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British PM Johnson says it was still too risky to relax coronavirus lockdown yet

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British PM Johnson

Speaking outside his Downing Street residence a month and a day since testing positive for the virus which threatened his life, Johnson compared the disease to a street criminal that the British people were wrestling to the floor.

What was the message from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on May 10th regarding coronavirus lockdown measures?

On Sunday, May 10th, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation and announced that it was still too soon for the country to relax its coronavirus lockdown measures. This came as a blow to those who were hoping for a loosening of restrictions after weeks of social distancing measures, but Johnson’s message was clear: the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over.

As of May 10th, the United Kingdom had recorded over 219,000 coronavirus cases and more than 31,000 deaths. While the number of cases and fatalities have begun to level off, Johnson argued that it was still too early to lift the lockdown measures that have been in place since late March.

“We have to be sure that the risk of a second spike, a second wave, is…sufficiently low,” Johnson stated during his address. “We have to be sure that we can continue to protect the NHS and that it’s [National Health Service’s] capacity remains at a level where it can care for those in need.”

Johnson did, however, outline a roadmap for how the country may begin to slowly ease restrictions in the coming weeks. From Monday, May 11th, those who cannot complete their work from home were advised to return to work. Individuals were also allowed to spend more time outside, partake in unlimited exercise, and meet one person from another household outside as long as they maintain social distancing measures. However, there was no timeline given for when shops, restaurants, and other businesses could reopen.

The danger of relaxing lockdown measures too quickly has been demonstrated by countries such as Spain and Italy, which have seen a resurgence in cases after reopening. Johnson urged the public to continue following social distancing guidelines and to use “good, solid British common sense” when considering if they should venture out.

“At this stage, we can’t simply revert instantly from Monday the 11th of May to life as it was before COVID,” Johnson warned. “We will now go forward with a new sense of confidence in our fight against this disease.”

While the announcement may have disappointed many, Johnson’s cautious approach highlights the importance of taking calculated steps to ensure the safety of the public as the United Kingdom works towards a “new normal” in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.