Boris Johnson is under mounting pressure to impose a tougher lockdown to fight coronavirus, as Labour called for enforced social distancing measures and some Conservatives broke ranks to back a stricter approach.
As parliament returned on Monday, the prime minister faced calls to take stronger action after pictures emerged of people flouting government advice to stay two metres apart whether inside or outside.
Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, said the opposition had tried to be supportive but “something has to change” after public confusion, non-compliance with advice and grave scientific warnings about the consequences.
Symptoms are defined by the NHS as either:
- a high temperature - you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
- a new continuous cough - this means you've started coughing repeatedly
NHS advice is that anyone with symptoms should stay at home for at least 7 days.
If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home.
After 14 days, anyone you live with who does not have symptoms can return to their normal routine. But, if anyone in your home gets symptoms, they should stay at home for 7 days from the day their symptoms start. Even if it means they're at home for longer than 14 days.
If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.
If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.
After 7 days, if you no longer have a high temperature you can return to your normal routine.
If you still have a high temperature, stay at home until your temperature returns to normal.
If you still have a cough after 7 days, but your temperature is normal, you do not need to continue staying at home. A cough can last for several weeks after the infection has gone.
Staying at home means you should:
- not go to work, school or public areas
- not use public transport or taxis
- not have visitors, such as friends and family, in your home
- not go out to buy food or collect medicine – order them by phone or online, or ask someone else to drop them off at your home
You can use your garden, if you have one. You can also leave the house to exercise – but stay at least 2 metres away from other people.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus, use the NHS 111 coronavirus service to find out what to do.
Source: NHS England on 23 March 2020
“Other countries have taken further far-reaching social distancing measures. We now call on the government to move to enforced social distancing and greater social protection as a matter of urgency,” he said.
Keir Starmer, the Labour leadership frontrunner, also demanded more action, and an explanation from the government if it continues to refuse to go down this path.
“In these extraordinary times, the government must now set out further compliance measures, such as those introduced in other countries,” he said. “These are vital days in the battle against the coronavirus.”
Italy, Spain and France have stopped people from leaving their homes without good reason, with enforcement by police, and Germany has banned gatherings of more than two people unless they are related to fighting the virus.
Julian Smith, the former cabinet minister and ex-chief whip, was among the Tories backing tougher action. He said: “Many people have recklessly ignored government advice this weekend. I will support any measure the government needs to force people to follow the guidelines designed to protect NHS staff and UK citizens’ lives.”
The prime minister warned on Sunday that a curfew or lockdown enforced by the police may be necessary in the coming days but he has so far only urged people to stay inside where possible voluntarily.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, was more critical of those who are not obeying the rules, branding those still socialising “very selfish” for putting the lives of NHS workers and other citizens at risk.
Johnson’s official spokesman rejected claims the prime minister was facing a cabinet mutiny over his decision not to enforce a lockdown.
He said further measures may be brought in if data being gathered by the government shows that social distancing advice is still being ignored.
“If our analysis is that people haven’t stopped their interactions then we will take further measures,” the spokesman said.
