"It is great to see the Prime Minister back at Number 10 after his serious illness with Covid-19. The fact that such a fit and active man was put into intensive care by this disease puts into sharp relief the importance of the national effort to try and keep this Coronavirus at bay. As the PM said, we must be patient and keep going with the social distancing measures so that our amazing NHS can keep going and not be overwhelmed. It is crucial that we avoid a potential second infection peak.
I fully support the Government's decision to only consider adjusting the current measures when the evidence demonstrates that it is safe to do so. Until we are confident that we have turned the corner, the most important thing we can do is to stay at home, to protect the NHS and save lives.
I know many people are concerned about the long term impact of these measures on our economy. During this difficult time for the country, the Government recognises the extreme disruption the necessary actions are having on people’s lives, their businesses, their jobs and the nation’s economy. And that is why they have produced a huge and unprecedented programme of support both for workers and for business.
I appreciate these are incredibly challenging times for individuals as well as businesses, and the prospect of this maintaining these restrictions may be daunting, but if we stop now, we risk increasing the spread of Coronavirus. I urge everyone to continue to follow the NHS and the Government’s advice. We will get through this. Cumbria and the rest of the UK will bounce back."