Young people could be let out of coronavirus lockdown first, experts say

YOUNG people could be let out of coronavirus lockdown first, experts say.

Britain is currently in its third week of lockdown, with the Government saying today the country is not yet "at the stage" where it could be lifted.

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However, scientists  have suggested that, when coronavirus social distancing restrictions can be softened, 20-30-year-olds who no longer live with their parents should be released first.

They say this would be the best route out of lockdown amid the Covid-19 pandemic and avoid an "extraordinary recession."

On top of this, they point out that unlike the older generations, younger people are statistically less likely to die from coronavirus, or develop severe symptoms.

They did warn however, this approach could lead to more overall deaths, than if stricter measures were continued for longer.

That could mean the measures will stay in place past the three weeks Boris Johnson announced on March 23.

He told BBC News this morning: "The evidence is not yet there which will allow is to make a decision.

"We couldn't want to judge or preempt that evidence. That isn’t a position we are in yet."

Both Mr Raab and Professor Whitty stressed that Britain needs to reach the peak first before looking at whether the lockdown measures can be changed or relaxed.

Government sources stressed earlier that a formal review of the lockdown may not happen on Monday but would be around that date.

Professor Whitty said last night: "It's really important we get to the point we are confident we are beyond the peak.

"There are a large number of different things we need to take into account here."

Meanwhile the London Mayor said today that the peak is not expected to be this weekend as previously thought.