Coronavirus: Boris Johnson’s Announcement

It seems that good news has finally conquered through this pandemic when Prime Minister, Boris Johnson made his announcement at seven o’clock tonight. He released the information that the death rate and hospital admissions have gradually started to come down and we now have “a sense of a way ahead.”

He also stated that although we have a plan, it is a conditional plan. Within the alert system, level one indicates that the virus is no longer present in the UK and level five indicates the most critical circumstances. At the beginning of the lockdown, we were in level four and are now ready to move down to level three, clearly showing that the rules and regulations that were put in place have made a huge impact on the development of coronavirus. However, we have made progress but this does not mean that we are fulfilled in the prevention of the virus.

At this moment in time, there is no end to the lockdown but we are ready to take the first careful steps towards normality. Potential victims of the virus will be tested and any possible contacts of theirs will be traced. Those who cannot work from home are able to begin going to work from tomorrow but must still abide by social distancing rules, making sure to avoid public transport. We are also being encouraged to do more exercise, now being able to go to parks and drive to places we may want to attend in order to do our exercise.

In the next few weeks and months, there is hope that we may be able to go further. By the earliest of June 1st, a phased re-opening will begin, opening up shops and getting certain years of students back into schools. Students who will be facing exams come next year will be given the guidance they need. Hopefully, by the beginning of July, they think that some hospitality and public places will have the ability to re-open.

Of course, all of this depends on a series of big ifs and we are now driven by science, data and public health. If there are any problems from now on, there will be no hesitation to put the brakes on this new plan. Boris Johnson stated that “we have been on an initial peak but it is coming down the mountain that is more dangerous.” We must stay alert, control the virus and save lives.