Lifting the coronavirus lockdown: the route to reopening shops, schools and social bubbles

Among the most critical industries to get going again quickly are manufacturing and construction, which together make up more than 16 per cent of the economy but whose output has fallen by 55 per cent and 70 per cent respectively, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility. “Desk-based” businesses will be told to enforce the two-metre rule in desk spacing and told to keep communal spaces closed unless people can socially distance. They must also ensure that there is a reliable supply of hand-washing facilities and sanitising gel. Home working will still be encouraged — but the emphasis from ministers will change. The message will be that if companies can change working practices to enforce social distancing by reducing the workforce on site and staggering working hours they should do so.