A glimmer of light... but still in the dark

AFTER nearly two long months of virtual house arrest comes the tantalising prospect that lockdown could be eased.

True, it’s not set in stone, and nor could it be: the data on deaths and transmission rates have to govern our next moves.

But it’s encouraging news that socially distanced family reunions are on the horizon, and the reopening of garden centres. We shouldn’t underestimate the psychological value of these simple ‘easements’ – but they won’t start to happen until May 28.

What we haven’t yet seen is a more detailed timetable for getting us out of this state of suspended animation. On Thursday, there will be a route map, we’re told – nearly a fortnight after Boris Johnson published the UK Government’s strategy.

Nicola Sturgeon’s caution is understandable: a second lockdown, if the virus were to reestablish itself, would compound the economic turmoil.

But nor can lockdown, even with the tweaks the First Minister proposes, endure indefinitely. Children’s education has been subject to massive disruption as state schools shut down entirely for the first time in history. Even during the Second World War, evacuees went to school – now we’re a country of home educators, and the strain is beginning to tell.

It’s a slowly unfolding catastrophe and yet ministers seem blind to the problems parents face as many attempt to work from home while educating increasingly demotivated youngsters – with minimal help from government.

The social consequences of this forced paralysis are huge, placing massive pressure on families, the vulnerable and elderly, and damaging the nation’s mental health. And we’ve yet to see concrete proposals for getting public transport back on track, or for reconstructing a shattered economy.

The baby steps Miss Sturgeon promises are welcome – but nowhere near enough to inspire confidence that an escape route, and viable recovery plan, are within reach.