626
This has been a difficult time for our country, but if we all continue to follow the rules and protect our NHS, then we can beat this virus together.
#StayHomeSaveLives
627
We cannot risk a second peak of this disease.
We must keep going.
#StayHomeSaveLives
628
Thank you to all of our carers for your fantastic work, day in, day out. You are pillars of society in the fight against coronavirus.
629
Tonight I lit a candle by the grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey in remembrance of those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom in the Second World War, which ended in Europe 75 years ago tomorrow.
#LestWeForget #VEDay75
630
75 years on, we are a free people because of everything they did. Our gratitude will be eternal. #VEDay75
631
We are past the peak of this disease. But we can’t get complacent.
Please continue to follow the rules on social distancing and stay at home to save lives.
#StayHomeSaveLives
632
I observed two minutes silence in remembrance of those who fell for the cause of freedom in the Second World War, which ended in Europe 75 years ago today. Our gratitude to them will be eternal.
#VEDay75
633
Thank you for all that you are doing to protect our NHS and save lives.
#StayHomeSaveLives
634
Today I had the honour and privilege of speaking with Ernie, 102, who served in World War II.
Thank you Ernie. We are a free people today because of what you and your generation did.
#VEDay75
635
Thank you for all you are doing to protect our NHS and save lives.
This bank holiday weekend, please stay at home, so we don’t undo everything that’s been done so far.
636
I know this has been a difficult time for many. If you are struggling with your mental health, or are worried about a friend or family member, there is help available.
nhs.uk/oneyou/every-m…
637
Thank you for all that you are doing. We cannot risk a second peak that would overwhelm the NHS, so let’s keep going.
638
Everyone has a role to play in helping to control the virus by staying alert and following the rules.
This is how we can continue to save lives as we start to recover from coronavirus.
#StayAlert
639
As we start to recover from #coronavirus, we all need to play our part by following the rules.
This is how to #StayAlert ⬇️
640
An important update to the nation on coronavirus: youtu.be/bjvRhrJqNHI
641
Do you want to ask me a question tomorrow?
If so, you can submit yours here: gov.uk/ask
642
⬇️ THREAD ⬇️
To chart our progress and to avoid going back to square one, we are establishing a new COVID Alert System run by a new Joint Biosecurity Centre.
That COVID Alert Level will be determined primarily by R and the number of coronavirus cases. #StayAlert
643
There will be five alert levels.
Level One means the disease is no longer present in the UK.
Level Five is the most critical – the kind of situation we could have had if the NHS had been overwhelmed. #StayAlert
644
Step 1:
We said that you should work from home if you can, and only go to work if you must.
We now need to stress that anyone who can’t work from home, for instance those in construction or manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to work. #StayAlert
645
So work from home if you can, but you should go to work if you can’t work from home.
To ensure you are safe at work we have been working to establish new guidance for employers to make workplaces COVID-secure. #StayAlert
646
And from this Wednesday, we want to encourage people to take more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise.
You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own household. #StayAlert
647
Step 2:
At the earliest, by June 1 – after half term – we believe we may be in a position to begin the phased reopening of shops and to get primary pupils back into schools, in stages, beginning with reception, Year 1 and Year 6. #StayAlert
648
Step 3:
At the earliest by July - subject to these conditions and further scientific advice; if and only if the numbers support it we will hope to re-open at least some of the hospitality industry and other public places, if they are safe and enforce social distancing #StayAlert
649
If we as a nation begin to fulfil the conditions I have set out, then in the next few weeks and months we may be able to go further.
We are driven by the science, the data and public health.
It depends on all of us – the entire country – to #StayAlert to keep the R down.
650
Though the UK will be changed by this experience, I believe we can be stronger and better than ever before.
More resilient, more innovative, more economically dynamic, but also more generous and more sharing.
But for now we must #StayAlert, control the virus and save lives.
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Member of Parliament for Uxbridge and South Ruislip.