New England-wide measures which could see hospitality businesses forced to shut are being considered by the UK government to try to slow a second surge of coronavirus cases.
A short period of national rules – a “circuit break” of a few weeks – could be announced in the next week, says the BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg
Speaking to Sky News, Matt Hancock refused to rule out a second national lockdown this morning, saying it would be the “last line of defence” against Covid-19.
The Health Secretary told Sky News: “We’ll do what is necessary to keep people Matt Hancock refused to rule out a second national lockdown this morning, saying it would be the “last line of defence” against Covid-19.
The Health Secretary said “We’ll do what is necessary to keep people safe.”
According to the Daily Telegraph Hospitals and councils have been told to find extra beds for coronavirus patients within two weeks as the NHS braces for a second spike in cases.
“With hospital admissions beginning to increase following a steep rise in virus infections, isolation units in which Covid-19 patients can recover are being set up, freeing space on wards for those needing the most care.“ says the paper
Government laboratories that are processing coronavirus tests use cumbersome techniques, are running out of staff and have failed to set up automatic processes before a second wave, The Times has been told.
The coronavirus test and trace system was condemned as “barely functional” today as its tsar admitted that demand was up to four times capacity, while 90% of tests were failing to hit the 24-hour turnaround target.
The Guardian has seen documents showing tracers taking up to two weeks to contact friends, relatives and workmates of people diagnosed with Covid-19 – the entire length of the self-isolation period
