[ad_1]
The health secretary has said that England’s lockdown means “we have this virus under control,” but cautioned that continued vigilance is needed.
At a press conference in Downing Street, Matt Hancock acknowledged that the second national shutdown has been difficult.
Live updates on coronavirus from the UK and around the world
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Johnson: Vaccines ‘could’ be ready before Christmas
But he stressed that the strictest COVID-19 the measures have been working, and cases fell by 30% in England last week.
And although the shutdown is due to end on Wednesday, he warned: “We don’t have much headroom. We can’t risk cases increasing again, especially around Christmas and with flu season just around the corner.”
The Secretary of Health stressed the need to return to the tiered system seen before the second blockade and said that “although we can go down a bit, we cannot afford to do it much.”
Hancock said that about one in three people have no symptoms of the virus but can still infect others, adding: “That’s why even as we ease these national restrictions, we have to maintain some restrictions.”
He added: “The success of our collective efforts means that as of Wednesday everyone in England, even those on Level 3, can have greater freedom, but we don’t have much headroom.
With positive news about vaccines raising hopes for a return to some form of normalcy in the coming months, the Health Secretary urged people to remain determined in the fight against the coronavirus.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Minister ‘cannot rule out’ third confinement
“The dawn light is on the horizon,” Hancock said.
“It is time to stand firm until morning so that we can look back and see clearly that everything we gave and everything we did was not in vain, but to save lives and rebuild better for everyone.”
In earlier remarks, Boris Johnson once again defended the reinforced tiers system that will take effect when the shutdown ends, amid the prospect of a dozen Conservative MPs voting against the measures Tuesday.
“We cannot afford to take our foot off the throat of the beast, to take our foot off the gas, we cannot afford to let it get out of control again,” the prime minister said.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
COVID-19: PM fights backlash from conservatives over levels
“The tier system is tough, but it’s designed to be tough and keep you in check.
“I know a lot of people think they are on the wrong level and I understand people’s frustration.”
The government has published its impact assessment of the tiered approach in a bid to win the round of possible rebel MPs.
He states that while the system will have a “significant” impact on the economy, allowing COVID-19 to run rampant would be “much worse” for public health.
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Johnson has said that mass testing and the launch of any approved coronavirus vaccine will offer areas a way out of the toughest measures.
The prime minister said that the implementation of widespread testing for the virus “in increasing numbers”, alongside vaccines, would allow the UK to “reduce the virus and open up the economy to allow areas to fall to the levels where find themselves constantly progressing that way. “
But speaking to Sky News previously, Environment Secretary George Eustice said it was “too early to tell” whether another national lockdown will be needed after Christmas.
The government has promised that the rapid COVID-19 tests seen in Liverpool, which gave results in roughly 20 minutes without requiring a lab, will be replicated in all Level 3 areas once the lockdown ends.
Mr Hancock told the press conference that there would be additional funding for councils to carry out the tests “up to £ 14 per test performed”.
“This is quite significant additional funding that is available across the UK for councils who want this to work on the Liverpool model,” Hancock said.
The health secretary urged anyone to be offered a coronavirus test to take it, telling them it “could save a life.”
