On a campaign visit to Hartlepool yesterday the PM said he thought there was a “good chance” that social distancing regulations would end, as scheduled, on 21 June in England. Immediately followed by saying the vaccine rollout results were “really starting to show up in the epidemiology” but any change would depend on the data.
Most people in Hartlepool could have made a similarly vague statement, providing no information of any value whatsoever.
The statement from the PM certainly offered zero additional information on which hospitality businesses desperate to plan for reopening can do so.
Johnson went on to repeat further how well the vaccination programme was being rolled out, which it is, but it seems amidst all the shenanigans of late in Downing Street, is the only card he can play.
The prime minister also said he and other ministers would say more about travel “as soon as we can” but “we have got to be very, very tough”. In and amongst further repeated references to the success of the vaccine roll out, once again not one piece of solid information was communicated.
As the dates for reopening hospitality on 17 May and an end to Covid restrictions on 21 June draw closer a firm and solid timetable needs to be set to allow businesses to plan. The caveat of ‘if the data allows’ needs to cease being a get out of jail card enabling more vacant statements from government.
LBC’s James O’Brien highlights the perfect storm heading for hospitality, right now
News from the hospitality and catering industry is also being featured extensively in our Facebook and twitter social media accounts with the opportunity to engage with others in hospitality and share your views.
Hospitality & Catering News: Prime Minister issues vacant statement on social distancing. – 4 May 2021 – Prime Minister issues vacant statement on social distancing.
Copyright: All content in Hospitality & Catering News is protected by copyright.