I’d like to see the reopening of Garden Centres and some other non-essential businesses provided they can implement social distancing measures. Also, businesses that have voluntarily closed should be encouraged to open again. This could be helped by phasing out the furlough scheme until it is eventually only for the businesses that have been ordered to close by the government.
I don’t see why some solo sports and activities shouldn’t be to resume. Golf, tennis, motorsports and cycling can all be done without close contact with other players, so a gradual return would be beneficial. Just ban spectators until the virus isn’t under control and perhaps allow players to live in hotels on site so they don’t have to travel home and back.
The biggest risk is now care homes and with workers having to travel home and back, that is another risk of spreading the virus. I think provisions should be made to allow care home staff to live on site, so they can be effectively locked down and contained. In that case, only essential visits would be allowed and anyone doing so would need to wear full PPE.
In regards to travel, deterring passengers from using buses, trains and planes is the only way to compromise social distancing, and I think the best way to do that is to increase fares. If that becomes an issue for those who have no choice but to use PT, then perhaps offer a discount for key workers. I totally agree with Grant Shapp’s plan to encourage active travel and close some roads to motorised traffic. With the summer approaching, I think a lot more people will walk and cycle than before.
The announcement to impose a 14 day quarantine for anyone entering the UK will be a massive blow to the aviation and tourism sector. A lot of people will be put off International travel if their 2 week break is extended to 6 if they have to quarantine in both countries, but despite this I think there will be some people that will adapt, especially if their employer allows them to WFH while in quarantine.
Overall, I don’t think there will be any massive changes, although we should start to see the beginning of our long awaited exit strategy.