Political update – Downing Street Press Conference

Comments by Prime Minister Boris Johnson

The Prime Minister began the press conference by voicing his support for the England football team and condemning the racist abuse suffered by some players following yesterday’s game, saying those directing racist comments should “crawl back under the rock from which you emerged”.

Moving on, the PM once again set out why he believed now was the appropriate time to remove coronavirus restrictions in England, confirming that the country would move to stage 4 on 19th July. Acknowledging that there would sadly be more deaths to come from coronavirus, Johnson stressed how the warmer summer weather, successful vaccine programme and school holiday break all have contributed to the government’s decision to remove restrictions, with the PM noting that should the date be delayed to September or later, the virus would have a “natural advantage” due to the colder weather setting in.

Stressing the need to proceed with caution, the PM stated that facemasks should continue to be worn where appropriate, such as in crowded spaces like public transport, whilst the government will also look to encourage businesses such as nightclubs to make use of the NHS app to show proof of vaccination. While the government will remove the recommendation to work from home where possible, Johnson noted that he “can’t expect everyone will return to desks as one from Monday”.

Continuing, he noted that guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable will also be updated, whilst guidance for businesses will also be set out “for a gradual return to work over the summer”. The PM stressed that the UK’s “tough boarder policy” will remain in place, with the red, amber and green lists being regularly updated.

Johnson concluded by urging everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible, noting that these unlocking steps have only been made possible thanks to the success of the vaccine.

Comments by Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty

The Chief Medical Officer confirmed that England had met the “four test” criteria in order to move to the next stage of reopening, noting that the vaccines were proving to be “highly effective” at preventing hospitalisation and deaths. He stressed that there was widespread medical agreement that the recent four-week delay to the roadmap was a much-needed step, while there was also agreement amongst the scientific community that the UK was likely to see an “exit wave” as we move towards reopening. Professor Whitty noted that there was less agreement amongst medics about the best possible date for reopening, saying that modelling was showing all possible dates were bringing about broadly similar outcomes.

Questions

• With regards to a question from a member of the public on the criteria for reintroducing restrictions, the PM noted that the government would “not hesitate to use the means we have at our disposal to protect the public” but reiterated his confidence in proceeding with the roadmap as planned.
• In response to a question about the chances of passing on the virus unknowingly, Chief
  Scientific Advisor Sir Patrick Vallance stated that double vaccinated people are 70-75% less likely to be able to infect someone with Covid-19, with the Chief Medical Officer stressing that while the risk is greatly reduced, there is still a chance of passing the virus on. Sir Patrick added that the vaccines provided a high level of protection against server disease, with the vaccines over 90% effective at reducing hospitalisations.
• The PM stated that he would be looking at ways to ensure the NHS could operate as closely as normal to pre-pandemic days in response to a question regarding selfisolation for double vaccinated NHS staff.
• In response to a question about the wearing of facemasks, Johnson noted that the government was following a policy of personal responsibility, rather than mandating the wearing of masks. People will still be expected to wear masks on busy public transport he added.
• While stating that he hoped the roadmap would be irreversible, the PM called for a cautious approach to re-opening in response to a question from ITV, stressing that “the pandemic is not over”.
• All three speakers emphasised the need to self-isolate after a positive test, with Johnson saying that people shouldn’t be “demob happy about this”, before advising people to “think carefully” before acting.

UK Government COVID-19 Response: Summer 2021

• The government has today published new guidance on how England will move to stage 4 of reopening.
• The document, available here, outlines which restrictions will be relaxed from 19th July, as well as how the government will manage its response to the virus moving forwards.
• Of particular note;
  o “Businesses must not require a self-isolating worker to come to work, and
  should make sure that workers and customers who feel unwell do not attend
  the setting.
  o “Businesses will be encouraged to ask staff and customers to clean their
  hands regularly and clean surfaces that people touch regularly. The
  Government will provide guidance on how businesses can reduce
  unnecessary contact in the workplace, where it is practical. Operators will still
  be encouraged to use outside space where practical, and to consider the
  supply of fresh air to indoor spaces. Carbon dioxide (CO2) monitors could be
  used to help identify where a space is poorly ventilated with businesses
  encouraged to take steps to improve ventilation if CO2 readings are
  consistently high.
  o “Businesses will be encouraged to display QR codes for customers to check in
  using the NHS COVID-19 app, to support NHS Test and Trace, although it will
  no longer be a legal requirement.”