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Covid-19 Update
12 July 2021
Lead MP
Sajid Javid
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHSEconomyMental Health
Other Contributors: 46
At a Glance
Sajid Javid raised concerns about covid-19 update in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Sajid Javid congratulated the England football team and condemned racism. He then updated the House on the progress towards easing pandemic restrictions, emphasising the success of the vaccination programme which has administered over 18 million doses in seven months. Despite rising cases due to the delta variant, hospitalisations are lower than previous waves thanks to vaccines. The minister stated that easing restrictions is necessary and responsible to balance harms caused by restrictions and to support mental health and economic recovery. He outlined plans for certification systems at events, guidance for vulnerable individuals, and a review in September. Emphasising caution, he highlighted the need for personal responsibility like wearing face coverings in crowded indoor settings.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
The MP asked about the minister's advice on the use of face coverings in places like shops or public transport. He also questioned the statement that there would be a one-way journey out of restrictions and expressed concern over rising infections.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid responded by recommending masks should still be worn in crowded indoor settings where social distancing is not possible, despite lifting some restrictions. He emphasised that while there may be bumps along the way, the overall direction remains towards easing restrictions.
Diana Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North
Question
The MP asked about support for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and if they would face isolation requirements similar to other close contacts. She also inquired about guidance on working from home.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid assured that the government will continue to provide specific advice and support for those deemed clinically extremely vulnerable, including any necessary isolation measures based on medical advice.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Question
The MP questioned the readiness of the NHS for an increase in admissions due to rising cases and requested clarity on what would be considered 'unsustainable pressure'. He also raised concerns about the impact on cancer care.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid acknowledged the concern but stated that hospitalisations are currently lower than previous waves, thanks to vaccinations. The government will continue to monitor closely and provide support to ensure healthcare services remain effective.
Central Ayrshire
Question
The MP raised concerns about the risk of new variants and questioned whether the current vaccination programme would be sufficient to protect against such risks.
Minister reply
Sajid Javid confirmed that while there are risks, the government will maintain strict border measures and expand genomic sequencing capacity. The emphasis is on continuous monitoring and adaptation.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Delyn
Question
The MP questioned the Government's approach as high-risk, citing potential daily infections of up to 100,000 and possible thousands suffering from long covid. He pointed out that hospital admissions have increased since July, impacting NHS capacity. The shadow Secretary also highlighted concerns about vaccine hesitancy among younger people and questioned when adolescents would be vaccinated.
Minister reply
The Health Secretary responded by agreeing with the need for a balanced approach but emphasised that there is no risk-free way forward. He noted that hospitalisations are rising at a slower rate due to high vaccination coverage, especially among adults over 40 years old. He assured continued support for financial assistance and stressed that there are no plans to charge for lateral flow tests.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming
Question
The MP questioned the unknowns associated with long covid, vaccine escape, and potential new variants. He asked if the Secretary of State would take decisive action if the data deteriorates.
Minister reply
The Health Secretary assured that if the risk matrix changes due to variants or other factors, the Government will not hesitate to take appropriate actions.
Central Ayrshire
Question
Asked the Health Secretary to explain how he will avoid a surge in cases putting pressure on health services, and expressed concerns about new variants and long covid. Also questioned why mandatory mask-wearing is being ended.
Minister reply
Acknowledged hospitalisation rates would rise but argued they would be much lower due to vaccination. Emphasised better treatments are available now compared to the beginning of the pandemic. Stated guidance will be clear regarding masks.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
Asked if the Secretary of State would review self-isolation rules for those who have been vaccinated twice and tested negative.
Minister reply
Confirmed a change to self-isolation rules will be announced on 16 August.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
Asked what support and guidance would be given to the clinically extremely vulnerable people after restrictions are lifted.
Minister reply
Stated advice for these individuals is being published today.
Question
Expressed concern about hospitalisation data not distinguishing between those in hospital with or without covid as the primary cause, urging for this to be fixed urgently.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the point and confirmed advice on clearer data is being sought.
Question
Asked for help in encouraging more medical students to choose general practice.
Minister reply
Agreed and stated commitment to 50 million more appointments and having more GPs.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton, Pavilion
Question
Asked why the Government was weakening measures despite caution being vital, questioning the reliance on natural infection for immunity.
Minister reply
Responded that it is a balanced and measured approach.
Question
Asked if rapid steps could be taken to revise guidance on steroid inhalers for reducing severity of covid symptoms.
Minister reply
Confirmed clinical guidelines allowing inhaled steroids on a case-by-case basis have been published today.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
Question
Asked how many hospitalisations and long-term cases would be expected if daily infections reach 100,000.
Minister reply
Estimated 30,000 daily infections currently lead to around 400 hospitalisations. Last time at this level, more than 2,000 were hospitalized per day.
Question
Asked for clarification on data regarding hospital admissions due to or with covid.
Minister reply
Confirmed better data will be provided as soon as possible distinguishing between primary diagnosis and incidental positives.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Question
The recent report from the Health and Social Care Committee on NHS staff burnout showed that low pay was a particular issue for care workers, and that most NHS staff were working unpaid hours on top of their contracts. How does the Secretary of State plan to clear the backlog and fill the 40,000 nursing and 112,000 care worker vacancies if this Government continue to say no to the pay rise that NHS heroes like Brendan’s dad deserve?
Minister reply
I agree with the hon. Lady that NHS workers have been heroes of the crisis and need to be paid properly. The backlog and future work necessitate addressing these issues, and we will set out our response to the pay review recommendations.
Question
I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement about a pilot scheme for testing and releasing contacts of people with covid. He knows that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster was a beneficiary of this scheme. Will he say what the results of the pilot have been, and when it might be available to others?
Minister reply
I thank my right hon. Friend for his support and confirm that while we continue to review the data from the pilot scheme, we also announced flexibilities for double-vaccinated people from 16 August onwards.
Question
There will be no ‘freedom day’ for vulnerable people if legal requirements to wear masks are scrapped. Along with leading scientists and trade unionists, many of my constituents are keen for the requirement to remain at least temporarily. Why can't the Secretary of State make that commitment?
Minister reply
As we move towards normality, we want to replace regulations with guidelines. We recommend wearing masks in crowded and enclosed spaces given the current vaccination rate.
Question
I welcome what the Secretary of State has said about easing public health restrictions from 19 July for those fully vaccinated. Will my right hon. Friend continue to do all he can to help jobs and industries such as travel recover fully as soon as possible?
Minister reply
Yes, I can give that commitment to my hon. Friend. The travel sector has been hard hit but we hope that the changes we have set out will start to benefit his constituency and elsewhere.
Question
The Secretary of State mentioned serious problems caused by the Government’s pinging system in the NHS, schools, businesses, and transport. If he will not bring forward his 16 August date for lifting mask mandates on public transport, why won't he continue to mandate masks at least until that date?
Minister reply
The decision was based on clinical advice with a focus on more people being vaccinated by 19 July.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Question
Lifting legal restrictions is relief for all those who rely on pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs. Does my right hon. Friend agree that as we open up our society and economy, not only must businesses take sensible steps to protect us from disease but customers must also respect venues and their staff?
Minister reply
Yes, I agree wholeheartedly with my hon. Friend.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
Since the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster’s review concluded that vaccine certification was not necessary, what constitutes a high-risk setting in this context? What is meant by “encouraging businesses” and what will be the consequences for any business that resists? How will data captured in this way be held and protected?
Minister reply
There will no longer be legal requirements but guidelines. We expect responsible businesses to have a system, provide infrastructure, work with respective Departments, and collaborate with industry leaders.
Question
A vaccination rate of 87% is impressive but there is evidence of a fall-off in people coming forward for second vaccinations. What steps is the Secretary taking to ensure young people commit to completing their vaccination course?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend raises this correctly. We are promoting the importance of vaccination through walk-in clinics, mass events and other ways.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Question
Some families cannot afford to self-isolate despite financial support being in place for those who need it. Why has the Secretary of State refused proper financial support for self-isolation?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady will know that we have financial support for those asked to self-isolate, and it is something important which we continue to review.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Thanks to jabs and better treatment the case fatality rate is now 0.085% and falling, a year ago this would have led to restrictions of similar breadth and scope. Is it not time to move to step 4? Will he please caution the Opposition on their reliance on masks?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend is correct about the importance of vaccination which has been key in getting us where we are.
Question
I have constituents ready for restrictions to be lifted but also concerned about the prevalence of the Johnson variant. Does he understand that mixed messaging from the Government is not helping?
Minister reply
The Government speak with one voice and our view is very clear.
Christchurch
Question
Tomorrow, my right hon. Friend will be asking the House to approve regulations that will put thousands of care workers in England out of a job. Two weeks ago, we were promised that a regulatory impact assessment was available. As of midday today, it is still not available. When will it be available, and why has it not been made available so far?
Minister reply
I believe my hon. Friend is referring to the measures that the Government have already announced around vaccinations and people who work in care homes. Ideally, I would like to make sure that the impact assessment is available. I do not know the full detail as to why it has not been completed, but at the same time, I think it is important to get on with this part of building our vaccine wall. We will have more to say about it tomorrow.
Question
The Secretary of State will be aware that Singapore has announced its plan to navigate from pandemic to endemic and to co-exist with the virus—they could almost have been reading my speeches and articles. Will the Secretary of State get the economy and society moving again and, in particular, take a fresh look at vaccine passports or certificates, including the vaccine card that we all carry? Let us allow our people to get back to normality.
Minister reply
I take it from that that the right hon. Gentleman supports the measures that I have set out today in this statement, and I thank him very much for his support.
Question
I very much welcome this statement today on the back of the successful vaccine roll-out programme. However, given the rising numbers of people having to isolate and the impact this is having on businesses and our economy, can I reiterate the call to my right hon. Friend to consider bringing forward changes to the requirement to isolate after contact with a confirmed case for those who are fully vaccinated? There has to be a better way forward that does not have the economic impact that the current isolation policy is having.
Minister reply
I understand the importance of the point my hon. Friend has made. As I said in response to another question, the date of 16 August is based on the best advice that we can get at this point in time. He may be interested to know that, as well as the test and trace system, there is the NHS covid app. A number of people have referred to the so-called pinging. I want to take a careful look at this to ensure that it can also provide a more proportionate and balanced system, given the rate of vaccination.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Question
There is understandable concern among those who are immunosuppressed, particularly those with blood cancers, about the effectiveness of vaccines and I know that the Secretary of State mentioned this earlier. Can he be really clear: are the vaccines working? Will those people get booster doses early? When will detailed and specific advice on the whole range of conditions be available? I declare an interest, as somebody in my own family and many of my constituents are affected. When will they get clear advice so that their concerns can be put to one side?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise this issue. The vaccines are working and I have set out clearly why. The Government have published much evidence on that. The booster programme begins in September and the immunosuppressed and clinically vulnerable will get priority in that; they will be in the initial cohort. The advice that I referred to earlier will be published today.
Question
In what circumstances or conditions does my right hon. Friend consider that it will be responsible to work in crowded spaces, such as in retail or hospitality—or, indeed, in this place—without wearing a mask?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right to raise this and our guidelines on mask wearing will be very clear. If people are in retail spaces and they are crowded—as we know, most of them are enclosed—they should consider wearing a mask. They should be thinking not just about themselves but about the people around them and the people serving them.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Question
The Secretary of State will have seen the huge and rising number of covid infections in the north-east, and the decision to remove controls will clearly accelerate that and increase concerns about the short-term and long-term impacts of covid and the risk of vaccine-resistant variants. Regardless of the proposed covid passports, businesses in the north-east—especially in sectors such as hospitality, where large numbers of young unvaccinated people work—are already struggling to function with reduced staff and customers cancelling at the last minute to self-isolate. With the Government withdrawing economic support at the same time, does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the concern that, for many hospitality businesses, the Government’s summer of high covid may be too much to survive?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady will know that there is still significant economic support in place, and of course it is the job of the Treasury to keep that under review. When it comes to self-isolation and the impact that it has on businesses, it is important, now that we have such a high level of vaccination, including in the north-east, that we can take a more proportionate and balanced approach, and that is exactly what we are doing.
Question
It is great news that we are moving back to personal responsibility next week, and I thank the Secretary of State for that. However, the rates are increasing in Redcar and Cleveland. Although hospitalisations are not climbing in the same way, my concern is that more and more people are having to self-isolate due to the dreaded ping from the NHS app. We all remember the difficulties of last year when people struggled to get a test, but since then the Government have massively increased the testing capability and getting a test is no longer an issue. What more can be done to utilise this immense testing capability to prevent people from having to self-isolate unnecessarily?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right to raise this. The so-called ping does serve a purpose and it has served a huge purpose as we have been dealing with this pandemic, particularly during the last wave. If someone is pinged, it might be very useful information to them if they were planning in the days ahead to visit a vulnerable person, perhaps a grandparent or someone, so I think it is valuable information to give people. But as I said earlier, I think we can look at the approach and make it more measured, given the high rate of vaccination, and then also, as he suggested, make more use of tests, which is exactly what we are doing.
Question
What assessment have the Secretary of State and his Department made of the number of children with long covid, and when will children get vaccinated?
Minister reply
On children and covid—the hon. Gentleman asked about long covid—a huge amount of research is being done both in the NHS and in my Department. I mentioned, for example, the extra £50 million of funding that we are providing to do even more research and to step this up. As he knows, long covid is a problem the world over, and I hope that the UK can become a world leader in trying to help with this problem and share the research that it does with other countries. On the vaccination of children, as I said in response to a similar question, the JCVI is actively looking at this issue. Once we have its final advice, we will set out our plans.
Question
I welcome my right hon. Friend’s confirmation of the return of our freedoms. Knowing what we do now about the impact of some of our interventions, we must never return to those dark days. While we have taken a huge backward step in this regard, does he agree that we should use this great unlock to usher in a new era of personal responsibility? Perhaps we could start with a review of clause 125 of the Health and Care Bill, which would appear, on the face of it, to prevent UK food manufacturers from advertising their products anywhere online, not just in the UK, while conferring advantage on huge, globally recognised brands.
Minister reply
Obesity is a real problem in this country and others and its causes are very complex, but we do want to make sure that we have the best approach possible. My hon. Friend will know that we are planning to debate this Bill on Wednesday and I look forward to seeing him in the debate.
Question
I want to press the Secretary of State a little further on wearing masks. He said that he has been perfectly clear, but the opposite is the case. His Government were dithering on mask wearing in this very week last year, and the dithering and mixed messages continue. He tells us that masks will no longer be compulsory but that wearing them will be expected, as the Chancellor boasts that he will stop wearing a mask on 19 July. The Government chief medical officer and the chief scientific adviser say that they will continue to wear masks. Why has this important public health tool been so undermined by the dithering and mixed messages of his Government?
Minister reply
I believe I have answered this question a number of times during this session.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
It is 16 months since I contracted a fairly mild bout of coronavirus, which, unfortunately, developed into terrible long covid, and the symptoms still persist all these months later. The vaccination programme has been a game changer and I want a return to normality, like everyone else, but does the Secretary of State understand that the consequence of his decision may well be more people with long covid? The money for research is welcome, but what more is he planning to do to support those with long covid with health, rehabilitation and social security measures and to support employers with the reality that sections of their workforce might be unfit for work for periods, too?
Minister reply
First, as I have said a number of times in this debate, opening up is not without risk, but I hope that the hon. Gentleman understands that keeping restrictions in place is also not without cost, so the Government have to take a balanced approach. He is right to raise the issue of long covid. As I mentioned, this is something that the Government take very seriously. I have announced another £50 million of funding for research into it. This is a problem not just in the UK; it is an issue the world over. We still do not know enough about long covid. We are learning more all the time, but it will be an absolute priority of this Government to work with people with long covid and do everything that we possibly can.
Question
More double-vaccinated people are being asked to self-isolate after coming into contact with someone who has tested positive for covid, causing disruption. May I ask my right hon. Friend to consider bringing forward some form of test and release measure before 16 August?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend's concern is important. The Minister is eagerly awaiting the results of the test and release scheme and will provide further flexibilities if necessary. He highlighted existing announced changes that will take effect on 16 August.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
The Member condemned online racism against the England football team. She raised concerns about rising infections, unvaccinated individuals, long-term illness risks for vaccinated people, and requested updates on long covid incidence from the third wave and discussions with the Work and Pensions Secretary.
Minister reply
Acknowledging the importance of vaccination, the Minister noted that nine out of 10 adults have antibodies. He highlighted the risk of waiting longer to open up as schools return and winter approaches. The Minister offered to meet any Ministers or officials in his Department for a better understanding.
Question
The hon. Member is delighted that my right hon. Friend is now looking at the underlying settings of the Track and Trace app, which does not take account of vaccination status or other behaviours.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend’s point is important; the Minister mentioned he has asked for advice about how to take a more proportionate and balanced approach.
Question
It is right to take further steps towards unlocking, but it is not an all-or-nothing choice. The wearing of masks in enclosed spaces reduces infection and should be mandatory for public transport and other enclosed spaces.
Minister reply
The Minister agreed that it is not all or nothing; the Government have been clear that as they start opening up, measures will stay in place such as border controls, test and trace system, and plans for booster vaccines.
Question
Does my right hon. Friend think that the pandemic has shown or reheated the importance of working together on health matters? Should UK Government and devolved Administrations explore opportunities to work together on better health outcomes?
Minister reply
The Minister agreed wholeheartedly; they have seen during this pandemic that by working together, especially on vaccine delivery, they are stronger. They should draw long-term lessons about how to protect against future pandemics and other public health issues collectively.
Vicky Foxcroft
Lab
Lewisham North
Question
The hon. Member urged the Secretary of State to do everything possible to protect immunocompromised people as restrictions are eased, requested the results of the OCTAVE study on vaccine efficacy for this population and asked if antibody tests will be provided.
Minister reply
On the OCTAVE study, the Minister said he would look into it. He highlighted that guidance would be published today.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Question
The hon. Member welcomed his right hon. Friend’s statement and asked about exploring all possible options to remedy the situation of self-employed small business owners being pinged too many times.
Minister reply
The Minister said they are taking a fresh look at changes in light of the success of the mass vaccination campaign; if my hon. Friend will bear with him, he thinks he will be pleased.
Question
In response to his hon. Friend's question, the Secretary of State said that the Government speak with one voice but changes in response to YouGov polls; the Member asked for advice on whether retailers should insist on customers wearing masks.
Minister reply
The guidance published today will be clear.
Shadow Comment
Jon Ashworth
Shadow Comment
Jon Ashworth criticised the government's approach as high-risk, noting increasing hospital admissions and potential impact on NHS capacity. He questioned the definition of 'unsustainable pressure' and vaccination rates among younger people. He proposed maintaining mask mandates, supporting work-from-home policies, installing air filtration systems in public buildings including schools, ensuring financial support for isolation, enhancing testing and contact tracing resources, and regular review dates through summer.
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