A Greater Manchester MP has expressed concern over the ‘full reopening’ that is set to be confirmed for July 19 later today.
Kate Green, MP for Stretford and Urmston, said in a recent blog post that she felt the latest ‘determination to press ahead’ with the plans were ‘reckless’.
The Prime Minister will hold a press conference later this afternoon to confirm the final stage of his roadmap out of lockdown.
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The final stage is set to include previously announced plans to remove all coronavirus restrictions on gatherings including social distancing measures and the requirement of face masks.
The Stretford and Urmston MP said in a blog post on Monday (July 12) that she feels face masks should still be mandatory on public transport.
Ms Green wrote: “Ministers seem determined to press ahead with full reopening on 19 July, and while I’m as keen as anyone to see businesses reopen, and entertainments and hospitality fully operational in time for the summer holidays, it’s reckless to remove all the mitigations at once.
“That’s why Labour has called for mandatory mask-wearing on public transport to continue, for better ventilation systems in buildings used by the public, for proper financial support for people who lose earnings if they have to self isolate, and for the test and trace system to be brought up to scratch.”
In the blog post, the MP announced that she had spent the last week self-isolating after coming into contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus.
She added: “It wasn’t until 5 days after I’d been in contact with someone who had tested positive that I was notified, so the system isn’t working as swiftly and effectively as it should.”
The Labour MP said that she also felt it was ‘vitally important that every possible mitigation is put in place’ with regards to children in school.
Ms Green said: “With the end of term fast approaching, there isn’t much time to put measures in place, and the government needs to be planning now for the arrangements that will be needed in September.
“That includes on-site testing in schools, but it will be essential that heads get the support they need to set that up, and receive early notice of the requirements so they can prepare.”
She said that if the previously announced plans for the final stage of the roadmap out of lockdown do come into effect from July 19, she will continue to practice social distancing.
“I’ll continue to practise social distancing and wear a mask to minimise the spread of infection as much as I can,” Ms Green added.
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