By our special correspondent Prof Lailo
After a heated COBRA meeting this morning Boris Johnson emerged triumphant to announce that Swift surveying planned for June and July this year could go ahead, if performed as part of the "one form of daily exercise" allowed as part of the COVID-19 restrictions.
To help the authorities identify volunteers performing this vital conservation work, all surveyors will be obliged to wear "Swift masks", specially designed for this purpose.
In response a spokesperson for Hampshire Swifts stated " we are very happy Boris recognises the importance of surveying Swift nest sites even in the midst of a national crisis. Given the huge response to our request for volunteers and declining supplies of these specialist masks, applications to participate will not be accepted after midday on the 1st April..."