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Boris Johnson has been warned that further relaxation of restrictions over Christmas could trigger another wave of coronavirus infections.
NHS Providers, which represents health trusts in England, has told the prime minister in a letter to use “extreme caution” when making a decision to move any area down the line. COVID-19 level.
the coronavirus The tiers system will be revised on Wednesday, two weeks after it was first imposed after England’s national lockdown in November.
NHS chiefs say areas that must move to Level 3 must do so “as soon as necessary, without delay.”
It comes before a UK-wide relaxation of social distancing rules for Christmas, allowing up to three households to meet in homes and places of worship between December 23 and 27.
While NHS providers stopped short of calling for this relaxation to be lifted, the letter asked the prime minister to establish the risks of increased contact during Christmas.
Speaking to Sky News, NHS Providers CEO Chris Hopson said healthcare workers are “really concerned” and added that due to the increase in COVID-19 patients and rising infection rates, Hospitals are facing a difficult period.
“Any additional social contact equates to the spread of the virus,” he said.
“We all want to come together, but we have to make sure we look at the evidence. Although we have made good progress … the reality is that the progress we have made as a whole is on the lower end of expectations.
“We have to continue with these tough restrictions during the winter … we cannot take chances.”
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NHS chiefs are concerned that the UK may follow in the footsteps of the US, which experienced a record of coronavirus-related hospitalizations and infections after Thanksgiving, when millions of families came together to celebrate.
A government spokeswoman said ministers will not “hesitate” to take action when necessary, adding that decisions are made based on the latest available data.
“We have introduced strengthened local restrictions to protect the progress made during national restrictions, reduce pressure on the NHS and ultimately save lives,” the spokeswoman said.
“In addition to our record investment in the NHS, this winter we will provide an additional £ 3 billion to maintain the growth capacity of the independent sector and Nightingale Hospital and another £ 450 million to upgrade and expand A & Es.”
