Boris Johnson said that his government would outline plans for an easing of the restrictions in the coming days, but warned that there would be difficult judgments required
Boris Johnson has said that Britain was beginning to "turn the tide" against cornonavirus, as he made his first public statement since returning to work after being admitted to hospital with the disease.
It remains the "biggest single challenge this country has faced since the war", he said, and "every day I know that this virus brings new sadness and mourning to households across the land". "I want to serve notice now that these decisions will be taken with the maximum possible transparency and I want to share all our working and our thinking, my thinking, with you the British people. Of course we will be relying as ever on the science to inform us, as we have from the beginning."
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who has been deputising for him in his absence, said he was "raring to go" after a fortnight convalescing at Chequers, his official country residence. Mr Raab said the outbreak was at a "delicate and dangerous" phase and people would have to get used to a "new normal" - with social distancing measures set to remain in place for "some time" to come.
Labour leader Keir Starmer - while backing the lockdown - added to the pressure with a renewed call for the government to set out an "exit strategy" explaining how it will eventually be lifted.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Public health team's notes and letters on recommended restrictions will be published, says ministerQuestions have been raised this week about how decisions are being made as Ireland responds to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read more »
Dublin restaurant opens drive-thru service to keep business goingDublin restaurant opens drive-thru service to keep business going through coronavirus crisis
Read more »
Donegal locals 'angry and frustrated' that Northern Ireland day trippers are not covered by lawsA loophole in Covid-19 restrictions means that travel restrictions do not apply to those living outside the Republic’s legal jurisdiction.
Read more »