The Many Times The Government Has Botched Its Own Coronavirus Advice
Boris Johnson on Tuesday apologised and said he “misspoke” after struggling to explain his own new Covid-19 restrictions imposed on the north-east of England.
But it’s not the first time the PM and his ministerial colleagues have given mixed and even contradictory messages on how to deal with coronavirus.
Johnson apologises for local lockdown confusion
The PM was forced to apologise as the government’s handling of local lockdown measures in north-east England descended into farce.
The prime minister stumbled over his explanation of the ban on households mixing, which is due to come into legal effect on Wednesday – just hours after another member of his government was unable to say whether the prohibition extended to pub beer gardens.
Johnson said he “misspoke” but the confusion comes as the government is under pressure from Tory rebels to give MPs a greater role in scrutinising and voting on new measures before they are implemented.
The new regulations in Northumberland, Newcastle, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, Sunderland and County Durham will see fines imposed if people mix with others from outside their household or bubble in indoor settings, including pubs and restaurants.
But with the rules yet to be published in full, ministers faced questions about whether they would apply in settings such as beer gardens.
Johnson said in response to questions: “In the North East and other areas where extra-tight measures have been brought in, you should follow the guidance of local authorities but it is six in a home, six in hospitality but, as I understand it, not six outside.”
But he later tweeted: “Apologies, I misspoke today. In the North East, new rules mean you cannot meet people from different households in social settings indoors, including in pubs, restaurants and your home. You should also avoid socialising with other households outside.”
Minister fails to clarify Covid rules
Earlier in the day, a government minister was unable to clarify...
