Call for Omicron action ‘sooner rather than later’
GATESHEAD Council leader Martin Gannon has urged the Government to take action amid reports Boris Johnson is considering calls for another national lockdown starting as soon as December 27.
The Prime Minister has been weighing up a ‘sliding scale’ of new Covid-19 restrictions, The Telegraph reported.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid has warned that ministers may have to introduce new measures on the basis of “early and patchy” data, the paper says.
The Times reports that further restrictions could be ‘introduced between Christmas and the new year.’
The paper says an announcement could be made on Boxing Day, with measures potentially starting on December 27.
Yesterday Boris Johnson said he had ruled out immediately implementing new coronavirus restrictions but said the Government would not hesitate to take further action, adding that they were monitoring the data hour by hour.
Coun Gannon, who made it clear he was speaking in a personal capacity, said that the Government needs to take action.
He said: “I’m not in a position where I can see the national data the same way as the Government can.
“From what I have read and seeing the scientific advice it looks as though there may have to be some kind of additional measures taken sooner rather than later.” He urged Government to roll out more support for businesses hit by the impact of restrictions. Coun Gannon continued: “People are voting with their feet, they know it’s not safe and there’s something happening with the NHS. “Government is not coming forward with additional support for businesses that are really struggling.
“All that massive investment made to keep companies going, they will lose that investment if they don’t step forward and immediately say they’re supporting the hospitality and events sector that’s being absolutely decimated.” Coun Gannon couldn’t say what action Government needs to take but that decisions need to be made fast. He added: “What concerns me is I genuinely expected something [to be announced] this weekend – I thought something would happen. “Are they taking more consideration of political concerns rather than public health one or playing to a political time table rather than a public health one?
“It’s clearly worse in London and the South East than it is in the North East right now.
“It seems to me every scientific advisor is telling the Government that waiting until the New Year is too late. “We will support the Government, but I think the time has come for urgent action.
“I can’t say what that is but it is clear that action is needed.”
Are they taking more consideration of political concerns rather than public health one? Coun Martin Gannon