Kentish Express Ashford & District
‘We won’t let up over restrictions’ government warns
A decision on whether to extend lockdown is not likely to be decided this week, the government has warned.
Scientific experts will meet with government officials to set out how effective social distancing has been to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Speaking at the Downing Street daily briefing on Monday, First Secretary Dominic Raab insisted people must continue to observe the rules and not let up too early.
Mr Raab said: “Amidst this sobering death toll there are some positive signs form the data we are starting to win this struggle.
“We still have a long way to go and as the grisly figures show, we are not past the peak of this virus.
“This week Sage [Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies] will review the effectiveness of social distancing measures. We will consider their assessment based on the evidence at that point.
“We do not expect to make any changes to the measures in place and we won’t until we can be as confident as we realistically can be that such changes can be safely made.
“If we let up now the virus will only take advantage, spread faster and kill more people.
“If we refuse to give in we will beat the virus and get through this national test.
“Our plan is working so please stick with us.
“If we ease up too early it would start a second wave and would be more damaging. We want to take the right decision at the right time.”
Mr Raab revealed the government feared people would ignore advice and be “cutting corners” during the Easter weekend.
But he thanked the “overwhelming majority” for staying at home and following the advice.
He added: “By staying home this weekend you have saved lives.
“Your efforts are making all the difference and please keep them up.
“We’ve come too far and lost too many loved ones to ease up.”
Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific adviser, said: “We’ve stayed at home more and reduced activity in retail, transport, workplace and even reduced presence parks.
“That is having an effect in reducing the transmission in the community.
“There are many more cases which have not been tested. Even allowing for vagaries in the numbers of tests being done, numbers have flattened off and we would expect that to decrease.
‘Our plan is working, please stick with us’
“I’m pleased to say there is more testing going on to detect more cases and to tell people who are negative.”
The number of people in beds is remaining at a similar level and not increasing, Sir Patrick said. He added the government is expecting to see that continue before decreasing but warned of a “difficult week” ahead as he said he expected to see a further increase in the next few days.
“Thereafter we would see a plateau as the effects of social distancing comes through,” Sir Patrick said. “That will continue for some time and then start to reduce.”
Opinion: When and how we can end lockdown - page 24