As the number of infections in Britain continues to rise and the number of corona deaths grows, it will take at least a year before the country can return to ‘normal’. Only if a vaccine becomes available can British experts put an end to all restrictive measures.

As a result, it may take a long time before the English can reappear in large numbers or can stop social isolation. On Friday, the official death toll rose to 8958. However, the UK is also considering ways to ease the measures step by step.

Media report that the government is planning to slowly bring a part of society back out of the doldrums, to prevent the country from falling into a deep economic recession. In the first phase, schools have to start teaching and small businesses that are now closed are allowed to open again.

The fear is that a serious recession could cost even more lives than the virus itself. “We fully understand that an income trap can affect people’s health,” a government source told The Telegraph.

The government will probably make a decision early next week about a possible relaxation. At least for the time being, major festivals and other mass events cannot go ahead in the plans. The elderly and people with poor health are also asked to stay at home longer.

Austria is the first country in Europe to announce more flexible measures. Small shops will reopen in the country from 14 April. However, staff and visitors are required to wear face protection. That can be a mouth mask, but also a dust mask or scarf. In addition, Austrians will be able to go to the hairdresser again from 1 May and consideration will be given to the possible opening of catering establishments and hotels.

In the Netherlands, a new decision will be made the week before April 28. According to Prime Minister Rutte “there will be maximum scope for expansion in some areas. But always with due observance of one and a half meters, staying home with complaints ”and similar guidelines. “That type of measure” is likely to continue for some time. “Be prepared for all scenarios,” said the prime minister.

Professor Dr. Alexander Kekulé (61), a leading German virologist and microbiologist, who makes daily substantive contributions to public information through blogs, podcasts and articles, formulated an exit strategy. Smart distancing is at the core of this, he tells De Telegraaf. “Protect the weak, keep your distance and let the 20- to 50-year-olds get back to work.”