Frustration is growing in the Cabinet over a lack of debate on the issue as the damage to the economy mounts. It emerged on Friday night that ministers are considering two possible strategies, which are being discussed by their scientific advisers.
The first involves extending the full lockdown well into early summer to ‘push the numbers right down’ – although this would risk further damaging the economy.
The second could see restrictions lifted much earlier, potentially after the current three-week extension expires on May 8 – even though it could risk a second virus ‘peak’.
It came as a minister warned businesses they would have to adapt to a ‘new normal’ after the crisis has passed. This led to concerns restrictions could continue until a vaccine is ready or even afterwards – with more working from home and possible staggered work starts to try to cut the impact of the rush hour.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced on Thursday that the lockdown would continue for another three weeks, as he unveiled five tests ministers would use before deciding if it is safe to lift the restrictions.
It is believed some ministers are unhappy that there has not been a proper debate in Cabinet about when the lockdown could end.
On Friday Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said departments had been asked to come up with exit proposals in two weeks. The Government was forced to deny claims by Labour that it was in ‘limbo’ while Boris Johnson was recovering from the virus.
Although the Prime Minister spoke to Mr Raab on Thursday, he has not been working on his government boxes. Scientists say extending the lockdown into the summer would drastically reduce transmission rates and the ‘extremely low’ level of cases would make it easier for health officials to manage the pandemic...<<<Read The Full Article Here>>>...
