Numerous reports this morning suggest that the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will announce later today that the lockdown will last into May.
On the day that the UK recorded its highest daily death toll to date with 938 fatalities, higher than Italy’s biggest toll of 919, Rishi Sunak confirmed last night that a planned review of the emergency measures will take place next week.
But, in a clear sign the restrictions will remain, the Chancellor said: ‘The priority is to stop the spread of the virus – and the best way to do that is to stay at home.’
One Government source said there was ‘no prospect’ of any easing of the lockdown next week. Another said: ‘Look at the death toll. That puts the question of whether we’ll be lifting restrictions into context.’
According to the Telegraph The Government is understood to be working on a plan to extend the measures until next month as the rising death toll means scientific advisers are still unsure when the peak will be.
While the Guardian adds that With the long Easter weekend looming, ministers are concerned that any suggestion of an imminent loosening of restrictions could result in an immediate change in the public’s behaviour.
