A senior government advisor has suggested implementing a series of coronavirus 'circuit breaker' lockdowns timed around school holidays to minimise disruption to education. The proposal, reported on 16 October 2020, aims to allow families to plan ahead while controlling the spread of COVID-19.
The advisor argued that multiple short lockdowns, potentially adding a week to existing breaks, could be less damaging than an unexpected shutdown. People would receive advance warning, and the measures could be cancelled if deemed unnecessary closer to the time. However, the advisor acknowledged the need to discourage parties before a circuit breaker.
The suggestion follows a call from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for a time-limited circuit breaker across England. Some experts have recommended a two-week lockdown closing bars, restaurants, and non-essential shops, and banning unnecessary travel. The cost of a temporary lockdown to the economy has been estimated at £2 billion per day.
Professor Graham Medley, a Sage member speaking in a personal capacity, supported the idea, saying: 'We have three major holidays and three half-terms... Let's have a couple of years of two-week half terms.' He noted that England had 'missed the boat' for a precautionary break this half-term but not for the strategy overall.
However, Professor Robert Dingwall, another government advisor, criticised circuit breakers, stating: 'The problem with circuit breakers is that they just kick the can down the road... Once the pause button comes off, the cases just start to roll in again.' Sage papers released earlier showed the body had advised considering a circuit breaker three weeks ago, warning of 'catastrophic consequences' without intervention.
