Changing limits

But virus still remains a threat

TODAY – just over 50 days since lockdown began – marks the start of the Government’s ‘roadmap’ for easing restrictions and reopening society.

The Prime Minister has made clear in his addresses this week that this process will not happen overnight; rather it will be a phased approach and one that, quite rightly, may need to be adapted based on the infection rate and the spread of virus, which has now claimed more than 40,000 lives across the UK.

Among the key changes coming in today, people are permitted to spend more time outdoors, exercising, fishing or relaxing, so long as they don’t meet up with more than one person outside of their household.

The shift in measures will also see garden centres, golf courses and bowling greens permitted to re-open for business. For many, greater opportunity to spend time in the fresh air will be welcome news, particularly, as Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty pointed out in Monday evening’s press briefing, given the benefits when it comes to supporting our health and mental wellbeing.

Yet, whilst scientists are confident that the risk of transmission of the virus outdoors is “much lower” than when inside, there is still indeed a risk.

Let it not be forgotten, also, that there are still many thousands of vulnerable individuals who need to be protected.

And, whilst it is understandable that people want to return to some semblance of ‘normality’ – whatever that may look like in the future – as quickly as possible, they should not be tempted or encouraged to put themselves or the lives of others at risk, as the measures shift.