Britain Reopens Markets And Some Schools As Lockdown Eases

English schools reopen for the first time since they were shut 10 weeks ago because of the coronavirus pandemic, a media report said on Monday.

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However, many parents planned to keep children at home amid fears ministers were moving too fast.

The easing of strict measures will mean classes will restart for some younger children, up to six people can meet outside in England and outdoor markets can reopen.

Elite competitive sport can resume without spectators and over 2 million of the most vulnerable will now be allowed to spend time outdoors.

In view of the fact that Britain recorded one of the highest death rates from COVID-19, many are worried that it is happening too soon.

The Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (SAGE) warned the government that it could lead to a second spike in infections.

Business Minister Alok Sharma told BBC TV that the overall view from SAGE their overall view is that we must do this cautiously and that is precisely what we are doing.

“These are very cautious steps that we are taking,” he said, while adding it was a “very sensitive moment”.

Ministers have been wrestling with how to kick-start the economy, which has been devastated by the lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19, while avoiding a possible second wave of infections which would cause further damage.

According to BBC TV, the government says the relaxation of rules on Monday represents only a limited easing but there has been concern that the country is still not ready for the changes.

It noted that more people were beginning to ignore guidelines on social distancing.

A survey for the National Foundation for Educational Research found school leaders estimated 46 per cent of parents would keep their children at home because of concerns, fears echoed by some health officials.

Britain has recorded over 38,000 deaths from confirmed COVID-19 cases while the Office of National Statistics and other sources of data put the figure of fatalities from suspected and confirmed cases at 48,000.