How will we respond to new variants?
UK data has been highly valued by the global community. We are simply closing our eyes allowing more spread and taking our chances.
What about @LongCovidSOS?
They require NHS resources and are becoming more Clinically Vulnerable.
How will we improve the death rate?
~200 deaths a day.
Closing our eyes won't make it go away.
The @CovidJusticeUK bereaved families wall will continue to grow.
6/
2 years into the pandemic and the most depressing thing is that we have so many answers thanks to our amazing scientists.
We aren't talking about #covidzero (yet) but reducing transmission *is* possible.
This thread aims to share our members thoughts, each struggling with the broad and significant impacts of the announcement to be made today by Boris Johnson in the HoC.
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"End of any freedom with covid has now been stolen for the vulnerable."
"The mental health of my children going to school will now spiral downwards uncontrollably."
This is particularly concerning attendance targets are already driving many headteachers to threaten vulnerable households with fines and prosecutions.
He emphasises the fact that schools must not use the following mitigations: bubbles or isolation of contacts.
Whilst insisting on the need to improve attendance "maximising school attendance a top priority" in a #Pandemic.
2/
Next, something we have been pushing for (if only it wasn't in that same paragraph demanding attendance). An acceptance that vulnerable children have been impacted more than others. * although no mention of children in vulnerable households.
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🧵A letter, signed by Prof Jennifer Harries OBE, has informed parents of Clinically Extremely Vulnerable children that they are not CEV anymore.
Even being identified as needing a vaccine isn't a reason to shield.
NB/ Many (12-15) have still not received a first dose yet. 1/
Seeking to reassure parents
"Recent clinical studies have shown that children & young people are at very low risk of serious illness if they catch the virus. We are pleased to let you know that your child is therefore no longer considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable" 2/
...before the big blow...
"It is important that your child continues to attend their school or other educational settings."
* With a caveat that actually maybe your child is still CEV and "will still have to isolate or reduce their social contact".
#vax4kids #MasksInSchool
T&T billions supporting in-school contact tracing
HEPA
Quarantine of those taking PCRs
OR of households with +ves
Updates on Delta symptoms
Reductions in class sizes
How can CV/CEV households keep safe exposed by schools?
"The JCVI recommends vaccines for children 12-15 who have severe neurodisabilities, Down's Syndrome immunosuppression and profound or multiple learning disabilities."
1/
"The JCVI advice also recommends offering the vaccine to children and young people aged 12-17 who live with someone who is immunosuppressed."
2/
Whilst this is a start and we welcome the offering of vaccines to these children to protect incredibly vulnerable families, we feel this does not go far enough.
CV/CEV households all need #vax4kids urgently. We don't understand the risks posed by all of these vulnerabilities.
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