Locking Down the Coronavirus: the UK’s Restrictions to Limit the Second Wave

Photo source: Sky

In light of the increase in infectious coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has introduced new restrictions for the UK via the House of Commons and a national television address on Tuesday evening.

What are the new restrictions?

1. People should work from home if possible

2. Restaurants will be limited to table service only

3. Pubs, bars and restaurants are to close at 10 pm

4. Compulsory mask-wearing for waiters, retail assistants, bar staff and non-seated customers in shops.

5. Reduction for guests at weddings from 30 to 15 people

6. Fines for failing to follow restrictions has increased to £200 in the first offence, with fines up to £10,000 for repeat offenders

7. The six people rule has been extended to indoor sports teams

8. Plans to allow fans to view live sporting events were paused

There are extra measures in the devolved nations such as in Scotland where there is a ban on visiting other people’s homes.

Johnson is to review these restrictions in a couple of weeks, and they could remain in place for the next six months.

Why does this matter?

The UK government is attempting to act fast due to the spike in new coronavirus cases at 4,926, earlier this week, which brought the UK total number of infections to 403,551, according to government data.

Additionally, some health experts noted that as we move into the autumn and winter – the flu season – that cases of the coronavirus will likely increase. Although some have indicated that we are better placed to treat the virus, it is vital that the NHS does not become overwhelmed as it did earlier this year. The effectiveness of using the medical drug remdesirvir to treat new cases is a relief. The Department of Health has confirmed it has secured supplies in advance to treat every NHS patient that needs it.

The new restrictions are not without controversy due to the economic consequences such as its impact on the high street. The data shows that three in 10 shops have not reopened following the initial lift of the coronavirus restrictions in June, and the high street footfall fell by 47.5%. Although there were sales increased over the summer months, those gains could potentially be eroded as a result of these changes in government policy.

The immediate effect

The impact of the pandemic has been far-reaching and touched most parts of our everyday lives. The restrictions will have an immediate harmful effect on those relying on the current stage of the furlough scheme, to protect workers who are unable to work given the affected business conditions, is due to come to an end on 31 October 2020.

There are three million workers currently on furlough in mainly the hospitality and tourism sectors. Now with the new restrictions, it has led to some companies making tough decisions such as Premier Inn, the hotel brand, announced on Monday that they plan to cut 6,000 jobs due to its sales in food and hotel rooms were down by 40%. The current unemployment statistic stands at 4.1%. The number of those claiming benefits was up by 120% between March and August (2.7 million claims).

There were calls from the opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer for the government to provide additional support via a furlough sector scheme to save those jobs that are directly impacted by the coronavirus. However, they should return as conditions ease, for example, positions in the hospitality industry. Sir Keir claimed the end of next month would be a “disaster”.

A tough winter is ahead.

Additionally, other healthcare provisions are affected by coronavirus policies. Elective medical procedures in the UK have been delayed. Cancer Research UK has noted that for breast, bowel and cervical cancers, “every week that’s screening is paused, 7,000 people aren’t being referred for further tests and 380 cancers aren’t being diagnosed through screening programmes”. The number of cancer operations have reduced by 60% since the beginning of the lockdown. There are concerns over the lives that will be lost due to delays in treatments as well as ensuring the current safety measures are in place for patients and staff.

The legal perspective

Although the consensus is that people support the government’s stance, a YouGov poll shows that 78% of Britons support Johnson’s announcement. Furthermore, a poll on “the most important issue facing the country” indicates Britons equally see the economy and health as important issues.

There have been grumbles in some circles about the restrictions the government has put in place as it limits people’s freedom of expression and freedom to assemble. Some feel that the virus peaked in April and May and that the current restrictions are unnecessary and will do greater harm than good.

The year 2020 keeps giving and has more to show before the year is out. The country benefited from a bounce-back in the summer, which left many hopeful that things would return (albeit slow) to “normal”. However, as the seasons change it seems so does our collective optimism, at least for the next six months, restricted social interactions are the “new normal”.