Coronavirus diary, Wednesday 24 June

Boris Johnson announces an easing of England's lockdown

The Prime Minister's decision to relax many of the English lockdown restrictions and to opt for one metre safe distancing has opened up a yawning gap between England's approach and those of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

July 4 is being hailed as freedom day for England, implying that the other countries are still being held captive.

Life will be on a different level in England, with pubs, hotels, restaurants and hairdressers back in business and people being able to holiday in England - but not yet in Wales! - in B&Bs, cottages, camping and caravan sites. 

Cautious: Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford

Surprisingly, in Wales at least, most of us seem to accept the decision of ever cautious First Minister Mark Drakeford to hold back our 'get out of jail' date. Not all, though. 

The tourism and hospitality industries are shocked and dismayed, protesting at losing precious weeks of their already truncated summer season.

They have a point; it seems they will not be back in business until mid or late July. They are frustrated by the uncertainty and are urging the Welsh government to be definite and to give a date so they can prepare.

It is not all plain sailing for Mr Johnson, either. 

No sooner had he made the freedom announcement he muddied the water on the safe distance controversy by not making it a hard and fast rule but advising that people they should stay two metres apart and if that was not possible, one metre plus.

He might also be worried by the shot across the bows from the big guns.

The presidents of the Royal College of Surgeons, Physicians, Nursing and GPs 'are calling for a 'significant review' - why would it not be significant? - to 'properly prepare' - why the 'properly? - for the real risk of a second wave of coronavirus. 

They have, more more usefully, suggested the setting up of a cross-party group to plan ahead, something that should have been done months ago.

The government's two chief health advisers in England have added to the warning signals.

Mr Johnson, you have been warned!

Why is there such a difference of opinion about exiting lockdown?

One reason is that Conservative controlled England has an eye on the economic situation while the left have more regard for health and safety.

What is certain is that the future is uncertain, just as the whole pandemic story has been from the start.

No one knows, neither governments nor people.