BREAKING: Lockdown measures continue across the UK as mobility retailers face another tough 3 weeks
As the battle to reduce the spread of COVID-19 continues, the government has confirmed that the stringent measures introduced by the prime minister just over three weeks ago will remain in place.
Confirming the death toll of the coronavirus has now reached over 13,700 in the UK, Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary and first secretary of state, told the nation at the daily news briefing that the infection rate was not as low as it needs to be.
Stating that another review of the measures will take place no earlier than three weeks, it means the lockdown will last until at least the 7th May.
With no let-up of any of the measures, it will mean non-essential retail and hospitality outlets will remain shut and people will be informed to stay indoors and only leave their house for one hour of exercise per day, shop for essential supplies, seek medical assistance or attend work if it is not possible to work from home.
The measures will continue to see mobility retailers under considerable pressure, with many now forced to make the difficult decision of continuing to keep stores temporarily closed and continue to furlough staff or remain open as Ableworld has done.
It will also mean that demand for mobility aids will continue to remain low, with people not leaving their homes and having less need for bigger ticket mobility items such as scooters.
Before lockdown measures can be relaxed, Dominic Raab outlined five key factors which must be satisfied:
- Confidence that the NHS can continue to provide sufficient critical care across the UK
- A sustained and consistent fall in the daily death rate to ensure the UK is beyond the peak
- Data from SAGE that the infection rate has decreased to manageable levels
- Testing capacity and equipment such as PPE is available to meet future demand
- Ensure no risk of a second peak that could overwhelm the NHS
Importantly, the government did not give any indication beyond these factors of when the lockdown measures will be lifted, resulting in more uncertainty for what lies beyond the 7th May for businesses in the sector.
Following the announcement of the extension of the lockdown, THIIS wants to hear what business leaders have planned during the next three weeks. Get in contact with editor Calvin Barnett at calvin@thiis.co.uk to share your thoughts and be featured on THIIS.
