Worried Brits do NOT want coronavirus lockdown lifted as just one in five back reopening schools and pubs, poll reveals
WORRIED Brits do not want the coronavirus lockdown lifted as fewer than one in five support the UK reopening at this time, a new poll has revealed.
Less than a fifth of people think the time is right to ease lockdown measures to reopen schools, restaurants, stadiums and pubs.
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The poll of 2,000 people by Opinium taken between Wednesday and Friday last week found widespread opposition as worried Brits remain , reports .
It found only 17% of people support reopening schools, 11% support restaurants, 9% support pubs and 7% support mass gatherings such as sporting events.
Pollsters said the public's appetite for lifting the coronavirus lockdown is "minuscule" as the initial deadline to revise measures approaches on May 7.
It comes as the UK death toll climbed to 28,131 yesterday as Britain appears to be on the brink of surpassing Italy as the worst hit nation in Europe.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is now weighing up the tricky decision about when to start easing lockdown mesasures.
Some nations have already begun to reopen as they adapt to a new normal amid the ongoing pandemic.
Ministers will have to weigh up when is best to start the UK moving again for the sake of the economy, versus the threat of a second wave on infections.
Massive changes are expected for people, such as staggered working days, smaller classes in schools and potential new rules about face masks.
Adam Drummond, of Opinium, said: "The public’s appetite for lifting the lockdown measures remains minuscule.
"Very few people believe that conditions have been met to allow for public spaces and venues to reopen on May 8."
It came as protesters called for the end of lockdown yesterday as they rallied in London - flouting social distancing measures.
It also showed 47% approved of the government's handling of the virus as opposed to 34% who disapprove, and 47% had confidence ministers would continue to be able to handle the crisis against 32% who lacked confidence.
The PM revealed his own coronavirus battle in The Sun on Sunday, which is said to have left him a changed man.
He spoke candidly as he revealed doctors were preparing contingency plans for announcing his death as his condition left him wondering "how am I going to get out of this?".
In an exclusive interview, Boris said he felt "lucky" given there are so many Brits still suffering - and said he was confident the UK can get through the crisis.
He said: "And so if you ask me, 'Am I driven by a desire to stop other people suffering?' Yes, I absolutely am.
"But I am also driven by an overwhelming desire to get our country as a whole back on its feet, healthy again, going forward in a way that we can and I'm very confident we'll get there."
Previous reports had suggested there are divisions within the cabinet, with the PM standing up to pressure to ease lockdown measures as he is fearful of a potentially devastating second wave.
Reopening schools will be the priority in a secret "roadmap" being drawn up to help Britain out of the lockdown.
Ministers believe getting kids back into the classrooms is the key to getting the nation moving again - with primary schools believed to be first on the agenda.
The PM has been encouraged by evidence under-13s are much less vulnerable to coronavirus infection than adults.
If youngsters were back in class, it would not only get them learning again but free up parents to return to work where possible.
Boris is reportedly looking to give teachers three weeks’ notice to reopen primary schools to every pupil on June 1.
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford also said today primary schools are set to reopen in June if the infection rate continues to slow.
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Transport Secretary Grant Shapps today outlined ideas such as hand sanitiser on trains, one-way systems and two metre markers on platforms as potential measures to get Britain moving again.
Mr Shapps told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday that if anyone felt unwell, they shouldn't be leaving their home at all.
And he again repeated calls for companies to have staggered work start times to reduce the rush hour crush of people on tubes and trains.
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Ministers are still mulling whether to ask people to use masks or face coverings when they can't stay far enough away from others.
Government officials have also said that some who can may be asked to continue to work from home for months to come.
It came as another poll last week revealed two thirds of Brits were suffering from “coronaphobia” and were too scared to leave the house or return to work.
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