Remember when, a few long weeks ago, it was 'too early' to be discussing the 'exit strategy'? When the alleged problem was that it would 'dilute the strong 'stay at home' message'? THREAD 1/9
I remember arguing that the next phase would be more difficult than the first. That it would be complex, and that it would be politically contested. That trust was the key commodity. 2/9
The Govt's plan would have to rely on a detailed plan to convince people that what was dangerous and unlawful was - suddenly - safe. 3/9
It would have to rely on a lower number of cases, on a working test/trace/isolate strategy, on better understanding of the spread of the disease, on the ability to monitor the effect of any relaxation of the lockdown. 4/9
Fast forward to last weekend. The key messages are the much derided 'stay alert', buttressed by the application of (British...) 'common sense'. 5/9
We have seen some plans for the opening of businesses, and schools, and public transport... but no concerted effort to ensure that chains of infection can be monitored and disrupted. 6/9
The claims made surrounding the safety of public transport and schools echo the claims made in March about care homes. 7/9
Ministers are unable to explain policy clearly. Tests are not available at airports, train stations, schools, workplaces etc. The trial of the app on the Isle of Wight is proving problematic. 8/9
In these circumstances, is it any wonder that people are worried about even a gradual easing of the lockdown? If there is no coherent plan, we are simply inviting a second peak of infections. 9/9
