• Ministers must put energy into fixing test and trace to “get a grip” on virus
• PM must fix the test and trace system

Ministers must put energy into fixing test and trace to “get a grip” on virus

Following today’s briefing from Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty, warning of “significant rates of transmission” of coronavirus in parts of the UK, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Munira Wilson said:

People right across the country will be alarmed to hear that, despite the heartbreaking sacrifices of these past six months, we are now facing a second wave of this dreadful virus. It’s clear that there will be difficult times ahead.

There is no excuse for the fact that our test and trace system has been barely functional for weeks. Rather than talking up their “moonshot” plans for future testing, Ministers should be putting all their energy into getting the system sorted right now to get a grip on the virus.

Equally, given the rapid changes in regulations, Ministers must also ensure crystal clear communication about new lockdown restrictions. This is about making sure people know the best ways to protect themselves and their loved ones, and that our hospitals, care homes and schools have all the equipment and resources they need to reduce the risk of transmission.

PM must fix the test and trace system

Responding to the news that the Covid19 threat level has gone from three to four, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said:

The Coronavirus crisis is taking an enormous toll on people. People are rightly concerned about their loved ones. Thousands of families are facing financial hardship. We all want life to get back to normal as soon as possible.

The collapse of the Test and Trace system is utterly inexcusable, and the first objective of the Government must be to fix it. Ministers should have done more to ensure resilience in the system given the inevitable increase in demand when people returned to schools, workplaces, universities and social settings.

As the situation changes there must be crystal clear guidance so that people know the best ways to protect themselves and their loved ones. Ministers must also ensure that our hospitals, care homes and schools have all the equipment and resources they need to reduce the risk of transmission going forward.

Lastly, Boris Johnson must take all steps to avoid a second national lockdown which will be incredibly damaging to jobs and livelihoods across our communities.