Newark MP Robert Jenrick, the Communities Secretary, talks about where we are now with coronavirus
If you live in the Newark area and have been missing driving out to the countryside for a nice walk, you can, but do it with members of your household and stand apart from others — that's the message from the Newark MP and Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick as the UK moves into the next stage of the fight against coronavirus.
"We passed the peak of the virus and are in a downward trend, and it is right we turn to the next stage of our response and broaden-out the message — Stay vigilant, Be alert and Stay Home as much as possible," said Mr Jenrick following PM Boris Johnson's public address on Sunday evening to the nation on the easing of some lockdown measures.
"You will be able to exercise more than once a day and meeting a family member outside of the household to catch up on a bench if you are socially-distanced.
"Garden centres will be open and you will be able to go out for a drive or county walk somewhere else.
"If you live in Newark and have been missing driving out to the countryside for a nice walk, you can. But do it with members of your household and stand apart from others.
"If you want to go further afield like the Derbyshire Dales or the beach in Skegness, be careful. Because if there are scenes of people congregating, the rate of infection will reverse and we will have to think about the type of measures in place.
"I think these are particularly important, especially for people who live in flats or cramped accommodation, or enable their kids to have a run around in the countryside.
"We should be able to control the virus and slowly be able to open up the economy and deal with other aspects of people's lives."
In an exclusive interview with the Advertiser on coronavirus and the government's response, Mr Jenrick expressed his condolences for all those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic and continued to be affected by it.
He also clarified a return to work for many, with an emphasis on 'if you can work from home, continue to do so to help prevent spreading the virus, but if you can't, then feel confident about going back before you do.'
And was it supposed to be on Monday or Wednesday that the UK went back to work? Mr Johnson indicated Monday while Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Wednesday.
"Those changes which require the regulation to be amended will come into force on Wednesday, but we are asking people to begin thinking about this and to make plans," Mr Jenrick said.
"But when people do go out or return to work, to follow social distancing guidelines, wash your hands and be respectful to other people."
As regards risk to those returning to their workplaces, Mr Jenrick said: "We are still in a very serious situation and the rate of infection is still high, and although we are able to bring about some modest easing of the measures, we are asking people to show personal responsibility when you got out — following the social distancing guidelines, washing your hands and not mixing with people from other households.
"If we do that, we should be able to move on to the next step in June."
Asked about the confidence factor in returning to work and how stay-safe measures would be enforced, particularly in light of accusations three of Newark's major businesses had not followed all social-distancing guidance, Mr Jenrick said: "From the outset, if you cannot work from home, you could and should go to work. That is particularly important for work in our area.
"These employers need to ensure the workforce is protected, which means following the guidelines and more, which will be said this week by Public Health England and the government.
"It will be guidance on how businesses can operate and the sort of steps companies should be taking in ensuring people are protected in the workplace, making sure staff are two metres apart for as much of the day as possible and making sure people are using hand sanitisers.
"Many people are very anxious and we understand that. If you can work from home you should continue to do so but, if you can't, we are encouraging people to return to the workplace and I think that's particularly true in manufacturing and construction.
"Nobody should do something that makes then feel unsafe. We are in the midst of a very serious pandemic and people need to ensure their own safety and that of their households.
"For people working outside, we know the rate of infection is less than indoors. In our own area there are loads of people who work in construction and agriculture — the instruction suggests it is okay to return to work in these areas."
He said some sectors would choose to distribute face coverings and make them available.
"Public Health England has given guidance on the settings in which it is required and the settings where it is needed," he said.
"With masks it has, at times, been challenging to source the high grade surgical masks like in hospitals, but in the workplace the types of masks have been much easier to source.
"If employers cannot make these changes, they will not be able to reopen until they can.
"The usual rules will apply in the Health and Safety Executive will be in charge of ensuring all work places are safe and employers should be working with them.
"They will have the guidance through Public Health England and most sector bodies have been working to develop guidance with Public Health England so that businesses know how to behave appropriately.
"There will be a role for councils and trade unions to ensure work places are safe."
For more from Mr Jenrick, buy tomorrow's Advertiser or keep visiting www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk throughout the week.
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