UK Encourages Commuting in Certain Sectors Like Construction and Manufacturing... Also Eases Outdoor Activity Restrictions

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The UK government announced partial easing measures of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown, focusing on encouraging commuting for certain industries such as construction and manufacturing where remote work is difficult, and expanding permission for outdoor activities. While a full lockdown cannot be lifted, a five-level alert system will be introduced to assess the COVID-19 threat level and respond accordingly.

According to BBC and other sources on the 10th (local time), UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson presented a plan to ease conditional lockdown measures during a national address broadcast that evening. Johnson stated, "Now is not simply the time to end lockdown measures," adding, "Instead, we will take a cautious first step to adjust existing measures." Accordingly, lockdown restrictions including movement limitations will be extended until the end of this month.

However, Johnson announced that commuting will be encouraged for those who find working from home difficult, such as workers in construction and manufacturing. Instead of using public transportation, people are advised to use private cars or bicycles. From the 13th, restrictions on outdoor activities such as exercise will also be eased. Currently, one walk or exercise session per day is allowed.

Starting from the 1st of next month, kindergartens and some elementary school students will begin attending school in phases, and as early as July, some food and accommodation businesses will resume operations and public places will reopen. Johnson emphasized, "Over the next two months, we will not act based on mere hope or economic necessity," adding, "We will act based on science, data, and health perspectives." He is scheduled to appear before Parliament on the 11th to reveal a detailed COVID-19 exit strategy.

In his national address, Johnson also announced plans to introduce a five-level COVID-19 alert system. The alert system will initially be implemented only in England but may be applied across the UK after consultations with devolved governments. The alert levels range from Green (Level 1) to Red (Level 5). Johnson explained that the UK is currently at Level 4 and is striving to move to Level 3.

According to the UK Department of Health, as of 9 a.m. that day, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases was 219,183, an increase of 3,923 from the previous day. As of 5 p.m. the previous day, the number of COVID-19 deaths was 31,855, with an additional 269 deaths reported.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.