Localised restrictions could be reimposed in case of flare ups of the disease
Some elements of the lockdown could be eased at different rates in different parts of the UK, with the possibility of reimposing restrictions if there are indications of a flare-up of the disease, prime minister Boris Johnson’s official spokesperson has said.
The Recovery Strategy document published by the government on Monday asserted that the authorities would take into consideration emerging data on local infection rates when implementing the exit plan from lockdown.
"It could lead to some of the mOver time, the Government will improve the effectiveness of these measures and introduce more reactive or localised measures through widespread, accurate monitoring of the disease. That will enable the lifting of more measures for more people, at a faster pace. easures being eased at different rates in different parts of the country," he said. "At the same time it could lead to some measures being re-imposed in some parts of the country and not in others.
"I'm not aware of any plans at the moment to do that with regard to schools."
The relaxation of lockdown restrictions introduced on Wednesday, which permitted more outdoor exercise and some social contacts, was applicable to the whole of England, while the devolved nations stuck with the earlier "stay home" message. Any further changes would also be a matter for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to determine individually.
During the second phase, which is due to start no sooner than June 1, officials will closely monitor data to identify any variance in the impact of greater freedoms on Covid-19 infections in local areas. Mr Johnson confirmed earlier this week that one way localised outbreaks may be detected could be by tests on sewage.
The Recovery Strategy states: "Over time, the Government will improve the effectiveness of these measures and introduce more reactive or localised measures through widespread, accurate monitoring of the disease. That will enable the lifting of more measures for more people, at a faster pace."
"Smarter controls" will allow efforts to stop hotspots developing "by detecting infection outbreaks at a more localised level and rapidly intervening with targeted measures", it said.
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