“Don’t You Dare Ask When The Lock-down Will End?!”

BY CAMI EZENWA

Managing the coronavirus pandemic has become a test of patience for public office holders at different levels and many appear to be failing.

Even for journalists whose primary obligation is to feed back their audiences with accurate and reliable information, seeking clarification can sometimes get on the nerves of officials.

And that is what has exactly played out between a journalist and the United Kingdom Health Secretary, equivalent of a minister here, Matt Hancock amidst situation briefing.

The minister literally lost his cool and lashed out at the journalist, implying that when the lockdown would end was not as important as the measures to contain the disease, according to reports in Daily Mail.

The exchange is coming at a time the government is set to extend restrictions some have described as draconian by another three weeks.

Matt Hancock was fielding questions with Nick Robinson on BBC Radio 4’when the incident happened, with the minister insisting that the government was not obligated to releasing all plans associated with managing the pandemic as the public could not be trusted with it.

According to him, the clarity of messaging had a direct impact on how many people obey social distancing rules.

At a point in the interview, he also angrily told the interviewer to stop interrupting, adding:

“The communications are part of the policy. That is why we will not be distracted in to confusing that messaging. The scientists can say what they like, the commentators can say what they like”.

Part of the resolutions causing tempered nerves is warnings that curbs cannot be eased until mass testing is in place.

An epidemiologist,  Professor Neil Ferguson had insisted schools and more shops should not be open until everyone with symptoms, and everyone they have come into contact with, can been screened.

He also warned there is no possibility of the country returning to normal until a vaccine is produced.

Meanwhile, a report sent to ministers has suggested coffee shops, restaurants and estate agents should be among the first to reopen on Britain’s high streets, as they are the businesses most likely to boost the economy and pose the smallest risk of spreading the virus.

Mr Hancock said he did not want to ‘waste’ the efforts of the public by lifting the lock-down measures prematurely, because coronavirus would ‘run rampant once again’.

“I’m not going to pre-judge the formal decision that is going to be taken, however, I think everybody can see that we’ve been clear that we think that it is too early to make a change,.

“And whilst we have seen a flattening of the number of cases, and thankfully a flattening of the number of deaths, that hasn’t started to come down yet, and as far as I’m concerned is still far too high.

“I understand those who are calling for an end to the lock-down or some kind of exit strategy to start now, but I think it’s just too early for that”.