‘Don’t tear the pants out of it!’ Government warns British public not to abuse new liberties

The government has urged the public to follow the loosened lockdown rules to the letter and not ‘tear the pants out of it’ and risk a second spike of infection. 

Professor Jonathan Van Tam told the daily press conference: ‘One case will infect three other people. It’s like having a spring inside a box and you’ve got the lid on. 

‘Now you can take the lid off a little but you haven’t disconnected the spring. If you take the lid right off the spring is still under tension and off it will go again.

‘So this is a dual responsibility here of government to go carefully and to take advice from the scientists. 

‘Of the scientists to watch this closely over the next few weeks. And of the public in general to actually follow the guidance. 

‘Don’t tear the pants out of it and don’t go further than the guidance says.’