Coronavirus: What is the UK's lockdown strategy? – BBC Newsnight

Strict limits on daily life - requiring people to stay at home, shutting many businesses and preventing gatherings of more than two people - were introduced in the UK on 23 March, as the government tried to limit the spread of coronavirus.


Ministers are required by law to assess whether the rules are working, based on expert advice, every three weeks.

Mr Raab, deputising for Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he recovers from the illness, said: "There is light at the end of the tunnel but we are now at both a delicate and a dangerous stage in this pandemic.

Policy Editor Lewis Goodall reports.


#Coronavirus #Covid19 #Health

Newsnight is the BBC's flagship news and current affairs TV programme - with analysis, debate, exclusives, and robust interviews.

[Wrath-rj]

Yes but the police can freely walk around with no PPE in groups and nurse can all group together, clap and do TikTok videos because of empty hospitals.

[markwinter]

To me personally it makes no difference, this extension of the lock down means I'm screwed. February I lost so much work (income) through the floods, March this CCP virus going forward and another 3 weeks and then (time) getting the country back to work means I have not earned any income for 5 - 6 months, that is going to make me homeless and all that brings is an early lingering death, so I might as well go quickly given Iam in my late 50's. Now I get it an individual to the government is disposable, but sh*t if an individual does not pay their tax then see what the government does. The failure of the government and governments of the world to protect ordinary people is a dereliction, no it is the most heinous betrayal of the lies they spouted in order to get elected to power, I have long since concluded that regardless of doctrine or political belief (left, right or green) that those in power are 1st and foremost in it for them selves (after all that is the most basic of human nature) and bugger anyone else and "Iam all right Jack". Milking a dry udder is as use full as teats on a bull, so to the Establishment go and get stuffed I will try the anti establishment route for as long as I can as the only statement of my existence.

[wayne_george]

Sounds like the narrator is a Gordon Ramsay impersonator

[sanrobertson]

Strict lockdown.. ? Are you joking? 😂 people everywhere on the street

[DavidMoralee]

Amazing how the general public so quickly fall into line, question very little, repeat the mantras, and slogans...

The way in which the NHS staff are being glorified, reminds me of how our soldiers are glorified then sent off to give their lives, for "The Greater Good" in Oil Wars. There needs to be a hero, to distract you from the unspeakable truth! It instantly provokes the same suspicion I generally feel when the people of the world are told they must sacrifice further due to a "Threat"

All whilst the Governments of the world, are bullied by the media manipulation, and fear mongering, into creating a situation in which the world economy will collapse, and will require YOUR government to inject billions and trillions, to keep it growing for the Rich! Ask yourself who are the handful of billionaires who own all of these technology and media companies?! ....And who are these "Advisors" pushing the Government to behave as they do?!

In the measure of things, this virus has nothing on the other illnesses that take our elderly, and weak everyday! Thats not to say these people are worthless, but it begs the question - "Why wasn't the same investment and sacrifice given to other preventable illnesses in the past?"
"Why do our Governments allow the polution of our air, and poisoning of our crops, animals and food?!"

Control through never changes!

After of liberty, Loss of privacy and Human Rights,
Higher taxes for you and your kids, Loss of retirement funds, extended working age, Lower wages and working Zero hour contracts for big multinationals corps, who take over everything!

"9.6 million deaths from cancer in 2018. That works out to around 26, 000 deaths a day worldwide."

"17.9 million people died from all cardiovascular diseases in 2016"

Imagine these people were given the same investment / response those with Covid -19 have been given?! The trillions spent now, would have eradicate cancer, heart and lung disease!

This isnt about the people, it's about money!

When did the Government and those that control them, ever really care about the elderly? And weak? What have they saved them from?

Saved today, to kill them off tomorrow.

It's a scam!

[thewatcher]

We are being governed by a bunch of people who are completely out of their depth and have not got a clue what to do next.

[anthonyurban]

I'm surpised people think the life will come back to normal after all this. Don't think so

[jenkski]

Let's at least put MPs on 80% pay - see how committed they are to this then.

[benecio]

is it me or did he just spend 20 seconds explaining what + 1 is?

[erictheroman]

I IMPLORE YOU to consider this: Will the Government relinquish these new powers after the lockdown? Or will it be used as an excuse for a power grab?

[chiamakaudeaja]

Strict??
Are we living in the same country?
Watch that rate keep increasing because of this leniency. We are not leaving our houses any time soon. I'm expecting to be here until September.

[DISCONNECTTOCONNECT]

How is this a true lockdown when non essential business still have the choice to stay open like the one I work for, this isnt a strict lockdown a strict lockdown would be a 500 pound fine for leaving the house to sit in a park and have a picnick not 30 pound whenever the police decide to enforce that rule, the rules make no sense to me dont leave the house unless it's for work but only if you cant work from home which most people cant, so that's me going to work mixing with other people, but I cant go and see my dad that lives down the road because that's mixing house holds, everything needs to be shut down country is a joke acted to late now we all suffer

[tomfreeland]

Don't agree with the last remark by the reporter...it should end in parades for our wonderful NHS and Key Workers, who have done an amazing job keeping us all safe and going....Thank you.

[PeachsTheFox]

how can you say decrese in daily deaths when your not counting public or care home deaths

[lewisoscar]

"I will not cease from Mental Fight,
Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand:
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In Englands green and pleasant Land"

[williamjones]

Smarting Brandon, I agree with all you said, scandalous flying in anyone to pick produce when millions here are not working.

[gerpool]

everyone out and enjoy yourselves when you can

[WoodsAlbert]

Yeh right. I believe everything any government tells the public🙄

[andrewshore]

What do they want us to do until the seventh of may I HATE politics so much and wish we had gone in Lockdown earlier than we did

[gaberaph]

We have a cunning plan according to Baldrick