Social distancing measures may need to remain in place ‘indefinitely’
4082 Mins Read
Social distancing measures may need to remain in place “indefinitely”, government experts believe under plans being drawn up in Whitehall which could see Britain begin to emerge from lockdown next month.
Officials are considering a plan to lift the lockdown “in reverse” with schools the first to open potentially from the beginning of June, followed by all shops but larger social gatherings delayed until last. The elderly and vulnerable would be asked to stay at home for longer.
However, it is understood that Britons will be asked to consider whether social interactions – such as going to an office or visiting relatives – are necessary as part of a plan to live with the virus for many months, or even years. It is hoped that a plan to encourage social distancing to become voluntary will help a second wave emerging.
The public has already restricted movement and interactions by more than had been forecast with fewer people going out to work than experts had anticipated.
The emerging exit strategy comes amid growing concerns within Whitehall over the devastating economic impacts of the lockdown. The Treasury is understood to believe that GDP will fall by more than 14 per cent in the next three months – which would lead to extreme levels of poverty developing which could ultimately lead to the premature deaths of more people than the virus.
On Friday, Britain recorded its worst ever day for deaths with 980 people losing their life, as the global death toll surpassed 100,000. Ministers are urging people to stay at home this weekend amid fears that the good weather will encourage people to go outside and undermine the effort to stop the spread of the virus.
However, official figures suggest that hospital admissions may be plateauing – and have even started falling in London. Senior ministers now believe that the peak is very close and could come this weekend, although the scientific advisors are more cautious.
