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The tiered system introduced in England in an effort to combat COVID-19 is “inadequate” and “did not contain the spread of the virus,” according to the British Medical Association (BMA).
The BMA has also said that it was “inconsistent” in the way it was applied, and that it must be “urgently reviewed” before the country leaves its country. second lock on December 2.
In a plan to break out of tight measures, leading physicians have suggested that a new system should have “triggers” whereby different areas would move up and down different levels, and that non-essential travel between levels in areas of higher and lower prevalence should be “restricted”.
England’s lockdown will end on December 2
On the need for clearer guidance for the hospitality industry, the report adds: “Crowded restaurants and pubs with little social distancing, as seen after the first shutdown, encouraged by the Eat out to help initiative represents a danger to public health. “
Council Chairman Dr. Chaand Nagpaul said: “We must not waste the efforts of the many people who have followed the law, stayed at home, sacrificed their freedoms and incurred financial loss to contain the virus.” .
“When the first confinement ended, there was no coherent plan to maintain COVID-19 at bay, no clear and simple public messages; This was followed by spiraling infection rates, more failed businesses, new ‘local’ closures, and now we have a death toll of over 52,000.
“As England prepare to come out of their second block, it is unthinkable that we will make the same mistakes again because this time, the impact will be much worse.”
Ministers have hinted that England will return to a tiered approach when its lockdown ends next month.
The BMA plan has made several suggestions, including:
- the “rule of six” should be replaced by a “rule of two households”
- A “stronger” quarantine procedure, which could include: “provision of transportation for those returning home or elsewhere to quarantine and could include quarantine facilities near ports of entry”
- Criteria for establishing and eliminating travel corridors must be published
- The government should produce an “airline safety-style” video that tells people how to wear masks correctly.
- Social mixing should be encouraged to take place outdoors
- There should be a required distance of 2m between tables in pubs and restaurants.
- More financial support for companies to adapt to displays and signs
- The message “work from home whenever possible” should continue
- Masks should be used in all indoor settings where social distancing is not possible. Face covers should also be worn outside in some circumstances
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Dr. Nagpaul continued: “It is reasonable to conclude that without these measures, the NHS you will not be able to cope with caring for the most seriously ill patients.
“This report demonstrates a sustainable plan to reduce the level of COVID-19 infections until a vaccine program is put in place.”
The BMA also said that before the lockdown ends, the government must ensure that the Test and Trace program is fit for purpose.
