Javid: Covid cases numbers to ‘get a lot worse before they get better’
Sajid Javid has warned that Covid cases numbers will “get a lot worse before they get better” as he confirms that England will go ahead with so-called freedom day next Monday.
Javid said that the unlocking will still happen as Covid surges as there is “never a perfect time to take this step” and that the country must live with the virus now vaccination rates are so high.
There have been 213,528 Covid cases in the past seven days, indicating a 30 per cent weekly rise.
“Hospitalisations are also rising with the sustained growth [of cases] over the last month and they will continue rise too. We should be encouraged that hospitalisations are far less than at this point during the previous wave,” Javid told MPs.
“On the basis in front of us, we do not believe infections rates will put unsustainable pressure on the NHS. It’s important that everyone does their bit to help the NHS stay strong.”
When speaking about critics of the wholesale shedding of restrictions, he said: “If not now, when? There will never be a perfect time to take this step, because we simply cannot eradicate this virus. Like it or not, coronavirus is not going away.”
Boris Johnson announced last week that the next step on the roadmap out of lockdown will mean the end of the one-metre plus rule, mandatory face masks and limits on social gatherings.
Hospitality venues will be able to open in full and night clubs will be able to operate once again.
Javid said today that the government would also be encouraging mass events to require Covid certification, but it will not be mandatory.
Face masks will also be “recommended” for indoor shops and on public transport.
The health secretary warned that a new variant that is immune to vaccines would mean that the government would once again consider putting restrictions in place.
Any extreme pressure on the NHS would also see the government rethink its strategy.