1. Labour called for the lockdown. We were concerned social distancing measures were not being adhered to. We will continue to argue easing of restrictions must be done gradually with caution and safely.
2. This virus hasn’t gone away, it could easily get out of control again. While we are past peak we still have thousands of cases daily and as the Deputy CMO indicated yesterday we still don’t fully understand why.
3. Hundreds are still losing their life to this horrific disease every week. We have one of the highest excess death rates in world (amongst nations that produce the data). 
4. As the weeks have unfolded it’s become clear the UK government was too slow to enter lockdown, too slow procuring adequate PPE, too slow on testing, too slow on test & trace which was abandoned mid March.
5. Indeed the Sunday Telegraph reminds us today: ‘The decision to give up on testing those with symptoms of coronavirus is now seen as the key reason the UK has the highest death rate in Europe.’
6. So grave mistakes have been made and ministers need to reassure the public they have learnt from mistakes and not making similar errors again.
7. For example we still aren’t testing all healthcare workers routinely. We learnt today 62% of care home staff haven’t been tested at all. So much for the ‘protective ring’ around social care ministers boast of.
thetimes.co.uk/article/staff-…
thetimes.co.uk/article/staff-…
8. Ministers say they have now hit 200,000 tests but this is capacity not actual tests carried out. Some of it is antibody tests not the PCR test for those who currently have virus. Some of it is tests for surveys. It’s not 200,000 diagnostics tests carried out ministers imply.
9. Boris Johnson is pressing ahead with easing lockdown despite reservations amongst public health experts. We need an effective test, trace and isolate regime in place locally led and driven. But as @stevereedMP said today it’s still not ready.
10. Nor are adequate financial support plans in place for those who need to isolate from decent sick pay or even help with accomodation. I recently put forward 10 recommendations for what’s needed overall.
11. Test, trace and isolate is crucial to ensuring safe easing of lockdown. Thats demands we all adhere to public health advice. The government’s public health messaging has been completely undermined by its endorsement of Dominic Cummings.
12. Given the irresponsible backing of Cummings it’s perhaps no surprise we’ve seen photos of busy beaches and parks this weekend.
Ministers used to tell us they follow the science. Will they reverse the easing of lockdown measure if the R value now drifts above 1 as many fear?
Ministers used to tell us they follow the science. Will they reverse the easing of lockdown measure if the R value now drifts above 1 as many fear?
13. We also need greater support for those especially at risk from this virus. The poorest are disproportionately impacted. As are BAME communities who are more likely to die & more likely to admitted to ICU. We need a Covid Health Inequality strategy: independent.co.uk/news/health/co…
14. We need clarity for over 2 million highly vulnerable who are shielding. They are worried & want reassurance. Will govt publish the science behind allowing the shielded to leave the house. And why weren’t their GPs told? They deserve better than overnight press briefings.
15. Today ministers said all the steps they are taking have been modelled and the R value stays below 1. Given concerns they must now publish that modelling alongside place based modelling on the R value so local NHS staff and Directors of Public Health can plan accordingly.
16. Finally this is a critical week. This virus is deadly and spreads with speed. Please if you can #Stayhome and maintain social distancing when out and about. We must all follow the public health advice to save lives and reduce harm. Ends
