New Government COVID plan continues to be behind the curve

Commenting on the Government's COVID winter plan Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Christine McHugh reminded last week's Local Outbreak Engagement Board that "The national Government's response has been behind the curve throughout the pandemic, reacting too late to trends that were in fact obvious. Despite the success of the vaccines and vaccine rollout, the latest figures show there are over 10 times the number of cases, 16 times the number of hospitalisations and 3 times as many deaths now compared with the same time last year. In addition, national commentators are saying hospitals are currently operating close to winter-level pressures before winter has even begun."

Councillor Christine McHugh added "While the Government has always been playing catch up, locally we have continued to be appropriately cautious. I believe that most of the precautions in the Government's Plan B, such as wearing face-coverings on public transport and other confined spaces, and a balance between working from home and returning to the workplace, should really be included in Plan A. This would allow us to stay ahead of the curve and alleviate pressure on the NHS."

Councillor McHugh asked that "Local people continue to take care - get vaccinated, wash hands, wear masks, keep distance and meet outside if possible."

For more information on the latest COVID-19 advice, visit https://www.bedford.gov.uk/social-care-health-and-community/public-health/coronavirus/