The Government is expected to confirm later today an extension to the current lockdown measures implemented on March 23rd to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
The last three weeks, people in the UK have been asked to follow strict guidelines in an attempt to prevent COVID-19 spreading around the country and to help ease the pressure on the NHS.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed yesterday afternoon that a “formal decision” on whether to extend the measures will be announced at some point today.
Northern Ireland, First Minister Arlene Foster has already confirmed that the lockdown measures will remain in place there for another three weeks at least, it is now just a matter of time before the whole of the UK follows suit.
When will we know about the lockdown extension?
The decision on how long to extend the current lockdown for will be made during a COBRA meeting this afternoon with the official announcement due to come at around 5pm during the daily press briefing.
It is widely expected that the Government will extend the lockdown for at least a further three weeks with Government advisers saying the lockdown should only be relaxed once the peak of the pandemic in the UK has been reached.
The current lockdown restrictions
On Monday 23rd March, Boris Johnson announced that the pandemic had reached the stage where it required significant action to take place in order to stop it spreading further, closing non-essential businesses such as pubs and restaurants.
The Prime Minister then set out four specific reasons why people should leave home for the next three weeks:
- To shop for basic necessities as infrequently as possible.
- To do one form of exercise a day either alone or with members of your household.
- For any medical need or to provide care to help a vulnerable person.
- To commute to work but only where you cannot work from home.
What next
If, as expected this afternoon, the Government confirms that the lockdown measures will continue, people will be expected to continue abiding by the guidelines set out on March 23rd.
England’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said the UK could begin planning its exit strategy within days with some non-essential businesses being allowed to reopen.
