Ministers are considering easing the coronavirus social-distancing restrictions on people meeting outdoors, Downing Street has said today.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said they were looking at a range of possible “easements” – as well some toughening of the rules – ahead of the expected publication on Sunday of the government’s “roadmap” on the next phase of the coronavirus response.
“We are looking at a range of possible easements to the social distancing measures. We are also looking at areas that need to be toughened,” the spokesman said.
“Once we have the scientific evidence and we have completed the review process, we will be able to set out what those are.”
Asked about a suggestion by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that people in Scotland could be allowed to meet up with “small defined groups” outdoors, the spokesman said: “Broadly the scientific and medical experts have been clear that there is is less likelihood of transmission of this disease outdoors than indoors.
“That will obviously be something we are considering as part of the review.”
The Prime Minister is expected to outline the government's so-called road map strategy for exiting lockdown this Sunday, three days after it is compelled to review the second of its three-week lockdowns.
Downing Street said that any easing of the lockdown restrictions could only take place once they were sure it would not lead to a second peak in the disease.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman added: “We need to be guided by scientific advice and by that key consideration which is that we cannot do anything which we believe would lead to the R – rate of transmission – going above one.
“We would have to ensure that any steps that we take don’t risk a second peak which might overwhelm the NHS and throw away all of the sacrifice that has been made by the British public so far.”
At her daily press conference in Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “What we are seeking to do is find a path to a new normal, one which is less restrictive than the current lockdown, but which doesn’t risk the virus running rampant again.
“The most important task for all of us in the here and now is to get the virus under more control than it is right now.
“I cannot stress that enough, we really are at a critical stage.”
She urged Scots to “stick rigorously” to the current restrictions, telling people: “You should ask yourself, if for example, going for a drive-through coffee is really an essential journey.”
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here . And you can follow us on Facebook here .
