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Theme of the day: “Stay home” becomes “Stay alert”
The British government has a new leitmotif in the fight against Corona: “Stay home” became “Stay alert” on Sunday. Instead of staying home, the British should be vigilant. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the “cautious first steps” to alleviate the situation in England.
“No more than ten minutes,” Johnson said Monday to present details of his relaxation concept in the nearly empty lower chamber. “We will not be guided by hope or the rebirth of the economy as a goal, but by data and science,” he announced. Gradually, the country will return to normal without causing new spikes of infection. If the data points in the wrong direction, new rules would be introduced, local, regional, or national. Until then, he relied on “good and solid British common sense” to control the virus.
As of Wednesday, outdoor sports are again allowed, as well as travel within England, for example to national parks or the coast. And from now on, everyone who cannot work from home should be “actively encouraged” to go there; however, if possible, without using public transportation.
Johnson’s plan is cautious, trying to balance the risk of growing infections and the risks to the economy. The Bank of England believes that a constant number of new infections and the highest number of deaths in Europe face the worst recession in more than 300 years. However, criticism of “immature” relaxation came from all sides.
And from all over the country: Johnson made his announcement without help. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland there is at least irritation at the change in direction prescribed by England, which once again questions the coordinated approach in the Kingdom.
Scottish Prime Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon found out about the saucepan according to her own statements in the newspaper and quickly called on the Scots to abide by Scottish standards rather than Johnson’s. “Let me be very direct: people will put in unnecessary effort,” he said of London’s plans, and advised against following them. In taking a stand in Edinburgh, the Scottish government tweeted that he should stay home, please. The governments of Northern Ireland and Wales followed suit and referred to their own guidelines. The London recap.
Is Johnson initiating a secondary crisis in the fight against Corona with his uncoordinated approach? It would not be the only one, because Brexit still exists.
The talks between London and Brussels are entering the third round today after they have so far been unsuccessful. It is planned to work on a video throughout the week. “We are nowhere,” said a diplomat familiar with the negotiations. Corona complicates discussions, and the tough New Year’s Eve break has once again become a realistic stage. Read the current Brexit review here: The Forgotten Drama.
