Don't be tempted to put lives at risk as pandemic restrictions shift - The Yorkshire Post says

Today – just over 50 days since lockdown began – marks the start of the Government’s ‘roadmap’ for easing restrictions and reopening society.
Garden centres can now re-open.Garden centres can now re-open.
Garden centres can now re-open.

The Prime Minister has made clear in his addresses this week that this process will not happen overnight; rather it will be a phased approach and one that, quite rightly, may need to be adapted based on the infection rate and the spread of virus, which has now claimed more than 40,000 lives across the UK.

Among the key changes coming in today, people are permitted to spend more time outdoors, exercising, fishing or relaxing, so long as they don’t meet up with more than one person outside of their household.

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The shift in measures will also see garden centres, golf courses and bowling greens permitted to re-open for business. For many, greater opportunity to spend time in the fresh air will be welcome news, particularly, as Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty pointed out in Monday evening’s press briefing, given the benefits when it comes to supporting our health and mental wellbeing.

Professor Chris Whitty highlighted the health benefits of exercise and time outdoors. Photo: PAProfessor Chris Whitty highlighted the health benefits of exercise and time outdoors. Photo: PA
Professor Chris Whitty highlighted the health benefits of exercise and time outdoors. Photo: PA
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Let it not be forgotten, also, that there are still many thousands of vulnerable individuals who need to be protected.

And, whilst it is understandable that people want to return to some semblance of ‘normality’ –whatever that may look like in the future – as quickly as possible, they should not be tempted or encouraged to put themselves or the lives of others at risk, as the measures shift.

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

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Almost certainly you are here because you value the quality and the integrity of the journalism produced by The Yorkshire Post’s journalists - almost all of which live alongside you in Yorkshire, spending the wages they earn with Yorkshire businesses - who last year took this title to the industry watchdog’s Most Trusted Newspaper in Britain accolade.

And that is why I must make an urgent request of you: as advertising revenue declines, your support becomes evermore crucial to the maintenance of the journalistic standards expected of The Yorkshire Post. If you can, safely, please buy a paper or take up a subscription. We want to continue to make you proud of Yorkshire’s National Newspaper but we are going to need your help.

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Sincerely. Thank you.

James Mitchinson