As expected, the government has extended the current coronavirus lockdown measures for at least three weeks.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab made the announcement at today’s coronavirus Downing Street briefing, adding that social distancing measures would only be eased when five measures were met:
– First, the government was satisfied that there was sufficient care capacity in the health service.
– Second, that there were “sustained and consistent” falls in daily death rates.
– Third, there was reliable data that showed the infection rate decreasing.
– Fourth, that the government is confident of the supply of both coronavirus tests and personal protective equipment (PPE).
– Fifth, that the government is confident any adjustment to the current measures will not risk a later “second peak” of infections.
The government might in future ease lockdown measures in some areas of the country while maintaining them in others, he added.