'Far too soon'? - What Mail readers thought of Boris Johnson's 'road map' for easing coronavirus lockdown

Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the nation in a televised address on Sunday, May 10 that there would be ‘no immediate end’ to coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
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But his so-called 'road map’ for easing the Covid-19 lockdown has drawn criticism from some, with businesses, unions and police among those calling for clarity on what happens next.

As the broadcast took place, dozens of readers got in touch with us on social media to share their views on the future fight against coronavirus.

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The key points from Sunday’s address include the introduction of a new Covid Alert System with levels between one and five, unlimited amount of outdoor exercise from Wednesday, May 13 and bigger fines for those who break social distancing rules.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson takes a morning walk in St James's Park in London. Picture: PA.Prime Minister Boris Johnson takes a morning walk in St James's Park in London. Picture: PA.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson takes a morning walk in St James's Park in London. Picture: PA.

People who cannot work from home are also being actively encouraged to go back to work from today (Monday, May 11) – but that public transport should be avoided.

Schools may begin to reopen from June 1 at the earliest, along with the phased reopening of shops.

But the PM stressed that these changes would only come ‘if the numbers support it’.

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This is what you had to say on the Hartlepool Mail Facebook page:

William Robinson: “The country will start to open up very soon, Boris can't allow us as a country to go bankrupt.”

Gillian Lee: “The practicalities of Boris’s plan are impossible and confusing.”

Alan Haswell: “Two weeks full lockdown to start with and we wouldn't even be asking this question now.”

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Lee Kennedy: “I can't believe what I've just seen. He has opened the floodgates for the second wave.”

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Adam Rollinson: “Hopefully starts slowly reopening the country where safe to do so ... building sites etc.”

Lindsey Tennant-Williams: “The contradiction and confusion is ridiculous.”

Bryan Littler: “Seemed a logical response to me, but sure he won't please everyone.”

Peter Forsyth: “Take notice and you may have a future.”

Shirley Carruthers: “Second wave coming.”

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Peter Chamberlayne: “Absolute garbage, and a complete sell out to what he promised the British people.”

Mushy Moore: “Far too soon.”

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