If data gives rise to doubt, end to lockdown must be delayed

Responding to the latest performance figures from NHS England, Danny Mortimer, deputy chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said:

“NHS teams, from GPs to paramedics, from community providers to hospitals, have achieved a phenomenal amount. While working in some of the toughest conditions they have ever faced, and simultaneously rolling out the vaccination programme at speed and scale, they managed to bring operations and other activity to 90 per cent of pre-pandemic levels by May, and treatment rates for cancer back to usual levels.

“However, with COVID-19 infections rising, and with more than 1,000 people now in hospital with the virus, the pressure on the health service is once again growing, and the Prime Minister now faces a very big decision. A third wave, no matter the size, will have an impact on the services the NHS can provide, especially as 5.1 million people are waiting to start treatment. If the data gives rise to any doubt, health leaders would urge him to take decisive action and delay the final lifting of lockdown restrictions.”