Government must be prepared to adjust lockdown easing timetable

Commenting on developments around the Indian variant of COVID-19, Danny Mortimer, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “With growing concern around the spread of the Indian variant of COVID-19, the Government must be guided by the data. If there is any indication that the spread is no longer sufficiently under control, it must be prepared to adjust the timetable for easing lockdown, however unpopular that decision may be. There is also the real risk that the virus could mutate further if allowed to spread unchecked.
  
“In the meantime, it is vitally important that everyone who is eligible is encouraged to get vaccinated. Vaccination remains one of our strongest defences against the virus, and in areas where vaccine confidence is low, we need to see clear, consistent information, and to ensure that getting access to a jab is as easy as possible. The programme must also be supported by a strong test and trace system. The virus is still in circulation, which means we will need people power and expertise to shore up the test and trace system to help halt surges. The NHS cannot afford another spike like the one seen earlier this year. 
  
“If we are asking people to stay at home, they need to be properly supported so they can afford to do so, especially as many of the areas worst affected by the spread of the Indian variant are those with the highest levels of deprivation.”