The British government’s call to restart the economy may have sounded good, but there’s little evidence the country is taking heed.
In the week when Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was time to get back to work, some parts of the economy are humming along. What’s less clear is whether his decision to ease lockdown restrictions made much difference.
Activity on construction sites is growing and factories are cranking up output where they see demand. Yet this has been happening gradually for weeks, as businesses devised working practices that avoid spreading the coronavirus. Those still in a state of paralysis — restaurants, pubs and manufacturers whose markets have collapsed — have less reason for optimism.