Say what you really think: By far the strongest intervention this morning comes from the British. Medical Association, whose Chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul blasts: “The Westminster government said it would enact ‘plan B’ to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed; as doctors working on the frontline, we can categorically say that time is now. It is wilfully negligent of the Westminster government not to special database be taking any further action to reduce the spread of infection, such as mandatory mask wearing, physical distancing and ventilation requirements in high-risk settings.
The government has taken its foot off the brake
Giving the impression that the pandemic is behind us and that life has returned to normal. The reality today is an unacceptable rate of infections, hospitalisations and deaths.” The Guardian’s Andrew Gregory has those punchy quotes in full.
Also in the papers again … is the NHS Confederation Chief Executive Matthew Taylor, who says in the FT: “It is time for the government to enact Plan B of its strategy without delay because without preemptive action, we risk stumbling into a winter crisis.” England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty, while publicly maintaining the government line, tweeted: “1) If you have not been vaccinated, now is the time. 2) If you are offered a booster please take up the offer. 3) Ventilation, masks in crowded indoor spaces and hand washing remain important.”
Take me back to the Midland:
The most bizarre moment of yesterday’s presser came when the FT’s Seb Payne asked. Javid about the stunning double standard of Tory MPs appearing in the. Commons all day without masks, only for the health secretary. To go on what do social media management services include? television and tell Brits they should be wearing face coverings indoors. Javid had no answer to the farcical situation. Admitting Payne had a “very fair point” and that MPs should “set an example. Inevitably, every Tory MP who appears in the Commons or a crowded facebook users place without. A face mask will now be calle out for breaching government guidance. We’re a long way from the maskless dreamland of Tory and Labour conferences *checks notes* two weeks ago.