A SCIENTIFIC Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) member has warned that a lack of clear communication could be the thing to completely throw off social-distancing measures.
People have been advised to stay at home unless they must leave the home for essential reasons outlined by the UK government. People must only go outside for food and health reasons or work if you are a key worker and cannot work from home.
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Anyone who does go out must stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times.
The government advice also tells people to wash their hands as soon as they get home.
People have been told not meet others, even friends or family.
However, this could all be jeopardised by a lack of communication according to one SAGE member.
UCL’s Professor Susan Michie told BBC Newsnight: “What we need is clarity, consistency and explanation, and also not giving false explanations.
“I think it’s very tantalising to suggest that by Monday people will be able to do what they want to do on their holiday on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – so I think that’s quite unhelpful.
“There’s about 10% who I think are getting frustrated, bored and want to get on with things, and I think this will give the green light to those people – and the concern is that once some people begin doing things, other people look at them and think well they’re doing it and we’ll do it too.”
Prof Michie also warned of perceptions of unfairness as different groups of people are delivered different messages.
She told Newsnight: “Different sections of society are going to be asked to do very different things which makes huge complexity.
“Some people will be being asked to go back to work when they feel conditions aren’t safe, other people won’t be allowed to go back to work when they’re desperate to go back to earn an income and some people will be asked to stay at home when they feel that’s unfair.
“So I think we’ve got issues of fairness creeping in that will really need to be dealt with – and every section of society needs to feel listened to, looked after and that their needs are being met.”
The news comes following reports that Boris Johnson has drafted a five-step plan to lift the UK out of lockdown as the coronavirus crisis begins to settle.
The 50 page blueprint is said to be Britain’s route out of the coronavirus.
The five-stage plan is staggered over the next six months, The Mirror reported.
The Prime Minister will reportedly set out his “roadmap” on Sunday.
Mr Johnson has said the first steps will happen the next day “if we possibly can”.
However, officials fear a second wave of coronavirus or a seasonal flu outbreak this autumn could blow their plans off course.
From Monday employees are set to be encouraged to return to workplaces that have stayed open throughout the lockdown if it is deemed safe to do so.
Garden centres could also reopen.
However, there may be more guidance on the use of outdoor spaces including open-air markets, high streets and cemeteries.
By the end of May or beginning of June schools may begin the process of reopening, starting with year six.
Households could also be allowed to expand “social bubble” to meet one other household of family or friends.
By the end of June secondary schools will begin to return before the summer holidays.
Small team sports such as five-a-side football could be allowed at this time, along with outdoor gatherings of fewer than 30 people.
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READ MORE FROM SOURCE: https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1279518/coronavirus-social-distancing-measures-bbc-newsnight-sage-latest-news-updates
