Local Restrictions Reducing Covid-19 Transmission 2020-10-06
2020-10-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the assessment made by the government regarding the effectiveness of local restrictions in controlling the spread of coronavirus.
What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of local restrictions on reducing the transmission of COVID-19?
I chair the Government's local action gold committee, which considers the latest data and advice from experts including epidemiologists and the chief medical officer, and the Joint Biosecurity Centre. Through this process, we consult local leaders and directors of public health. We have seen local actions in some parts of the country bring the case rate right down.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details about the effectiveness or criteria used for assessing restrictions
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the Health Secretary's statement about extra funding for local councils versus outsourced companies like Serco.
Yesterday, the Health Secretary told me that “we have been putting the extra money into…councils”. What money is that? He announced £7 million split between nine councils as compared to £12 billion for Serco. That is not putting the extra money into councils, so may I ask him when he will stop relying on outsourcing giants and support local public health teams with funds they need?
We are putting money into local councils in areas where local action needs to be taken. We have an open dialogue with councils and local mayors about what needs to be done. It is better to support the whole effort to control this virus, not just part of it.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify funding amounts or commitments towards local health teams; instead urged to support efforts as a whole
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the government's response to the Mayor of London's warning on virus spread in London.
Are the Government now looking at introducing wider restrictions across London? As a matter of interest for this House, will the Cabinet Secretary commit to reintroducing a hybrid Parliament in such a situation?
I discuss these matters with the Cabinet Secretary and other colleagues across government all the time, and I also speak regularly to the Mayor of London. We maintain vigilance over the transmission of the virus right across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Changed subject entirely without addressing specific questions about wider restrictions or hybrid Parliament commitments
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the infection rate criteria that triggers local restrictions.
Can the Secretary of State answer a very simple question: what rate of infection means that a local authority needs to go into local restrictions and what rate means that it can leave them?
Because of specific local circumstances such as outbreaks in a workplace or halls of residence, it is not possible to put a specific number on the point at which a judgment is made to put in place local restrictions or to take an area out of them.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific numbers or criteria for entering/exiting restrictions; mentioned specific circumstances instead
Response accuracy