Adjustment of some lockdown measures
Coronavirus is the biggest challenge the UK has faced in decades – and we are not alone. All over the world we are seeing the devastating impact of this disease.
That’s why the Government has put in place strict social distancing – to slow the spread of the virus so the NHS would not be overwhelmed, and lives could be saved. And thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of the British people, and despite a tragic loss of life, the UK slowed the spread of coronavirus. Our health system was not overwhelmed – with spare beds, ventilators and hospitality capacity at all times.
But we must begin to recover and eventually restore our way of life. The Government’s objective is to return to our way of life as soon as possible – focusing on not just saving lives, but also livelihoods. However, it is absolutely vital that as we do so, we avoid the risk of a second peak that overwhelms the NHS. And importantly doesn’t waste the huge sacrifices the British people have made in lockdown to get the virus under control.
The Government guidance has now been adjusted to allow people more time outdoors in groups of up to 6, schools to re-open to some pupils and for some shops to re-open. Those people who have been shielding are now also able to leave their homes once a day for exercise, and meet one other person from outside of their household providing they observe social distancing.
From this weekend (Saturday 13th June), single adult households - so adults living alone or single parents with children under 18 - can form a ‘support bubble’ with one other household. All those in a support bubble will be able to act as if they live in the same household – meaning they can spend time together inside each others’ homes and do not need to stay 2 metres apart. Support bubbles must be exclusive, meaning you cannot switch the household you are in a bubble with or connect with multiple households. And if any member of the support bubble develops symptoms, all members of the bubble will need to follow the normal advice on household isolation.
As we take these small steps forward, it is important to stress that this progress is conditional and it remains critical that those from different households stay two metres apart. The Government will monitor how these changes are working, including by looking at the R value and the number of new infections, before taking any further steps. This will ensure we do not risk a second peak that could overwhelm our NHS. The new NHS Test and Trace programme will also help to ensure we keep the virus under control. There is no doubt that we are making progress and I am hopeful that in the coming weeks we may be able to do more, but of course, this will be conditional on the scientific and medical advice saying that it is safe to do so. As we begin to recover and return to our way of life, it is vital that we all stay alert, so we can control the virus and save lives. Full guidance on what is and is not allowed is available on gov.uk/coronavirus, along with a list of frequently asked questions which are regularly updated.
