Advertisement

Matt Lucas of ‘Little Britain’ mocks Boris Johnson’s ‘ambigious’ coronavirus speech

Click to play video: 'Coronavirus outbreak: British PM Johnson says ‘this is not the time’ to end COVID-19 lockdown, takes ‘first careful steps’ to modify measures'
Coronavirus outbreak: British PM Johnson says ‘this is not the time’ to end COVID-19 lockdown, takes ‘first careful steps’ to modify measures
On Sunday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that “this is not the time” to end the lockdown in place in the U.K., but announced plans to begin easing some restrictions, which included encouraging those who cannot work from home to return to their jobs and allowing people to exercise outdoors more often – May 10, 2020

After hearing Prime Minister Boris Johnson‘s most recent and “ambigiousaddress to the U.K. in regards to an update on its COVID-19 lockdown situation, Little Britain star and comedian Matt Lucas has hit out against the Conservative leader.

Lucas, 46, took to Twitter on Sunday utilizing his best impersonation of the London-based politician, mocking him for the “confusing” “mixed messages” he sent about social distancing earlier that day.

In his video, Lucas joked,”So, we are saying, don’t go to work, go to work. Don’t take public transport, go to work, don’t go to work. Stay indoors. If you can work from home go to work, don’t go to work, go outside, don’t go outside.

“Then we will or won’t, something or other,” he concluded.

Story continues below advertisement

Since Johnson, 55, shared his message of “modified” social distancing steps, many U.K. citizens have been criticizing him for contradicting himself.

Despite telling the nation that the lockdown needs to continue and people need to continue distancing, Johnson simultaneously encouraged people “to go to work” and to go outside more to “local parks” for exercise.

Until now, people have been told only to exercise outdoors once a day and do so locally. Social distancing rules must still be obeyed, Johnson said, adding that fines would be increased for those who break them.

Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer, however, said Johnson had raised more questions than he had answered and there was now the prospect of different parts of the United Kingdom pulling in different directions.

“What the country wanted tonight was clarity and consensus, but we haven’t got either of those,” he said in a statement.

Story continues below advertisement

Others echoed Starmer’s dismay in response to Lucas’s parody video, adding their hopes that the situation will improve.

“This is actually clearer than what Johnson said,” joked one Twitter user.

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

Click to play video: 'Coronavirus outbreak: British PM Johnson announces ‘conditional plan’ to fight COVID-19, reopen society'
Coronavirus outbreak: British PM Johnson announces ‘conditional plan’ to fight COVID-19, reopen society

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

Story continues below advertisement

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.

— With files from Reuters

adam.wallis@globalnews.ca

Sponsored content

AdChoices