Robert Jenrick defends ‘confusing’ new ‘stay alert’ coronavirus message ahead of PM’s speech
Robert Jenrick insisted the Government was taking a "cautious" approach (Sky)
3 min read
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has defended the Government’s decision to change its official advice from “stay home” to “stay alert”.
The change was announced ahead of Boris Johnson’s TV address on Sunday evening, in which the Prime Minister is expected to announce his “road map” out of lockdown.
But the new slogan has attracted criticism, with Labour warning that public may be “puzzled” by its ambiguity.
Meanwhile, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said her country will not adopt the new message “given the critical point we are at in tackling the virus”.
Speaking to Sky’s Sophy Ridge, Mr Jenrick said: “I think as we’ve now passed the peak of the virus it’s right that we update and broaden the message to the public.
“I think that’s what the public wants and that they will be able to understand this message which is that we should be staying at home as much as possible.”
Asked to clarify the message on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, he added: “Stay alert will mean stay alert by staying home as much as possible.
“But stay alert when you do go out by maintaining social distancing, washing your hands, respecting others in the workplace and the other settings that you'll go to.
“This will be a cautious message because the rate of infection is still high and the public is understandably anxious.”
But Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth criticised the “ambiguity” of the new message.
He told the Marr Show: "When you are dealing with a public health crisis of this nature you need absolute clarity about what the advice is.
“There is no room for nuance. And I think the problem with the new message is that many people will be puzzled by it. They won't understand what we mean by stay alert. "
He added: “So I hope we can get clarity from the Government today as to what exactly this new message means.
“Because this virus really does exploit ambivalence and thrive on ambiguity. We need clarity at all times.”
The slogan was also rejected by the leaders of the Scottish and Welsh devolved governments, days after each announced plans to extend the lockdown.
Writing on Twitter, Nicola Sturgeon said it was up to Boris Johnson “to decide what’s most appropriate for England” but that ‘Stay Home, Save Lives’ “remains my clear message to Scotland at this stage”.
Meanwhile, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford told Sky News that “staying at home remains the best way that you can protect yourself and others".
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