Against the flow of many of its European neighbors who are significantly reducing their devices, the United Kingdom will extend its confinement. Despite "progress" according to him made in his country, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ruled on Sunday in a television address that it was "not the time this week to end the confinement" decreed in late March. The restrictions imposed must therefore remain in force at least until June 1.
A gradual plan
The Conservative Prime Minister presented a plan for gradual deconfinement with the hope of gradually reopening stores and primary schools, starting with kindergarten and end of primary school classes in early June. The leader also hopes that high school students taking exams next year "have at least some time with their teachers before the summer vacation." The other students could not resume until September. In early July, "if all the conditions are met", the government hopes to "reopen at least part" of cafes and restaurants and other public places.
In addition, the government plans "soon" to introduce a mandatory quarantine period for travelers arriving in the UK by air. However, the Prime Minister did not give a date or details on this measure. "No quarantine measure will apply to travelers from France at this stage," said the French presidency, after an interview between Emmanuel Macron and Boris Johnson.
The population is for the moment called to continue its efforts with a nuance: if teleworking is always recommended, those who cannot work from home are now "actively encouraged" to go to work, from Monday. They are however asked to avoid public transport and to maintain a distance of two meters between each individual.
More expensive fines
Little consolation for the English: from Wednesday, they can leave their homes as much as they want to play sports and sunbathe. On the other hand, fines will be more expensive for those who do not respect the rules of social distancing.
The change of speech by Boris Johnson, who no longer calls to "stay at home" but to "remain vigilant", has left skeptical the leaders of the other constituent nations of the United Kingdom: Scotland, Wales and North Ireland. This slogan is "vague and imprecise" judged Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Labor leader Keir Starmer also criticized Boris Johnson's lack of "clarity". "The Prime Minister's statement raises more questions than it answers," he said.
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