Hard choices over lockdowns

Restrictions dilemma for PM

BORIS JOHNSON faces the most difficult of judgments as Covid- 19 continues its relentless assault on Britain’s people and economy – striking a workable balance between saving lives and preserving livelihoods. With autumn advancing towards winter and the number of deaths continuing to rise as the Government’s scientific advisers predicted, the Prime Minister is under intense pressure to introduce more restrictions on everyday life to bring the pandemic under control.

Yet to do so would be to inflict further damage on an economy already battered by job losses, with the grim prospect of more to come. A second national lockdown being urged on Mr Johnson by some of his advisers would certainly drive many companies out of business.

Set against that is the risk that the NHS becomes overwhelmed by coronavirus patients in the winter months when hospital admissions always rise anyway. Then there is the increasing clamour about what is to happen at Christmas and whether families will be banned from gathering. On that, at least, the Prime Minister can justifiably argue that it is too soon to make a definitive judgment.

Mr Johnson has consistently opposed another lockdown, believing the economic cost would be too great. It is possible that if the number of cases and deaths increases sharply, his hand may be forced.

As things stand, the Government has widespread support for the regional three- tier system of restrictions to bring the spread of Covid down. It is likely that more areas will be placed into the highest level of lockdown, and these measures must be given the opportunity to work.

In the meantime, the Government would be well advised to redouble its efforts to persuade Britain’s people to do all they can to prevent infection spreading by observing the rules. Whatever happens, Britain faces the most difficult of winters.