Keith Prince AM: We can't risk losing the progress made

We have all had to drastically change how we live to stop coronavirus, but now is not the time to end the lockdown. If we are to beat the virus for good, we must all continue to strictly follow the government's rules and stay at home.

The government has announced the country's lockdown restrictions will continue for at least another three weeks. It's the right decision, and we must stick with it; otherwise, we risk losing all the progress the country has made in the fight against coronavirus.

If we all continue to do our bit and stop the spread of coronavirus, the sooner the lockdown will end. The experts know the measures are working; their review of the UK's lockdown concluded the rate of infection was down, just not by enough to end the restrictions.

Five conditions have been set by the government to assess when the lockdown should end. Firstly and most importantly, we must ensure the NHS would cope when the lockdown ends. There must also be a sustained and consistent fall in the daily death rate, a lower infection rate than today, as well as sufficient protective equipment and tests to deal with future cases. Finally, it must be clear there would be no second peak.

The lockdown is frustrating, and for many, the sustained isolation and worry, is making this a very difficult time. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, the measures are working, and we will get through this. In the time being, I encourage everyone to check on your neighbour, phone relatives and friends, and offer to help others.

I thank all of you for doing your bit and ask that you keep going. Together, we will beat coronavirus.

Article by Keith Prince AM first published in the Romford Recorder.