Testing times as schools reopen
MINISTERS have rejected claims the Government is rushing to ease the lockdown as millions seized the chance to meet friends and relatives.
Parks and beaches around the country were packed after restrictions on public gatherings were lifted to allow up to six people to get together outdoors.
Primary schools and some shops also began opening their doors for the first time since the Government imposed the lockdown in March.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock insisted the rule changes were being introduced with caution despite criticism from some quarters that restrictions were being lifted too early with thousands still being infected with the virus every day.
He said: “It hasn’t been rushed through, far from it.We’ve worked for some time to make sure that any changes that we make and these are small, cautious changes, can benefit people in a safe way.
“We announced it at the weekend and I think that being able to make changes like this is important for people.
“We are able to make some cautious changes to the lockdown rules carefully and safely.
“Of course, these are balanced judgments and we take these decisions very carefully.”
He also promised authorities would quickly reimpose restrictions locally should fresh outbreaks be identified. Mr Hancock
‘We have come so far together. We mustn’t throw away the progress that we have made’
added: “Taking local action to respond to a local flare up is an incredibly important part of the toolkit that we have available to respond if we need to.”
As an example, he said an accident and emergency ward could be shut in response to a surge of cases in a hospital.
Urging the public to behave responsibly as freedoms were restored, he said: “We’ve come so far together we can take these steps together.
“But do not step too far – the disease is not done yet.
“We mustn’t throw away the progress that we’ve made.”
He also rejected claims that the Government had moved too quickly in easing restrictions on vulnerable people.
Earlier, his Cabinet colleague Alok Sharma insisted the Government was being very cautious in allowing primary school pupils to return to classes in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 in England.
The Business Secretary spoke out after the Association of Directors of Public Health warned that experts were “increasingly concerned” that ministers are easing restrictions too quickly.
He said: “This is not a dash. These are very cautious steps that we are taking. They are phased.”
Classrooms are reopening in England as social restrictions across are eased to allow people to have limited contact with friends and family outdoors.
Downing Street officials defended the changes despite the official coronavirus alert level staying a four – the second highest level.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “In terms of the changes we were always clear that we would need to be meeting our five tests and I believe that we are. The alert level is moving down from four to three.”
The spokesman also defended the decision to ease restrictions for the extremely vulnerable people who have been shielding from coronavirus since March He added: “We’ve done this in a very cautious way and in accordance with medical and scientific advice.” Meanwhile worshippers feel hurt at remaining restricted, despite some shops being opening, a bishop has said.
Non-essential shops can start to trade again from June 15.
But places of worship remain shut, with the Government saying they could open for individual or private prayer before moving to small weddings and services.
The Bishop of London Dame Sarah Mullally said: “With shops reopening and some people appearing to be returning to a degree of normality, it is understandable that questions are being raised as to how and where the lockdown is being relaxed.
“Churchgoers are amongst those feeling real disappointment and hurt, as places of worship remain closed to the public.”
She said the Church of England was working to develop a detailed plan to help them open for individual prayer as well as for weddings and eventually services.
But she added: “For now, the Government does not deem it safe for us to take these steps.”