdown and I’ll be candid with the house this is a supremely difficult balance to strike.”
Mr Johnson set out his “road map” for easing restrictions, starting with people who cannot work from home – and in sectors such as manufacturing and construction – urged back to work.
But Coun Patient said: “His statement was delivered without clear guidance.
“There has already been backtracking from it in that he’s claiming he didn’t really expect people to flood into work.”
The PM said people must keep two metres away from other people and only exercise with their own household.
People in England should wear face coverings in enclosed places, such as in some shops and on public transport.
People can meet with a person from another household outdoors as long as social distancing is maintained - it can be a different person each day.
Driving to destinations for outdoor walks and exercise is also permitted, but playgrounds, outdoor gyms and ticketed outdoor leisure venues will remain closed for now.
“I’m dismayed and flabbergasted at the total lack of ability or responsibility government has shown in protecting its citizens,” said Coun Patient.
“We have the second highest death toll in the world behind the US.”
Fines for those rule-breakers will rise to £100 in England, Mr Johnson said.
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