There is much speculation in the media this morning over planning to begin to lift the lockdown
Yesterday The prime minister’s spokesman confirmed that “work is taking place across Whitehall in readiness for the point where we are able to relax social distancing measures”.
According to many sources, schools are set to begin to return on the 11th May with pupils taught in smaller classes of 15, rather than 30, to enable social distancing rules to be observed.
Children in years 10 and 12, who are due to sit GCSEs and A-levels next year, are likely to take those exams two months later than usual, in July and August 2021, to help them make up for lost time.
Non essential retail would then begin to reopen. This would include DIY stores such as Homebase and Ikea, garden centres and service sector outlets such as opticians and hairdressers.
There would also be a return to full rail and bus services. Hand sanitiser will be placed on buses, trains, trams and Tubes and drivers will get personal protective equipment.
Phase Two which might not take place until July, would see low priority retailers such as bookshops would reopen and all adults urged to return to work.
Last in the queue would be pubs, clubs and restaurants.
The third phase, ending “shielding” of the elderly and most vulnerable from the virus may not begin until there is a vaccine which accordionists no to reports could be possibly until the autumn of next year.
