A move to Level 1 is important for businesses currently
either still closed or running at less than optimum levels
because of space restrictions. “With no new cases it is
understandable that a sense of fear prevails that the
businesses may end up going out of business before too long
and which could be avoided if they could trade properly,”
said Barnett.
There is also a fear of a resurgence of
the virus, he noted.
People need a message of
confidence, which means we must be certain that testing
levels are being maintained and any resurgence can be
quickly tracked and traced.
The number of tests must
be maintained at appropriate levels, and rules clarified on
use of face masks in confined spaces – buses and
trains.
“The next few days will be crucial to
changing the language to one of confidence and certainty. To
keep tracking and tracing, but also giving people
encouragement to get out in the
community.”
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