Thank you for contacting me about the COVID-19 outbreak.
Thanks to the phenomenal success of the vaccination programme, the data shows the link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths has weakened significantly. We have always known, however, that the winter months would pose a challenge and I know that many of my constituents are concerned about the rising level of cases we are seeing.
I am assured that the Government is committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure that the pressure we are beginning to see on our NHS does not become unsustainable and they are monitoring the data very closely. Plan B contingency measures will not be implemented at this point but I know that the Government is staying vigilant and preparing for all eventualities.
While it is true that we are experiencing higher levels of daily cases, it is also true that we are in a much better position to fight this virus, following our incredible vaccine rollout and the rollout of new treatments.
Vaccines will continue to be the first line of defence and I welcome recent extensions to the vaccination programme which will ensure even more people can be protected. I urge all those eligible for their first, second or booster, vaccine, to come forward as soon as possible. It is also encouraging that the Government has been able to secure two new antiviral treatments, which, subject to approval, are expected to be given to those most at risk from the virus.
For now, I urge everyone to continue to play their part in keeping this virus under control, by meeting outdoors where possible, letting fresh air indoors, wearing a face covering in crowded places with people you do not know and taking regular rapid tests.
Lockdown
Source: COVID-19 Response: Autumn and Winter Plan, 14/09/21
The country is learning to live with COVID-19, and the main line of defence is now vaccination rather than lockdown. I know that the Government believes that it should be possible to handle a further resurgence of COVID-19 with less damaging measures than the lockdowns and economic and social restrictions deployed in the past. This is welcome and I hope provides some reassurance as we move into the winter period.
Plan B
Source: COVID-19 Response: Autumn and Winter Plan, 14/09/21
If the data suggests the NHS is likely to come under unsustainable pressure, the Government has prepared a Plan B for England. I believe this is a sensible approach. I understand that the Government’s objective is to avoid a rise in COVID-19 hospitalisations that would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS. Thanks to the success of the vaccination programme, it should be possible to handle a further resurgence with less damaging measures than the lockdowns and economic and social restrictions deployed in the past. It is welcome that the Government has committed to providing prior notice as far as possible to the public and Parliament ahead of implementing any necessary changes in a Plan B scenario. I will continue to monitor the situation closely and ensure that the views of my constituents are heard as we move forward.
Craig Whittaker MP
October 2021