61 people on a flight of 600to the Netherlands tested positive for COVID-19 on screening flights from SA - variant status now being assessed. Not imposing mandatory quarantine from all regions including SA is a huge failure of UK policy. This variant is very likely widespread.
Even if it's here (which I think it likely is), we need to slow spread- and we seem to be doing nothing in the face of what is a fast changing situation. Why? This is precious time for acting, and planning next steps, to protect the public in an evolving situation.
We need comprehensive mandatory border quarantines from all regions, mask mandates (high-grade masks), mitigations in schools (masks, ventilation, bubbles, quarantine for contacts), caps on large gatherings, and speed up of boosters, vaccines to kids.
and strong surveillance efforts both on borders, and within the community.
Even today, people coming in on flights can self isolate at home- no mandatory quarantine needed. This means spread can happen in households and onward. Can't afford this with a 10% positivity rate, and a new potentially more fit variant.
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