On Sunday evening, in a prerecorded television statement, Johnson released a roadmap for resuming operations in the country after more than six weeks of lockout.
Until Johnson was announced, residents whose jobs were considered non-essential were asked to leave their homes only for local daily exercise and to buy food or medicine.
"Starting this Wednesday, we want to encourage people to do more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise," he said.
"You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own household."
The Prime Minister's announcement aimed to soften messages about the UK foreclosure, while more details on the measures that would be eased are expected on Monday.
In his speech, Johnson officially launched the government's new slogan, replacing the advice to "Stay home" to save lives, "Stay alert".
Johnson announced a new five-level alert system, much like the one he already uses to assess terrorist threats. He said the country is now at level four, with five being the highest threat level and that by relaxing the restrictions, the country may soon be at level three.
What does "Stay alert" mean?
Jenrick defended the new message, saying on the BBC's Andrew Marr that "we need a more nuanced message" and that staying at home "will always be an important part of the message."
It is not the first time that the British government has faced criticism of its communications with the public in its response to coronaviruses. Johnson wired earlier this week that he hoped that some of the country lockdown changes announced on Sunday would take effect as quickly as Monday.
Its lack of detail on what measures could be relaxed has sparked speculation in the British media.
Suggestions that Monday could bring new freedoms seem to have emboldened people in London: hundreds have been photographed in parks sunbathing and picnicking as sunny weather tempted them to break the lock rules during the weekend. Police said they were forced to disperse groups by drinking beer and wine and sharing pizza.
The government's new slogan also puts it at odds with the UK's three smallest nations.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland extended their closings until May 28 and officials from the three countries said there had been no coordination between their governments and Downing Street on new message, and that they would continue to spread the message "stay home" among their own people.
Source link
