The Covid Winter Plan

The second coronavirus peak that we have seen around the world shows us all that we are going to be dealing with the coronavirus for the long-term.   That is why, during this period of national restrictions, the government has been working on a long-term, balanced approach which protects the NHS, keeps children in school and lets the economy get moving again. At the heart of that long-term and balanced approach is a return to the regional tier system. Adherence to these tiers is how we avoid another national lockdown.   It would be a mistake to keep the economy on ice and working people in suspended animation – we need to get things moving again. The government understands that national lockdowns are not cost-free. Not only do they have an enormous cost in terms of jobs and small businesses, they have a profound impact on peoples’ mental health and loneliness.   Only by keeping the virus under control through December, even when national restrictions fall away, can we be able to see friends and family over Christmas in a relatively safe way. As mass testing and vaccines are rolled out through winter and into the spring, the need for even localised restrictions will gradually reduce – and life can begin to return closer to normality.

Using the national lockdown to put us in the best possible position:

Preparing to rollout vaccinations as soon as they are found to be safe and effective. Next month, the vaccination programme will begin. The UK government has secured access to 355 million vaccine doses, and the NHS is gearing up to lead a national vaccination programme.   Making progress on mass testing, to help reduce the need for restrictions as a vaccine is rolled out. Britain now has capacity for 500,000 tests a day, and recently announced the creation of new two mega-labs, that will add a further 600,000 tests a day to the UK’s capacity when they are operation. The government will roll out mass testing to 13 million people before Christmas, allowing us to identify and isolate people who don’t have symptoms but are unwittingly spreading the virus.

Returning to the localised approach:

Ending the national restrictions on 2 December – true to our word. Thanks to the progress we’ve made on vaccines and mass testing, the stay at home order will end, collective worship can resume, and people will no longer be limited to seeing one other person in outdoor public spaces.   Re-introducing the localised approach after 2 December, in order to keep the virus under control. The virus is still present, and that means we need to keep some level of restrictions on a local level. If these are not in place then it could get out of control again before vaccines and mass testing have an impact. That would put at risk all our work to date. Our principle remains it’s right to target the toughest measures in the areas where the virus is most prevalent.   Making changes to the previous tiered system: The 10pm closing time for hospitality has been modified to last orders at 10pm and closing time at 11pm. This allows customers to depart in a staggered way and provides greater flexibility. Across all tiers, non-essential retail will be able to remain open and operate in a Covid-Secure way. Gyms will be allowed to remain open. Spectator sport can resume with capacity limits and social distancing, providing more consistency with indoor performances in theatres and concert halls.   Strengthening the tiers in order to keep the virus under control. The scientific advice is also clear that, while the previous tiers reduced the R rate, they were not quite enough to bring R below 1. The tiers therefore need to be toughened in some ways to keep the virus under control: In tier 1, the government will encourage people to minimise travel and reinforce the importance of working from home where possible. In tier 2, alcohol may only be served in hospitality settings as part of a substantial meal. In tier 3, hospitality will close except for delivery and takeaway, and indoor entertainment venues must also close.   Publishing clear indicators to determine which tier an area enters into, and how areas can move between tiers thereafter. These tiers are designed to keep the R below 1 and therefore allow areas to move down the tiers, rather than simply escalate as the epidemic grows. We are publishing clear indicators which will determine the tier each area will go into on 2 December and how areas move between tiers thereafter.   Prioritising tier 3 areas for mass testing. We know how frustrating it has been for people living in areas which have had some form of restrictions since the summer, and will therefore prioritise tier 3 areas for the rollout of mass testing. Up to 13 million people will be offered two tests each before Christmas.