The Prime Minister today (Monday 13 September) outlined the government’s plan to manage Covid outbreaks this winter.

What has been outlined by the Prime Minister isn’t a winter plan to manage Covid or the effects that it might have on the NHS. The plan didn’t detail how the government will tackle the record NHS waiting lists or social care issues.

They seem to chop and change on a whim and are now introducing guidance that mask should be worn in crowded settings, after removing this requirement just months ago. Covid rates across the country are nearly as high as they were this time last year, and what we need is for the government to be clear and concise with what is required so we do not see a return to national or even regional lockdowns, which saw the North of England hit the hardest.

There needs to be a clear strategy to drive up the rates of vaccinations in those who are eligible and to not put all our hopes on booster vaccinations for the few.