Covid-19 Departmental Response 2021-07-13
2021-07-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP inquired about the effectiveness of government measures and vaccine programme impact on cases and hospitalisations.
What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his Department's response to the covid-19 outbreak. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been swift actions to reduce virus spread and keep people safe as the vaccine programme progresses, linking case reduction with improved outcomes.
Since the start of the pandemic, we have acted swiftly to reduce the spread of the virus and to keep the public safe. As our vaccine programme progresses, links between cases and hospitalisations weaken, and that means that we are confident we can move forward with step 4.
▸
Assessment & feedback
N/A
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP inquired about the Health Secretary's response to World Health Organization's criticism of removing all covid measures.
What is his response to Dr Mike Ryan of the WHO, who described proposals to remove all covid measures as “epidemiological stupidity”? The research suggests that lifting restrictions could result in 100,000 daily cases and 3,000 hospital admissions, putting health services under pressure.
The hon. Gentleman talks about pressure on the NHS but he will know that restrictions have also led to considerable pressure, especially with non-covid issues like mental health problems and undiagnosed cancer cases.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response was about broader impact of restrictions rather than addressing Dr Mike Ryan's comments directly.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP questioned why the Government is moving away from mandatory mask-wearing advice given by scientists last year.
Why are they moving away from mask-wearing guidance now when it was clear and followed scientific advice in 2020? Professor Graham Medley, the chief modeller for SAGE, advised that unmandated masks probably won't do any good. The Government moved from guidance to mandate in May-July 2020.
The Government's decisions are informed by scientific advice, data, and considerations. We move from regulation to guidance on masks but still advise their use in certain situations based on common sense.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Explanation of moving away from mandate without addressing previous adherence clearly.
Response accuracy