Don’t be afraid to go out, say ministers keen to restart economy

MINISTERS have expressed concerns that some members of the public may be developing so-called “Fogo” – a fear of going out – which could make it harder to restart the economy.

Michael Gove yesterday suggested people should not be “perpetually imprisoned in their home” and said that “you can never eliminate the risk” of Covid-19. Mr Gove said: “You can try to insulate yourself completely from any risk. You can stay at home and hope that not only will you not the catch the virus, but that you won’t be exposed to other risks. The whole point about life is that you need to manage risk in a way that keeps people as safe as possible.”

His comments came after reports that some in government are concerned that a “fear of going out” setting into the population could make the public too hesitant to start working or going out more for fear of catching the virus. Ministers are waiting for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) to deliver its advice on whether the public can be advised to see “social bubbles” of family members and friends living in other households.

Sage has been asked to consider “whether, when and how it can safely change the regulations to allow people to expand their household group to include one other household in the same exclusive group”.

Mr Gove, who is reportedly keen on the idea of social bubbles, warned yesterday of the “malign” effects of having the economy closed for too long.

He told BBC One’s The Andrew Marr Show: “None of us can guarantee that anyone will be entirely free unless effectively they’re perpetually imprisoned in their own home.”

Last week the Government issued new guidance partially easing the lockdown the UK had been in since March 23. Everyone who cannot do their job from home was told they should go to work, if their workplace is open.

Mr Gove said yesterday: “The only way ever to ensure that you never catch coronavirus is to stay at home completely. There is always, always, always in any loosening of these restrictions a risk of people catching the coronavirus.” Asked about the safety of teachers going back to work, Mr Gove said: “The key thing is that we can make these workplaces safe.”

Mr Gove said the “R” number – the transmission rate of coronavirus – remained below one, the level at which the Government says it has to be to allow easing of lockdown measures.

The minister said: “We cannot have a situation where we keep our economy and our schools and our public services continually closed down because the health consequences of doing so would be malign as well.” The Prime Minister yesterday sought to clarify the new rules. He wrote in The Mail on Sunday: “You can now spend as much time as you like outdoors, for example sitting and enjoying the fresh air, picnicking or sunbathing. You can meet one other person from a different household outdoors, provided you maintain social distancing. You can exercise outdoors as often as you wish and play sport.

“Even with these changes, it’s vital that people stay alert, keep their distance from others and carry on washing their hands regularly.”