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Health Secretary Matt Hancock has denied that the government’s new orientation to coronavirus is confusing by urging the British to apply the “direct” rules with “common sense”.
The government has relaxed some closure measures in England, which means that people can now meet a member of a different household outside.
This provided they remain within two meters of each other at all times.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have not yet lifted the restrictions
Mr hancock He explained how people in England could now meet a different person, individually, in a park every day, and explained that “being outside is safer than being inside”, although he warned that “it is not zero risk”.
“We are taking small steps, some relaxation, but we are doing it very carefully, because we do not want the R rate to exceed one and the infections get out of control again,” Health Secretary told Sky News’ Kay Burley @ Breakfast Show .
The government still does not allow people to see relatives in their gardens or houses, although cleaners and caregivers may still be employed.
Faced with the challenge of whether it was confusing for people who were unable to receive their grandchildren or other family members into their home, but were able to allow their cleaners or caregivers to enter their homes, Hancock disagreed.
“The principles are very clear and the public has been very sensitive so far,” he said.
“That is why an appeal to people’s common sense is very, very sensitive in itself.
“The British public has really understood what social distancing means, why we need to do it. Unfortunately, no one wants social distancing rules, but they are important.”
“The principles are: Outside is better than inside, stay two meters away, wash your hands and clean surfaces and see as few people as possible outside your home, because this is how the virus spreads.”
“But also, at the same time, we need people to go back to work.”
The health secretary added: “It is about applying simple rules with common sense, based on the facts about this disease that we do know, as it spreads less outside, but still does.”
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Hancock also explained why the government now recommends that people wear face covers on public transportation or in some stores, though not in offices or schools.
“There is some evidence, it is weak, but there is some evidence that covering your face can help if you are in a covered place where there are other people that you don’t see regularly,” he said.
“If you’re stuck in an office with them for a long time, it’s not helpful to cover your face, or in a school, for example.
“That is why we do not recommend them for offices or schools.
“But, for example, if you’re on public transportation, you could be around someone for a period of time, maybe 15 or 20 minutes, where a face covering can help.”
