Outdoor restrictions could ease

Government officials have indicated that lockdown restrictions could be eased for outdoor activities.

Ministers have begun drawing up plans for the eventual lifting of the restrictions imposed to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Downing Street indicated that “easements” were being considered – along with possible tightening of rules in other areas.

The existing lockdown restrictions are expected to remain in place following a review of the evidence being carried out this week.

Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab warned “we need to be under no illusions, the next stage won’t be easy”.

He added: “If we are going to protect life and preserve our way of life, we must continue to be guided by the scientific advice we receive and make sure that the next steps we take are sure-footed and sustainable.”

But he said ministers wanted “to make sure that the next phase is more comfortable, is more sustainable and prevents lasting damage to jobs and livelihoods”.

Mr Raab also said ministers are looking at sports being played behind closed doors in the second phase of the coronavirus response.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman confirmed the possibility of easing restrictions outdoors was also under consideration in Westminster.

“Broadly the scientific and medical experts have been clear that there is less likelihood of transmission of this disease outdoors than indoors,” a spokesman said. That will obviously be something we are considering as part of the review.”

Mr Raab said the evidence from scientists indicated that opening all schools would lead to a “very real risk” of a dramatic rise in the rate of transmission of coronavirus.

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) has been asked to draw up options for schools, with Mr Raab saying it was not a “binary” situation of them either being open or shut.

Dominic Raab at the Downing Street briefing