A rally in Manchester today (Saturday) called on the government to implement a 'zero Covid strategy' by introducing stricter measures to save lives.
The small gathering in Piccadilly Gardens is said to have mirrored events held across the country.
Support for the call is said to have been garnered from doctors, scientists, students and trade unions - with organisers criticising what they called the hovernment's 'reckless return to regional tier measures'.
They said it would be 'many months' before most UK citizens are vaccinated, and there wasn't yet evidence whether a vaccine would prevent transmission as well as protect against illness.
"Stronger measures are needed to reduce community infection near to zero," said the campaigners.
"This would save lives and livelihoods, and avoid on-off lockdowns dragging on for months."
The campaign is demanding:
- More effective restrictions
- Better test and trace
- Better pay for people isolating and/or unable to work
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Fully compensated closure of inessential workplaces
-
Proper safety measures in open workplaces
"The aim should be to wipe out Covid in the UK, minimising deaths and serious illnesses until the vaccination programme is rolled out next year," the campaigners said.
Protests were also planned in Edinburgh, London, Newcastle, Preston and Wellingborough - as well as an online rally.
Junior doctor Emma Runswick spoke at the event in a personal capacity and is a member of the steering committee of the Zero Covid campaign.
She said: "In Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Vietnam and other countries with a zero covid strategy, people will be enjoying their holiday season without fear.
"This is because their governments adopted the zero covid strategy and have achieved near elimination of the virus."
New daily infections are reducing, but Greater Manchester remains in the third tier of restrictions.
Speakers at the Piccadilly Gardens event included Chris Neville, from the People's Assembly, Hilda Palmer, from the Hazards Campaign, Dalbir Dhillon from the RMT union, Ian Allinso from Manchester TUC and John Pearson, from Greater Manchester Keep Our NHS Public.
