Tier we go again
HEALTH SECRETARY MATT HANCOCK MOVES LONDON INTO THE HIGHEST TIER AS INFECTION RATES RUN ‘OUT OF CONTROL’ IN THE CAPITAL
A LONDON MP has called on the government to review its Christmas rules in light of the worrying news that scientists have identified a new variant of coronavirus.
Health secretary Matt Hancock confirmed that London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire would move into Tier 3 from midnight on Wednesday December 16 – adding that one of the reasons behind the surge in the number of case rates could be because a new variant of the disease had been identified.
He told MPs: “Over the last few days, thanks to our world-class genomic capability in the UK, we have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the south of England.
“Initial analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than the existing variants.
“We’ve currently identified more than 1,000 cases with this variant predominantly in the south of England, although cases have been identified in nearly 60 different local authority areas.
“And numbers are increasing rapidly.”
The Health Secretary went on to say that there was no evidence currently to suggest that the variant was more likely to cause serious disease or that it would fail to respond to a vaccine.
However, he added: “It shows we’ve got to be vigilant and follow the rules and everyone needs to take personal responsibility not to spread this virus.
“I need to tell the House that over the last week we’ve seen very sharp, exponential rises in the virus across London, Kent, parts of Essex and Hertfordshire.
“We do not know the extent to which this is because of the new variant, but no matter its cause we have to take swift and decisive action which unfortunately is absolutely essential to control this deadly disease while the vaccine is rolled out.”
Sarah Olney, the Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, said the government should review its decision to relax the rules around social distancing over Christmas in light of the new variant being identified.
She said news of the new variant was “extremely concerning”.
“It’s clear from the data that’s been shared with MPs that rates of infection are running out of control in London and some surrounding areas,” she told MyLondon.
“Much of the spread seems to be focused in the younger and older age groups, so I had written to Matt Hancock on Friday to ask if measures could be targeted, but the new data from the weekend shows that the increase is getting worse.
“As far as I know, the new variant is more infectious but not more serious – but the government should certainly review the Christmas advice.”
Her call was echoed by fellow Lib Dem MP Munira Wilson, who said that while she understood that Mr Hancock “doesn’t want to be the Grinch” he should be “reconsidering” the Christmas rules.
Speaking in the Commons, she said: “My children are desperate to see their grandparents this Christmas, as is the case for many families up and down the country.
“But in view of these alarming numbers and with what we’re seeing in the US following Thanksgiving and with the constant chopping and changing of rules which leads to lower compliance and more confusion, I appreciate [Mr Hancock) doesn’t want to be the Grinch.
“But should he be reconsidering the Christmas measures that are in place or do we risk unnecessary additional deaths in the new year just as we’ve got light at the end of the tunnel with the vaccine?”
Mr Hancock replied: “Well I would recommend to people to exercise caution over Christmas, especially with respect to seeing elderly relatives who, of course, people are yearning to see, I understand that.
“But I think it is important that people not only abide by the rules but also take personal responsibility in case they have coronavirus, might be passing it on but don’t have any symptoms and don’t know about it.”