Coronavirus: "There is clear unease about the consequences of unlocking"

Aside from the timing, the logistics and the financial issues in unlocking the lockdown there is another big unknown. And that is about exactly how the public is feeling over a return to normal life or what will pass for it.

A raft of opinion polls seems to give us some indication.

Polling by Ipsos MORI found two-thirds (67%) of Britons say they will feel uncomfortable going to large public gatherings, such as sports or music events, compared to how they felt before the virus.

Only 17% would feel comfortable attending such an event while 41% would feel not at all comfortable.

Three in five (61%) Britons would also feel uncomfortable using public transport or going to bars and restaurants.

Meanwhile three in 10 (29%) feel comfortable going out to eat and drink, only 21% would be happy to use public transport to get there.

Young people are most at ease with going to bars and restaurants, 36% of 18-34-year olds feel comfortable doing so, compared to only 22% of 55-75s.

Similarly, young people are most willing to head to large public gatherings. A quarter of 18-34s (26%) would be comfortable going to a sports match or music event compared to only nine per cent of 55-75s.

Half (49%) of those who are currently employed feel comfortable going back to work, a third (35%) would be nervous doing so.

There was a similar poll in one of the Sunday papers and it appeared very much in line with all this.
So if we accept the findings, we must all accept the scale of the challenge ahead.

There is clear unease about the consequences of unlocking.

Not only to make our high streets and town centres as safe as they possibly can be, but to reassure shoppers, employees and visitors that they are safe and that ensuring that is the number one priority. Giving that confidence is absolutely essential and will be the first step in the long haul back.

And that is very much a collaborative effort.

Martin Davies,

Chairman,

Bournemouth Town Centre BID