Covid-19 Update

The impact of coronavirus has been deeply felt, yet the national restrictions are being eased. Alongside this, local action is increasing: shutting hospitals to new admissions due to clusters, closing GP surgeries, meat processing factories, and supporting local directors with statutory powers. The system includes three levels of spread: individual cases managed by NHS Test and Trace, clusters managed locally, and outbreaks assessed at the local action committee command structure. In Leicester, where cases have risen despite national declines, additional measures are being taken including mobile testing units, funding for enhanced communications, support for self-isolation, and stricter implementation of covid-secure guidance. Non-essential retail and schools will close in Leicester from 1 July, with shielding measures also paused. These decisions are aimed at protecting the people of Leicester and controlling the virus locally.

Expressed concerns about the delay in response to the Leicester outbreak and urged for a faster approach. Highlighted the need for close collaboration between central government, Public Health England, local authorities, and local directors of public health with rapid access to testing data, including ethnicity and occupation details. Raised issues around clarity and transparency regarding lockdown measures announced by the Prime Minister's office. Supported the extension of lockdown measures but sought clarification on enforcement powers and financial support for affected businesses and employees. Emphasised the city’s vulnerability due to demographic factors such as high child poverty rates and overcrowded housing, calling for extra testing resources and targeted support for at-risk occupations. Also asked about accommodation for those required to self-isolate in multi-generational households and provision of home-testing kits.

Acknowledged the constructive approach taken by opposition members regarding Leicester's outbreak. Announced additional measures including increased testing units and a two-week review period. Confirmed the use of statutory instruments to enforce new restrictions, committed to updates on progress, and addressed concerns over communication strategies, emphasising the importance of cultural diversity in public health messaging. Noted that Leicester had higher virus prevalence than other cities despite similar testing levels.

Expressed support for actions taken but questioned the effectiveness of routine antibody testing regimes for NHS staff as it may take up to three weeks for antibodies to be detected, raising concerns about preventing asymptomatic transmission.

Expressed concerns about the accuracy and timeliness of covid-19 data in Leicester, highlighting that Public Health England's combined data reveals significantly more cases than previously reported. Criticised the Government for publishing false information on their website, questioning how it is safe to reopen pubs and restaurants without accurate data.

Responded to concerns about data accuracy by stating that all available data is shared with local public health teams in Leicester. Emphasised the importance of combining NHS and commercial lab test results for an accurate picture, and committed to publishing comprehensive data soon.

Asked about delays in providing testing kits to vulnerable groups such as elderly people and those with disabilities living in supported accommodation. Criticised the slow rollout of testing despite previous commitments from the Government.

Expressed gratitude for swift action taken regarding Leicester, noting the low case numbers in his area due to voluntary sacrifices made by community groups. Asked about measures being put in place to encourage others to exercise caution.

Asked whether restrictions might be reimposed elsewhere if local outbreaks are identified, expressing support for the Government's decision on Leicester and hoping for more freedom without undue risks.

Questioned why postcode-based data was not available in real-time to help manage outbreaks effectively. Highlighted the importance of demographic information, particularly ethnicity, in addressing local issues like those in Leicester.

Asked about the seriousness of taking wider measures beyond Leicester given that packed beaches and public transport without masks may lead to new outbreaks. Inquired about the Government's preparedness to implement similar local restrictions elsewhere.

Cited significantly higher mortality rates among disabled people compared to non-disabled individuals, especially those in poverty. Requested an immediate analysis of the impact of covid on disabled people living in poverty and sought data from social security claimants.

Asked for factors behind the high infection rate in Leicester, and questioned whether these factors would be shared with other local resilience forums. Also asked about the vulnerability of children in Leicester compared to elsewhere.

Asked about cross-border cooperation with Wales in addressing outbreaks.

Inquired whether directors of public health should have access to comprehensive datasets in real time for identifying clusters.

Asked if businesses impacted by local lockdowns can continue to use the existing furlough scheme.

Called on people visiting Blackpool beach to respect social distancing rules and maintain basic decency, such as taking away their litter.

Questioned the delay in publishing data on testing numbers for 39 days and requested more transparency regarding local testing centres' performance.

Asked about measures being developed to support care homes facing financial difficulties due to the pandemic.

Inquired about confidence in reaching a low base of cases by winter, similar to Scotland's current situation.

Asked for reassurance that lessons are being learned from local outbreaks like Leicester’s and will be passed on to other areas, with a commitment to further action if needed.

Asked for details on how future lockdowns will work after 1 August, particularly regarding furlough support availability.

Called for continued adherence to social distancing and alertness post-lockdown easing, to avoid reimposing restrictions.

Asked about ensuring economic support is available during local lockdowns and proposed targeted relief measures for affected businesses, like a VAT holiday.

Requested guarantees of full testing data being shared with every local authority, GP, director of public health without time lag.

Confirmed that the data on Covid-19 was made available to all councils last week, subject to a data protection agreement.

Asked for confirmation that funding promised to Leicester city and Leicestershire County Council will also be distributed to affected district councils like Blaby District Council, and inquired about the impact on areas outside Leicester.

Stated that exact details of which wards are included in measures would be published soon. The funding decision is being made by Leicestershire County Council with Public Health England (PHE). He agreed to look into the point raised about financial support for district and borough councils.

Asked on a point of order if there was a way to put it on record that the Minister had incorrect information when he stated earlier that no confirmed cases of Covid-19 existed among people in Glasgow hotels. She mentioned her constituent who has been isolated with Covid-19 in a city centre hotel.