Masks in crowded places could be made mandatory under Plan B (Zac Goodwin/PA)
(Picture: PA Wire)Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng today “categorically” ruled out a new winter lockdown, defying calls from scientists and NHS chiefs to enact “Plan B” Covid restrictions as cases increase.
Kwarteng went so far as to encourage businesses to book Christmas parties, insisting the season would play out “as usual” despite fears of a growing health crisis.
But Professor Adam Finn, a member of the Government’s vaccination advisory body the JCVI, warned that the UK was “very close to the edge of the cliff” in terms of controlling the pandemic. He warned politicians to further encourage people to wear face masks indoors, to avoid large indoor gatherings and to keep taking regular LFTs.
“In England in particular the subliminal message is that it’s all over and everyone has gone back to normal,” said Professor Finn of Bristol University. “This is not over. There’s more viral transmission going on now than at any other point in the pandemic.”
But what do you think? Should the Government enact its Covid Plan B, or are these measures too cautious? Let us know your view in the comments for the chance to be featured on the ES website tomorrow.
