The major UK trade union, British Medical Association, recently released a report with recommendations of post-lockdown measures. Here are the biggest suggestions made:
- Replacement of the ‘Rule of 6’ with a Rule of 2 to reduce household mixing
- A ban on travel between different local lockdown tiers
- An increase in the budget of Test and Trade to ensure it is fit for purpose
- Replacement of ‘guidance’ with rules to ensure public places such as pubs are Covid-secure
- Continue to encourage people who can to work from home
BMA warns that “rapid relaxation” and “inadequate monitoring” are the biggest mistakes of the first lockdown and that this time, the cost of repeating those mistakes could be much higher.
What does the UK Government say so far?
Currently opinions vary on the best way to move forward. The Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick, is inclined to “significantly ease” coronavirus controls. Pulling in the opposite direction is Susan Hopkins, the Public Health England director and NHS Test and Trace chief medical adviser, who encourages the government to “strengthen” the three-tier system introduced in October.
There is also a certain sense of empathy towards families wanting to visit their loved ones this season and it is considered alongside the measures to control the spread.
Next week, the government will be reviewing the number of cases and the strain on the NHS to decide on the guidelines after lockdown ends on 2nd December. A spokesman stated that we will definitely be seeing an easing of restrictions and perhaps a return to the regional tier system subject to local data trends.
Read more on this here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-54973530