UK’s prime minister Boris Johnson attended PMQ’s for the first time after his recovery due to Coronavirus.

Having been confronted by the Labour Leader, Sir Keir Starmer, he hinted that the measures he intends to set out on Sunday could be put into place as quickly as the following day. However, he did not indicate how or which lockdown restrictions would be lifted. 

Clearly, this will not happen until he has considered the scientific and medical advice from the experts. There is a need for families and businesses to return to some normality in order to ensure stable mental health and economic easing. 

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The prime minister’s words come shortly before the Secretary of State announced the total death toll rising to over 30,000 as another 649 people tragically died.

The government urges the public to be aware that no lockdown restrictions will be lifted until the “five tests” have been accomplished. 

BBC political correspondent has suggested that even though small tweaks may occur on Monday, the lockdown will “largely stay in place”. This could mean changes in the number of times we can exercise and our freedom within outdoor areas.

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Many other countries have suffered a great loss since the start of the pandemic, however, currently, the United Kingdom is the hardest-hit country in Europe and has the second-highest number of deaths in the world.

However, the government have argued it is too early to make international comparisons. 

The pandemic is at different stages around the world, countries have begun to make changes to their lockdowns, easing restrictions and giving their population more freedom.

Spain, Italy and Switzerland are among many countries in Europe that have allowed citizens to exercise and small businesses have been reopened. 

Moving outside of Europe, Pakistan along with other countries.

Along with other countries, Pakistan is gradually lifting their lockdown as well. The government has allowed people to open their businesses, despite a surge in Covid-19 cases that are more than 23,000 with over 500 deaths in the country. 

The National Coordination Committee (NCC) had a meeting in which they decided that it is important to ease the lockdown for the daily wage workers and small businesses since Pakistan is immensely struggling economically due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

The lockdown has caused tension for 7 million daily wagers in the country and their families. 

However, the prime minister has urged people to follow SOPs and maintain social distancing even after the restrictions are lifted.

By Grace Staley and Warshma Chughtai

Image source: Edward Howell / Unsplash