Coronavirus lockdown eases in England, more exercise allowed

In addition, stores selling gardening supplies can reopen, while potential house buyers can visit properties. And, importantly in the context of getting the ailing British economy back on its feet, people who can’t work from home, such as those in construction and manufacturing, are being encouraged by the government to return to work if they can do so safely.

Automaker Ford has announced plans to restart production at two factories in the U.K.

The lifting of some restrictions, first announced by U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday, applies only in England. The semi-autonomous governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are going more slowly and sticking with the “Stay Home” message.

The four parts of the U.K. have moved as one during the lockdown, which has been in place since March 23, but are starting to take different approaches during the easing phase, partly because the epidemic is at different stages.

Johnson justified the modest easing on the grounds that Britain has passed the peak of the outbreak, with average daily death rates down. The U.K. has officially recorded the most coronavirus-related deaths in Europe, more than 33,000, a toll second only to the United States.

Critics of the U.K. government say the changes, spelled out in a 50-page document, are confusing and potentially dangerous — especially when it comes to returning to work.

Johnson denied that there has been mixed messaging and told lawmakers that “the common sense of the British people is shining through.”

One of the main concerns centres on how those who can’t do their job from home travel to their place of work given the social distancing requirements.

Carl Moss, 39, a gardener at St. Thomas’ Hospital in central London, said it’s been “busier today” and that he’d seen “more office, finance-type people” than before when he’d mainly see tradesmen.

“I think the economy needs to start getting back together but it’s still unclear at the moment for some people,” he said.

Transport for London said that in the morning hours up to 10 a.m., the number of passengers on the capital’s subway system was around 7.3% higher than the same day last week. It said the increase was broadly in line with increases seen in recent weeks.

However, the union that represents train drivers voiced concerns about overcrowding following images on social media showing passengers unable to follow social distancing guidelines.

“So I ask people …. if you can avoid public transport in any way, please do,” said Mick Whelan, ASLEF’s general secretary.

The government advice is that people should avoid using public transit if possible. But for many people, that’s impossible, raising anxieties over what they should do, especially if they have children and schools remain shut.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the government would have to take steps if too many people packed onto buses and subways.

“We are asking people to be very sensible and not flood back to public transport,” he told Sky News.

Fines for those who break the rules have been increased as part of a carrot-and-stick approach designed to ensure people operate within the guidelines.

National Police Chiefs’ Council chairman Martin Hewitt said officers would “continue to use common sense and discretion” in policing the new rules.

“The efforts of the public mean police officers have rarely had to enforce the government regulations so far,” he said. “I am confident the vast majority will continue to do their bit and follow guidance in this next stage.”

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Follow AP pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

Pan Pylas, The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

Coronavirus lockdown eases in England, more exercise allowed

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