Was it reckless to lift COVID-19 restrictions?

Citation

Field C (2021) Was it reckless to lift COVID-19 restrictions?. University of Stirling Public Policy Blog [Blog post] 17.05.2021. https://policyblog.stir.ac.uk/2021/05/17/was-it-reckless-to-lift-covid-19-restrictions/

Abstract
First paragraph: Today sees the long-awaited lifting of many COVID-19 restrictions in the UK. Most of us can now travel abroad, hug loved ones, and socialise indoors. Not long ago, this all seemed like a good idea, an overdue return to normality, and a sensible response to low case numbers – which only a few weeks ago were at their lowest since September. Many people are frustrated with the ongoing restrictions. This morning those responsible seem to have cold feet. Both Nicola Sturgeon and Boris Johnson are lifting restrictions while simultaneously urging caution, and various members of the SAGE advisory group expressed misgivings about relaxing restrictions on meeting indoors.