Thread by @BorisJohnson

⬇️ THREAD ⬇️

To chart our progress and to avoid going back to square one, we are establishing a new COVID Alert System run by a new Joint Biosecurity Centre.

That COVID Alert Level will be determined primarily by R and the number of coronavirus cases. #StayAlert

In turn that COVID Alert Level will tell us how tough we have to be in our social distancing measures – the lower the level, the fewer the measures. #StayAlert

The higher the level, the tougher and stricter we will have to be. #StayAlert

There will be five alert levels.

Level One means the disease is no longer present in the UK.

Level Five is the most critical – the kind of situation we could have had if the NHS had been overwhelmed. #StayAlert

Over the period of the lockdown we have been in Level Four, and it is thanks to your sacrifice we are now in a position to begin to move in steps to Level Three.

And as we go, everyone will have a role to play in keeping the R down.

We must all #StayAlert and follow the rules.

With every day we are getting more and more data. We are shining the light of science on this invisible killer, and we will pick it up where it strikes.

Our new system will be able in time to detect local flare-ups in your area as well as giving us a national picture. #StayAlert

When I look at where we are tonight, we have the R below one, between 0.5 and 0.9 – but potentially only just below one.

And though we have made progress in satisfying at least some of the conditions I have given, we have by no means fulfilled all of them.

#StayAlert

And so no, this is not the time simply to end the lockdown this week.

Instead we are taking the first careful steps to modify our measures.

#StayAlert

Step 1:

We said that you should work from home if you can, and only go to work if you must.

We now need to stress that anyone who can’t work from home, for instance those in construction or manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to work. #StayAlert

So work from home if you can, but you should go to work if you can’t work from home.

To ensure you are safe at work we have been working to establish new guidance for employers to make workplaces COVID-secure. #StayAlert

And from this Wednesday, we want to encourage people to take more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise.

You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own household. #StayAlert

Step 2:

At the earliest, by June 1 – after half term – we believe we may be in a position to begin the phased reopening of shops and to get primary pupils back into schools, in stages, beginning with reception, Year 1 and Year 6. #StayAlert

Step 3:

At the earliest by July - subject to these conditions and further scientific advice; if and only if the numbers support it we will hope to re-open at least some of the hospitality industry and other public places, if they are safe and enforce social distancing #StayAlert

If we as a nation begin to fulfil the conditions I have set out, then in the next few weeks and months we may be able to go further.

We are driven by the science, the data and public health.

It depends on all of us – the entire country – to #StayAlert to keep the R down.

When I think of the millions of everyday acts of kindness and thoughtfulness that are being performed across this country, and that have helped to get us through this first phase, I know that we can use this plan to get us through the next. #StayAlert

Though the UK will be changed by this experience, I believe we can be stronger and better than ever before.

More resilient, more innovative, more economically dynamic, but also more generous and more sharing.

But for now we must #StayAlert, control the virus and save lives.

Read my full remarks from this evening here: gov.uk/government/spe…

#StayAlert