“Do you think you’ll be able to look after a constituency. You don’t even seem to be able to look after yourself.”
Shambolic charm has worked for the PM all his life, but facing the worst public health crisis in a century, it rapidly loses its appeal. /1
Shambolic charm has worked for the PM all his life, but facing the worst public health crisis in a century, it rapidly loses its appeal. /1
The govt knew about #COVID19 at the start of January.
Here, @MattHancock says he realised it was “the single biggest issue that's about to hit us.”
“Did you tell the Prime Minister?@KayBurley asks.
“Yes,” he replies. “I told him right at the start.”
/2
Here, @MattHancock says he realised it was “the single biggest issue that's about to hit us.”
“Did you tell the Prime Minister?@KayBurley asks.
“Yes,” he replies. “I told him right at the start.”
/2
A month after the first warnings, the PM mentions #coronavirus.
Is he concerned thousands may die?
No. His worry is that it could trigger reactions “that go beyond what is medically rational to the point of doing real & unnecessary economic damage.”
/3
Is he concerned thousands may die?
No. His worry is that it could trigger reactions “that go beyond what is medically rational to the point of doing real & unnecessary economic damage.”
/3
Whilst the #GreenwichSpeech👆on 3 Feb offered a hint of govt #COVID19 strategy to come, @BorisJohnson made it more explicit on 5 March when he told @Schofe:
"One of the theories is that perhaps you could take it on the chin, take it all in one go.”
/4
"One of the theories is that perhaps you could take it on the chin, take it all in one go.”
/4
This interview👆shows levels of public concern (on 5 March) at the delay.
Why no action/lockdown?
A week later, the govt gave the answer (via @Peston): “The strategy of the UK govt is to allow the virus to pass through the entire population so that we acquire herd immunity.”
/5
Why no action/lockdown?
A week later, the govt gave the answer (via @Peston): “The strategy of the UK govt is to allow the virus to pass through the entire population so that we acquire herd immunity.”
/5
Herd immunity is a form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a large % of a population gets immunity, via previous infections or vaccination.
As an “outcome” #HerdImmunity makes sense.
As a “strategy” it will kill thousands.
/6
As an “outcome” #HerdImmunity makes sense.
As a “strategy” it will kill thousands.
/6
It was a massive gamble on an unknown disease:
- take it on the chin
- gain herd immunity
- restart the economy without the need for repeated lockdowns
With #HerdImmunity, testing & tracing aren’t so important.
Maintaining infection rates is vital.
/7
- take it on the chin
- gain herd immunity
- restart the economy without the need for repeated lockdowns
With #HerdImmunity, testing & tracing aren’t so important.
Maintaining infection rates is vital.
/7
#COVID19 wasn’t “an unexpected & invisible mugger”
We were warned
by scientists
by WHO
by intelligence reports
by Exercise Cygnus
by Italy & Spain
Our govt made a political decision
It chose - & is STILL choosing to pursue - a #HerdImmunity strategy
8/
We were warned
by scientists
by WHO
by intelligence reports
by Exercise Cygnus
by Italy & Spain
Our govt made a political decision
It chose - & is STILL choosing to pursue - a #HerdImmunity strategy
8/
