'Honest and fair' or 'clear as mud'? What Echo readers thought of Boris Johnson's 'road map' for easing coronavirus lockdown

But his 'road map’ for easing the Covid-19 lockdown has drawn criticism from some, with businesses, unions and police among those calling for clarity on what’s next.

The key points from Sunday’s address include the introduction of a new Covid Alert System with levels between one and five, unlimited amount of outdoor exercise from Wednesday, May 13 and bigger fines for those who break social distancing rules.

People who cannot work from home are also being actively encouraged to go back to work from today, but should avoid public transport.

Here’s what you said on the Sunderland Echo Facebook page:

Joan Moore: “I thought it was honest and fair. Too many people doing what they want with no thoughts of any consequences. He gave us a little something and a plan we can all follow but at the end of the day the results we get, the reduction of sanctions all comes down to us, to our behaviour.”

Lesley Watlen: “Clear as mud! But doesn't count in our region as most of the idiots haven't even begun to follow guidelines for distancing! Still carrying on as before, we don't stand a chance!”

John Talbot: “Did as much as he could setting out how reducing restrictions will progress. As he said it’s about controlling the rate of infection.”

Bill Walton: “Seems perfectly legit. Everything is based on R so if R goes back up then restrictions are re- introduced. We’ve all got to do our bit to get back to the way we were. It’s going to take time but at least we’ve got a plan.”

Pamela Watson: “Not what I expected still confused nothing straight forward giving us the choice so they cannot get the blame.”

Ann Stephenson: “I am glad no big changes to quick as we will end up where we started.”

Anna Collins: “Thought he did a great job and now we are reliant on people following the rules.”

Kathryn Hubbard: “I thought it was reasonable. Wasn’t expecting big changes.”

Mark Gallagher: “Very vague. Leaves more questions than answers.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world.

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.

How to subscribe to the print edition:

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of.

Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.