Be honest on our exit
For months, the Government’s message has been focused on saving lives and protecting the NHS. This made sense — if our hospitals became overwhelmed, the consequences would be catastrophic.
Yet, a combination of a third national lockdown and the preliminary impact of the successful vaccine roll-out has driven hospitalisation and infection rates down across the country.
There were 9,765 new Covid-19 cases yesterday, with the seven-day rolling total down 29 per cent on the previous week. Some — like Tory MP Steve Baker — see this as enough evidence to open up faster.
We understand the immense frustration felt by everyone and share their desire to see restrictions lifted and normality restored. Yet the Government is right to be cautious.
Things have changed, as Boris Johnson set out yesterday. Firstly, allowing the virus to linger increases the risk of new variants, which we know can be more contagious and potentially more resistant to the current generation of vaccines.
Secondly, we must reduce the risk of the virus circulating in older groups which would send hospitalisations soaring again. Indeed, modelling from Imperial College London suggests that we could experience a further wave of deaths this summer if restrictions are lifted too soon, in spite of the successful vaccine roll-out.
And Israel, one of the most successful countries in terms of vaccine deployment, still demonstrates the precarious nature of Covid progress, with the majority of its new cases now seeming to be in its young population. What is crucial now is that ministers more clearly communicate their change in approach.
A gradual exit from lockdown based on the science — in combination with vaccine passports — is our best chance of enjoying a great British summer and of avoiding a repeat of this long, hard winter.
Confusion breeds mistrust. The Government must spell it out. Not communicate Easter holiday trips one day and then talk of variants and longer lockdowns the next. Hard truths, backed by facts is what is required. Not confusion.
