Government Says It Does Not Expect To Change Any Lockdown Measures This Week

The government has said it has no plans to change the social distancing measures that are currently in place.

First Secretary Dominic Raab said in today's coronavirus briefing that the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) would be reviewing evidence of how effective social distancing has been so far, but that no changes will be made until it is safe to do so.

Raab said: "This week, SAGE will review the evidence of the effectiveness of the social distancing measures that we've taken, and we will consider their assessment based on the evidence at that point.

"I should say we don't expect to make any changes to the measures currently in place at that point, and we won't until we're confident - as confident as we realistically can be - that any such changes can be safely made."

PA

Raab explained how there have been some 'positive signs' from the data and that 'we are starting to win', but stressed that the UK still hasn't reached the virus' peak.

He said: "We're still not past the peak of this virus, so please continue to follow the advice more than ever to stay home, save lives and protect the NHS."

During the briefing, Raab also thanked those who followed the government's measures over the Easter weekend, saying: "The overwhelming majority of people stayed at home, and understood the importance of doing so.

"[...] By staying home this weekend, you've stayed lives, and you've also helped protect our precious NHS.

"Thank you - your efforts are making all the difference, and please keep them up."

Addressing the NHS staff who have been working not only throughout the long weekend, but also beyond, he added: "We thank you, we pay tribute to you, and we are immensely proud of all you're doing."

According to updated figures from the Department of Health and Social Care, as of 5pm on 12 April, 11,329 people have sadly died from coronavirus in the UK.

As of 9am today, 88,621 people have also tested positive for the virus.

Let's all bring some positivity, support and fun to anyone who might find themselves in isolation as a result of the coronavirus spread. Need some entertainment? Join Isolation Nation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coronasupport/

Topics: uk news, News, Coronavirus

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

@Jess_Hardiman