This is the start - the country's doors being edged open a crack.
More time in the fresh air for exercise everywhere this week, and a timetable of a sort from
Boris Johnson for an achingly gradual return to a recognisable life.
In England at least, if you work in construction or manufacturing, or can't do your job from home,
you'll be encouraged to go back to work as long as you can keep your distance from others this week.
You'll be able, from Wednesday too, to take unlimited exercise; to meet one person from outside
your own household as long as you stay two metres apart; you can go and sit in your local park,
to sunbathe, or to take part in sport with others from your household.
But importantly there will be on NO change for the many people who are more vulnerable to
the disease who are therefore 'shielding'.
Limited opening
But progress beyond the next few days is a series of big ifs. The ambition is to start bringing
back some primary school years from the start of June, but it depends how the outbreak
progresses.
The plan is for some secondary school pupils to be able to see their teachers occasionally
before the end of the term. But there is no intention though to reopen them before
the summer.
Questions raised
But despite the prime minister's lengthy address there are as many questions
raised as answered.
Workers in some sectors have been advised to go to work tomorrow but told to avoid
public transport. What are employers meant to be telling their staff tonight? What are
workers meant to do if their only way of getting to work is by limited public transport?
What should the parents of secondary school pupils do if they can go back to work,
but their children have no prospect of a proper return?
Follow the real-life Covid-19 news here. : slotxo
