Johnson: ‘The crocus of hope is poking through the frost’
“The crocus of hope is poking through the frost,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson today in an address to the nation on the gradual easing of the national lockdown.
Earlier today Johnson announced all Covid restrictions could be lifted by 21 June under the Prime Minister’s roadmap for exiting lockdown.
“Spring is one its way both literally and metaphorically – but I won’t be buccaneering with other people’s lives,” Johnson added, making reference to not unlocking England sooner.
The vaccine rollout has played an important role in the road to freedom. Research from Public Health Scotland (PHS) found that the Pfizer and Astrazeneca vaccines reduced the risk of hospitalisation from Covid-19 by up to 85 per cent and 94 per cent respectively.
Among over-80s, vaccination saw an 81 per cent reduction in hospitalisation when the results for both vaccines were combined.
The PM said the vaccination programme had “created a shield around the population”.
Vaccines passports are likely to be “important” when it comes to international travels, as other countries are likely to “insist on them,” he added.
But Johnson declined to give a clear answer on what, if any, role vaccine passports would play in England’s domestic market, adding: “We’ll have a review of the issue before we come to it.”
When asked about ongoing restrictions later in the year, chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said next winter masks may be needed in some circumstances, as well as a working test and trace system.
Professor Chris Whitty noted infection rates are falling, but hospitalisations are still at the same level as they were at the peak in the first lockdown.
The nation is still four months away from freedom, but the government plans to roll out a gradual easing of restrictions in the meantime.
The PM also hinted the furlough scheme and other government support measures could be extended beyond March, as he vowed “not to pull the rug out” on people receiving emergency support.
Speaking this evening Johnson said the government would do “whatever it takes” to protect jobs and livelihoods throughout the duration of the pandemic.”
Road to freedom
At the beginning of March children will go back to school and individuals will be able to meet up outside with one person from another household for a coffee, chat, picnic or walk, including in private gardens.
On March 29 at the earliest the “stay at home” messaged will be ditched, in favour of encouraging people to “stay local” where they can. The end of March will also see a return to the rule of six for outdoor gatherings, and groups of up to 30 people from two different households will be able to meet up outside.
All non-essential shops, hair salons, gyms, swimming pools, and indoor sports facilities will reopen from 12 April, alongside museums, galleries, and libraries, though the ‘rule of six’ will remain in place.
From 17 May at the earliest indoor mixing between households will resume and the rule of six will be scrapped. That will mean people be will able to eat, drink and socialise with friends in hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants.
The government also hopes to ditch the two-household rule for outdoor gatherings, though the 30-person limit will remain in place.
Then, all being well, the Prime Minister hopes to lift all lockdown restrictions by 21 June, with nightclubs among the last sectors of society of reopen.