THE LABOUR MP for Coventry South is calling on Health Secretary to impose a ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown to stop the spread of the virus.
Zara Sultana urged the action during a statement in the House of Commons by Matt Hancock, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
It came as the Sage committee, the Government’s chief scientific advisors, recommended the two to three-week restrictions to stem infection.
It has been mooted it could be done during half-term but so far the Government, although introducing the three tier system and further curbs, has said it would not back the ‘circuit breaker’ suggestion at this time.
Ms Sultana highlighted that “In March the Government was advised by the Sage committee to lockdown.
“The Government delayed by a week and senior scientists estimate that the delay cost tens of thousands of lives. I fear the same mistakes are being made again.”
Prof Neil Ferguson, who sat on Sage in March, claimed locking down a week earlier – on March 16, rather that March 23, would have saved 20,000 lives.
Ms Sultana, in the same Parliamentary session, also called for new economic support to protect jobs and businesses.
“Cases are rapidly rising in Coventry and across the country.
“The Government has let the virus get out of control. To protect lives and livelihoods, the Government must urgently introduce a circuit breaker lockdown and new economic support.
“This should be focused at assisting jobs and businesses in Coventry struggling with the restrictions, such as in hospitality.”
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