City would consider Nissan shutdown to stop spike
and workplaces.
And while councils currently only have limited powers to try to enforce local lockdowns, leaders have insisted they will use them if they prove the best way of keeping the virus at bay.
“If there was an outbreak impacting the workforce that would be a public health decision we would have to support,” said Graeme Miller, the leader of Sunderland City Council.
“I’m sure the conversation with Nissan would be long and hard, but it doesn’t matter the business, if there is a second spike we would have to look at it, regardless of who it was.
“I would rather not have to do that, Nissan has got enough on its plate with Brexit. But sometimes you have to make tough decisions and that would be a tough decision.”
Organisations such as Public Health England and the Health and Safety Executive are likely to assist councils, with shutdowns more likely to be a last resort in the most serious cases.
But even in the most severe cases, current rules mean this could only be individual institutions, not entire areas.
More pressing for Coun Miller however is the Government’s ‘pipe dream’ test, track and trace programme for mapping new outbreaks.
Ministers had promised a ‘world-beating’ assessment system would be in place from June 1 – but bosses didn’t even know how much cash they would be given towards start-up costs until 10 days later.
But Coun Miller is confident most families will continue to follow official advice and do their part to keep infection rates down.
He said: “We’re already asking a great deal of the common sense of the general public. They have been fantastic over the past weeks and in the main they have known the seriousness of the public health crisis and have kept people safe.”
“So sad. Well done to the public that helped and gave CPR, very brave. RIP.”
“So sad, poor man, thinking of his family and friends at this sad time, RIP.”
“Rest in peace, so very sad.”
“So sad. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
“RIP, thoughts and love to all family and friends.” “Sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
to all family and friends.”