Plymouth MPs react to Prime Minister's roadmap out of lockdown
The Prime Minister has declared that England is on a 'one way road' to freedom
Last updated 23rd Feb 2021
Boris Johnson's hopeful - provided certain tests are met - we could be free of lockdown restrictions in England by 21 June.
His four-stage process starts with things like shops, hairdressers and beer gardens re-opening on 12 April.
Restaurants and pubs could be serving indoor meals and drinks from mid-May.
While large concerts might be allowed towards the end of June.
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard says he 'cautiously welcomes the roadmap' and says 'this has to be the last lockdown':
"This government has failed at so many crucial points in the pandemic.
"Too slow to get our doctors and nurses the PPE they need, to protect our parents and grandparents in care homes, and too fast in lifting restrictions in the past - putting so many more at risk. The government must act with caution.
"So many families in Plymouth are still uncertain after the Prime Minister's announcement: about whether they will get their furlough extend, whether there will still be support for those who have to self-isolate, and what will be in place to help tourism and hospitality survive the next few months. The Prime Minister must clarify this as soon as possible so families and businesses in the South West can plan for the last leg of the lockdown."
Johnny Mercer - MP for Plymouth Moor View - hailed the Prime Minister's announcement as a 'big day':
"Some will think it's too fast, some will think it's too slow; but for me, it's pretty calibrated, pretty deliberate and it's a good roadmap out. We now have a clear path forward to get us out of lockdown."
Sir Gary Streeter, MP for South West Devon, said he supports the 'cautious approach set out by the PM':
"We simply cannot afford a 4th lockdown. Hopefully, by June 21, all restrictions can be lifted, although, depending on the data at the time we might need to maintain face masks etc in some settings.
"The road map has sufficient opportunity built into it to review all of this over the next three months."
The Government say decisions on easing restrictions will be led by data rather than dates.
In their report, they say the 'no earlier than' dates in the roadmap are all contingent on the data and subject to change.
Before taking each step, the Government will review the latest data on the impact of the previous step against four tests. These are:
- The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully
- Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated
- Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS
- Our assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of concern
The roadmap steps are as follows:
March 8
- Pupils and students in all schools and Further Education settings will return to face-to-face education
- Wraparound childcare (including childminders) and other children’s activities can restart from 8 March for all children where it is needed
March 29
- People will be able to meet outside in groups up to a maximum of six people or with one other household. Though people from different households will still need to socially distance from each other
- The Government will also allow outdoor sports facilities to reopen
- All children will be able to access any outdoor childcare and supervised activities
- Parent and child groups can also take place outdoors with a limit of 15 attendees
No earlier than April 12
- Reopen some sections of our indoor economy and more outdoor settings
- Non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers, salons and close contact services; and indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and spas
- Overnight stays away from home in this country will be permitted and self-contained accommodation
- Public buildings such as libraries and community centres will reopen. Activities such as driving tests may also resume
- The majority of outdoor settings and attractions can also reopen, including outdoor hospitality, zoos, theme parks, drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances events
- Hospitality venues will be able to open for outdoor service, with no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcoholic drinks, and no curfew
No earlier than May 17
- All but the most high-risk sectors will be able to reopen
- Indoor hospitality, with no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcoholic drinks, and no curfew. The requirement to order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’) will remain
- Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas
- Indoor entertainment, such as museums, cinemas and children’s play areas
- Remaining accommodation, such as hotels, hostels and B&Bs
- Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes
- Some large events, including conferences, theatre and concert performances and sports events
- At this step, weddings, receptions, funerals, and commemorative events including wakes can proceed with up to 30 attendees
- Further easing of social contact limits
No earlier than June 21
- Remove all legal limits on social contact, publishing accompanying guidance on how best to reduce the risk of transmission and protect ourselves and loved ones
- Reopen the remaining closed settings, including nightclubs and enable large events, including theatre performances, above the Step 3 capacity restrictions, subject to the outcome of the scientific Events Research Programme and potentially using testing to reduce the risk of infection, subject to further evaluation
- Remove all limits on weddings and other life events, subject to the outcome of the scientific Events Research Programme
The full Government report can be found here.