BRITAIN'S coronavirus lockdown should be lifted in two weeks so Britain can get back to work, a professor of medicine has said today.
Professor Karol Sikora says he believes the country is "going through the plateau" of the crisis, meaning the government can start planning the country's return to normality from April 27.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Speaking as part of a panel of experts today on Good Morning Britain, Professor Sikora said: "We've got to think about how to get Britain, and all countries, back to work.
"Four European countries are going back to work tomorrow, and Austria's leading the way by opening Kindergartens and schools."
He said that the UK should start to see a decrease in the number of Covid-19 deaths and hospital administrations.
At least 10,612 have died from Covid-19 in the UK, with a further 737 deaths confirmed over Easter Sunday.
"It's too early now and we've got to obey the government guidelines, but I hope on Thursday when the committee meets, they will consider a gentle relaxation, beginning with young people and families, keeping the vulnerable and elderly well-secluded," he said.
Give now to The Sun's NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
www.thesun.co.uk/whocareswinsappeal
"Then moving out to make small business open, places with less than 50 people and gradually during the month of May, getting everybody back to work."
Britain plunged into a state of lockdown on March 23 with measures on social distancing to be evaluated on Thursday at a Cobra meeting.
During the meeting, First Secretary of State Dominic Raab is expected to announce an extension to the restrictions.
The cabinet is said to be split in the decision of how long to extend the period of isolation for, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Priti Patel are among those who fear the action to halt the spread of coronavirus is worse than the disease.
They are pushing for a three-week extension, with an easing of restrictions as early as Monday May 4.
But Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove warn this could end the treatment just as it starts to work.
A Cabinet source said: “It’s right and proper that we took action. But we must phase it out at the earliest opportunity."
But 10 cabinet members are reportedly urging lockdown conditions to be eased amid concerns about the impact on the economy.
The Times quoted an unnamed minister who said it was important not to do "more damage" as measures could be eased after another three weeks.
Mr Sunak warned during his Budget last month that the UK risks falling into recession due to the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
He injected £14 billion from the coronavirus emergency response fund into NHS and local authorities.
He and Home Secretary Priti Patel are among those who fear the action to halt the spread of coronavirus is worse than the disease.
They are pushing for a three-week extension, with an easing of restrictions as early as Monday May 4.
Tedros Adhanom, the Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned last week that ending social distancing measures too early could see a 'deadly resurgence' of coronavirus.
We've got to think about how to get Britain, and all countries, back to work.
He said: "I know that some countries are already planning the transition out of stay-at-home restrictions. WHO wants to see restrictions lifted as much as anyone.
"At the same time, lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a deadly resurgence. The way down can be as dangerous as the way up if not managed properly."
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson fears a longer schools closure will dash the life chances of poor and vulnerable kids.
Ministers had planned for one in five pupils, the children of key workers, to stay in class yet only two percent did so.
And the Chancellor is shocked that his job retention scheme attracted nine million claims — three times more than he expected.
The overall cost to the economy will be nudging £50billion by the end of the long Easter weekend.
It comes as it is revealed that second home-owners could be eligible for a £10,000 hand-out because of a loophole in the Government’s coronavirus aid scheme.
Medics and scientists warn that a swift return could lead to a second wave of the virus, with an even more devastating effect.
One option is to lift restrictions on different regions or sectors. Some are pushing for young people — less prone to serious illness from the virus — to return to work first.
But a sceptic remarked: “It’s the over-50s with the money and experience who are the wealth creators. We need them back soon.”
Without a game plan, there are fears that tough limits could still be in place this time next year.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures – and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun's Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply 'Like' our Coronavirus page.
Get Britain's best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more.
Source: Read Full Article