'There just isn’t a trade-off' between the economy and health, says Matt Hancock

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Matt Hancock insisted “there just isn’t a trade-off” between the economy and health as he unveiled his plans to protect social care services.

The Health Secretary denied there was any trade-off between protecting the economy and protecting health as the government gradually eases lockdown restrictions.

It comes after scientists warned against lifting restrictions too early and a new analysis that showed transmission levels rising in the North West.

Mr Hancock told Monday’s Downing Street briefing: “If we don't have control of this virus then the economy will suffer yet more.

The Secretary of State also announced an extension of the coronavirus testing regime in English care homes
Parliament UK

“It is just simplistic to say that there is a trade-off between the economy and health. A second spike would be hugely damaging to the economy. Of course, there are arguments over timing.

“But ... things are moving in the right direction, that is why we are able to say that coronavirus is in retreat.”

Mr Hancock told MPs today that coronavirus was "in retreat across the land" and said the virus's reproduction rate was below one in all regions in the country.

He said this meant the government could proceed with plans to ease the lockdown, which includes opening non-essential shops from June 15.

He said an almost 50 per cent fall in the number of new care home outbreaks was "good news" but added: "We must be vigilant and we must be cautious, and we are taking a safety-first approach."

The Secretary of State has also announced an extension of the coronavirus testing regime in English care homes.

He said "adult" care homes would now be included in the plan after getting staff and residents in elderly care settings tests early this month.

He said the government had already sent more than a million test kits to almost 9,000 elderly care homes and on the extension he said: "We will now make sure that we do all of this in working age care homes as well.

"I can announce that from today all remaining adult care homes in England will be able to order the whole care home testing service for residents and staff.

"This service will benefit residents and staff in over 6,000 more care homes."

The Health Secretary also insisted that it is safe for people to send their loved ones into care homes.

He said: "With all of the measures that we've put in place over the past few months, all of the billions of pounds extra that we've put in, it's clear that the epidemic in care homes is coming under control."

It comes as just 55 coronavirus deaths were recorded in the UK over 24 hours, according to new government figures, marking the lowest daily reported death toll since lockdown measures were introduced.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said 40,597 people had died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Sunday, up by 55 from 40,542 the day before.

Meanwhile, no deaths from coronavirus were reported by London hospitals yesterday – the first time this has happened for three months.

Mr Hancock said if there are local flare ups of Covid-19, the government was ready to take action. He told the briefing: "This will mean, for instance, action in particular hospitals or particular care homes to make sure there is control of those outbreaks."

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