There is light at the end of the tunnel but, in the meantime, the social distancing measures currently in place to tackle the coronavirus will continue for at least another three weeks.
The good news is that there are indications that the restrictions have been successful in slowing down the spread of the virus. However it is a mixed and inconsistent picture and, in some settings, infections are still likely to be increasing, although in Yorkshire the numbers remain encouraging. The scientific advice is clear. Relaxing any of the measures currently in place would risk damage to both public health and our economy. The worst thing we could do now is ease up too soon and allow a second peak of the virus to hit the NHS and hit the British people.
The Government has set five criteria which will need to be met before any decisions are made to relax the guidelines
- We must protect the NHS’s ability to cope – we must be confident that we are able to provide sufficient critical care and specialist treatment right across the UK.
- We need to see a sustained and consistent fall in the daily death rates from coronavirus so we are confident that we have moved beyond the peak.
- We need to have reliable data from SAGE showing that the rate of infection is decreasing to manageable levels across the board.
- We need to be confident that the range of operational challenges, including testing capacity and PPE, are in hand, with supply able to meet future demand.
- We need to be confident that any adjustments to the current measures will not risk a second peak of infections that overwhelm the NHS.
When the Government is confident on these five points, guided by science and data, the Government will start to relax the rules.
Update on actions
- Dozens of businesses across Thirsk and Malton have received their SBRR grant over the past ten days
- Bank loans are starting to come through thanks to new measures which make it easier, faster and without a need for a personal guarantee for loans under £250k
- Businesses can submit their claims for their furlough grants from Monday and can expect payment by the end of the month.
- The furlough scheme has been extended until the end of June
- Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme will be launched on Monday. Firms with a turnover of more than £45 million will now be able to apply for up to £25 million of finance, and up to £50 million for firms with a turnover of more than £250 million.
Stay at home
Please stay at home this weekend and respect the social distancing rules. I am very confident that, if we keep to these rules, the number of people infected with the virus will go down and there will be fewer deaths so we can begin the process of relaxing the measures and life can start to get back to normal.
If you have to leave home it must be for the following very limited purposes:
- Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible.
- One form of exercise a day – for example, a run, walk or cycle – alone or with members of your immediate household.
- Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.
- Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.
Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives
