PM ‘actively encourages’ some employees back to work

The Prime Minister told the UK that people should continue to work from home if they can, but if they can’t they should be “actively encouraged” to go to work in an address to the nation on Sunday.

He added, however, that they should avoid public transport as much as possible and use cars, or, preferably, cycle or walk, although public transport would have to conform to COVID-secure standards.

The move was part of Boris Johnson’s plan for the next weeks and months as the country emerges gradually out of lockdown. He said that from Wednesday people in the UK will be able to take unlimited exercise, not just one outing a day, and can do sports within their household groups. Social distancing will be maintained at all times and fines for those who don’t do this will be increased.

The R rate – the rate of infection – would be monitored closely with regard to any reopening of the economy. From 1st June there would be phased reopening of shops and primary schools. Johnson mentioned reception, year one and year six would go first. He also made reference to those secondary school students sitting exams in the next year.

From July, if it was safe to do so and with social distancing maintained, some restaurants, cafes and bars may be able to reopen.

Johnson said the UK had reached the peak, but it was often when coming down from the peak that things were the most dangerous. There will therefore be local, regional and national monitoring to check rates of infections.
Johnson stated that the government’s approach was driven by science, data and public health.

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