STOP THIS CHAOS
Experts demand second wave plan PM told to get a grip on confusion
BORIS Johnson is under pressure to get a grip on his Government’s chaotic handling of coronavirus.
As pubs face closing so schools can open, millions in the north of England are baffled by new restrictions.
Experts even question whether there IS a strategy.
The Lib Dems’ Layla Moran said: “Transparency and clarity are key to public trust. We’re not getting it.”
PUB landlords were reeling last night as they feared paying the price for Boris Johnson’s calamitous coronavirus strategy.
The PM was accused of sleepwalking into a second Covid wave after a series of mixed messages and conflicting guidelines.
Scientists warned bars may have to close to allow schools to reopen in England next month. The alert came as Mr Johnson was criticised for imposing new restrictions in the North while ending support for 2.2million who have been shielding.
Lib Dem leadership contender Layla Moran said the apparent scattergun approach left the country vulnerable to a second wave. She said: “There is confusion not just about messaging but overall strategy. Are they aiming for zero Covid? If not, what is the strategy? Transparency and clarity are key to public trust. We’re not getting it.”
Professor Graham Medley – chairman of the SAGE advisory group – questioned whether No10 had any real strategy. Prof Medley, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said it was “pointless” to pursue a strategy that did not aim to eradicate the virus.
He warned pubs and restaurants could have to shut when schools reopen as a “trade-off ” to ensure the virus is contained. He said: “Most people think opening schools is a priority for health and wellbeing of children. When we do we are going to reconnect lots of households.
“So closing some networks, other activities, may well be required to open schools. It might come down to which do you trade off against
each other. Do we think pubs are more important than schools?”
Restrictions were reimposed on Thursday after an infection surge in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and eastern Lancashire. Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said on Friday the country had “probably reached the limits” of what can be reopened in society.
Mr Johnson has put further easing of lockdown measures on hold. But many Brits have been left confused over rules for pubs, beauty parlours, household meetings and masks. People can visit salons and nail bars, but must still wait for facials, eyebrow and eyelash treatment.
While masks are compulsory in shops and some other indoor settings they are not required in pubs and restaurants.
Under new restrictions in parts of northern England meetings of more than one household in a home or garden are prohibited, unless they are in the same “bubble”.
But confusion reigns as people can come into contact with others when visiting pubs and restaurants. Landlords reacted with outrage last night at the suggestion pubs could have to close again just weeks after they reopened on July 4.
Greg Mulholland, of the British Pub Confederation, said: “Publicans will be dismayed. The vast majority are operating extremely safely and sensibly and following guidelines.
“Any restrictions can only be made on the basis the Government compensates those pubs.”
But education leaders said they would back any plan to prioritise schools over pubs.
Dr Stephen Curran, a teacher of 35 years and former adviser on educational issues, insisted: “It’s worth the sacrifice. We’ve got to prioritise the children.”