I want to thank you for the personal sacrifices you’re making to tackle this pandemic.
You have demonstrated remarkable dedication to our national wellbeing. That effort should never be underestimated.
Because of those actions, we can – gradually and cautiously – change some lockdown restrictions.
But the situation remains fragile.
Too much, too soon could see the virus grab hold again and spread rapidly which means more people will die and the economy will suffer even more.
Our route map shows indicative phasing of our journey out of lockdown.
The three-weekly review cycle assesses if – and to what extent – we can move from one phase into the next.
We’ve always been clear that it might not be possible to do everything at once in each phase based on evolving data and understanding of the virus.
On Thursday we hope to announce what – if any – of Phase 2 is safe to progress.
Some measures might be introduced weeks later or be postponed. I very much hope that will not be the case.
Restarting the economy safely is vital.
Figures showing the economic hit speak for themselves and I’m acutely conscious of the toll on jobs, livelihoods and businesses large and small.
I want to see businesses up and running again, including our tourism and hospitality sector – but it has to be sustainable.
Safety and confidence of employers, employees and customers is essential which is why we’ve published detailed key sector guidance and will continue to update it.
Construction workers are gradually returning to sites because earlier steps allowing for health and safety planning and preparatory work were taken.
But for many, working from home is still required wherever practicable and everyday steps to suppress the virus remain important. When you meet another household, you must stay outdoors and two metres apart.
Don’t meet with more than one other household a day and keep to a maximum of eight in a group.
For all our progress, the virus has not gone away and the danger of a second wave is very real.
If indicators continue positively, those shielding to protect themselves can go outdoors to exercise, with strict physical distancing, from June 18.
Our test and protect system will be important in allowing a gradual return to living more freely while suppressing the virus.
Ultimately, this is a social bargain. If you have symptoms, or you’ve been in contact with someone who has symptoms, we ask you to isolate completely.
If we all do it, we will be able to emerge from lockdown and control Covid-19, continuing to save lives.
