Cautious approach is better in long run

ALANDMARK moment in England’s easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions unfolded yesterday.

After close to three months, thousands of non-essential shops were allowed to open their doors again – much to the relief of their owners and staff.

And it didn’t take very long for shoppers to descend on high streets in their droves for a longawaited dose of retail therapy.

Scores of people could be seen queuing outside stores across the border yesterday morning, with many high-street giants reporting significant footfall figures.

The onus now lies with businesses to ensure shoppers remain socially distant by introducing one-way systems, putting hand sanitisers near entrances and removing seating areas.

However, in Wales the picture is entirely different. The once bustling high streets remain eerily quiet due to the Welsh Government’s more cautious and careful approach to easing lockdown.

Unlike across the border, First Minister Mark Drakeford has taken heed of the advice from the World Health Organisation by only taking one small step at a time in easing restrictions every three weeks.

While this approach is likely to cause distress and frustration for many business-owners and their employees in Wales, some of whom are desperate for things to return to normal again, the key message here is that it will benefit both our health and economy in the long term.

During yesterday’s press conference, Mr Drakeford said: “I am with those very many economists who argue that a reliable move out of lockdown, in which we don’t take the risk of coronavirus circulating again, is best for the economy as well.

“Nothing would be worse for the economy than to do too much too soon, lead to coronavirus in rapid circulation again and having to clamp down on everything for a second time.”

He went on to point out that some countries have needed to reintroduce their restrictions because cases of the virus have increased.

With the ‘R’ rate of infection still precariously close to one, the approach the UK Government is taking for England is a gamble – and one which clinicians warn will lead to a rise in infection rates.

It may not seem like it now, but Wales’ more careful approach could benefit us in the long run. As the old saying goes, good things come to those who wait.