Going back to stage 2 restrictions would be utterly unacceptable.
This would ban all indoor hospitality and limit outdoor hospitality to rule of 6 and forced table service. It would close nightclubs and reduce weddings and wakes to a maximum of 15 people.
It cannot be allowed.
If the Prime Minister were to implement this Tory MPs would be right to send in their letters and bring him down.
I get the feeling that he won't do it. Whoever is briefing this might be trying to roll the pitch to make lesser restrictions sound less bad by comparison.
That is not to say Omicron poses no risk, it does.
Government communications must be focussed on avoiding a national super spreading, vulnerable infecting, NHS breaking weekend.
My own view is that formal restrictions are not necessary if guidance can be issued aimed at squashing Xmas peak.
Vulnerable should be issued shielding advice and extra bank holiday in January created to provide option of alternate family gathering date. mailplus.co.uk/edition/commen…
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Watch Lord Frost set out the UK's EU demands live on GB News in two mins time. 👀
Lord Frost: As we look at Europe from the UK, the geopolitics of the UK's position as an offshore island come to the forefront.
Frost:
1. Brexit will change our patterns of interest/relationships 2. Brexit means competition 3. Brexit is about democracy 4. The EU and UK have got to a 'low equilibrium' relationship. *Can* be improved 5. Fixing NI Protocol is prerequisite to getting to better relationship
Good to see fresh air is *FINALLY* front and centre of public advice.
That safer behaviour advice in order:
🪟1. Let fresh air in if you meet indoors.
😷2. Wear a face covering.
🧪3. Get tested, isolate if positive.
🏠4. Stay home if you're unwell.
🤲5. Wash hands.
📱6. Download the contact tracing app.
"Senior officials and advisers such as me fell disastrously short."
Cummings personally apologises for any part he played in Govt failure at start of the pandemic.
"In retrospect it is completely obvious that many many institutions failed."
Praises Taiwan's swift action in January. Highlights the West's failure to "see the smoke".
By late Jan, Cummings raised Covid concerns but apologises for not following up and pushing as much as he could.
Govt claims of brilliant preparations stopped further prioritisation (Global Health Security Index ranked the UK as best in world for pandemic preparedness in 2019).
💉On track to offer vaccine to all adults by end of July
💉💉For all over 50s, vaccine uptake is **94%**
💻Enthusiasm among those in late 40s briefly overloaded booking website last week
🛡️**98%** of 70-84 y/os now have antibodies
🚨🇮🇳India now on red hotel quarantine list from Friday.
Many will ask why not today.
10 million second doses now done.
💉💉3/4 over 75s have had second jabs.
💉💉4/5 over 80s have had second jabs.
Concern: care home staff vaccine uptake below 80% in half of care homes. Consultation taking place on mandating jabs for those on front line in care homes.