Covid UK: As virus cases drop, how can we safely ease restrictions? - BBC Newsnight

The data is more evidence lockdown is controlling the virus, even with the more infectious variants circulating - although the health secretary said there is "still a long way to go".

The latest R number, estimated to be between 0.7 and 0.9, also suggests infection numbers are shrinking.

This is the first time since July that R has been this low.

It means, on average, every 10 people infected pass it on to between seven and nine other people.

What is the plan now and what could the government’s strategy for unlocking look like?

Newsnight’s Health Editor Deb Cohen reports

#BBC #Coronavirus #Newsnight

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

[DJSwezzleMusic]

We will only be safe when the entire cabinet and shadow cabinet are in prison.

[axelwakler]

What's the with the music?, what's the purpose of it? Is this a movie? Oh no I forgot.... It's propaganda.

[MrAndrew]

Every aspect of this global event has been conveyed in sentences which means, in effect, everyone has been sentenced to house arrest for nearly a year.

[robrob]

Defund bbc . move to streaming services. Dont need license for amazon youtube. Most of bbc stuff here for free

[myrtleesther]

How many elderly have actually died since the rollout of vaccines in the care homes? We would like to see that data please.

[andylaauk]

Hospitals overwhelmed, yet they have plenty of time to let the media with cameras in and give interviews.

[hush]

Meanwhile in Japan they just opened Super Nintendo World with families having fun

[sporqfoon]

Why is Florida dropping at a faster rate with NO Lockdown?

[heidleberg]

Oh Good Grief BBC - just how incurious are you ? You have aided and abetted this nonsense. If you seriously believe we take you seriously, you need urgent mental help. I hope you are all learning to code

[TsetsiStoyanova]

Let us all move to one of the free countries, like Tanzania or Sweden

[wonderingthoughts]

I can’t cope with the anger inside of me every time someone says ‘put up with some more restrictions’.

[whitey]

I wonder if on the death certificate along with died with covid within 28 days of test it will say also vaccinated?

[orange-un]

No to vaccine passports sign the Parliament petition.

[dandavis]

Don’t believe the lies, protect your children from this poison

[genericaccount]

"how can we safely ease restrictions?"
By ending them today.

[thenightowldude]

0:40 Does anybody else feel the need to straighten this guy's painting?

[muckraker]

All I heard was “you might get to outside of a pub in April”.

[goldfingaable]

What is the government gonna do in 5 years time when most of us will be out of work

[sleepyrasta]

Censoring me only makes me think I am correct in what I am saying and only confirms and reinforces my beliefs.

[captainjoejoe]

No to vaccination passports. Sign the petition.