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Our letter in the Lancet today- signed by 79 world-leading scientists - outlining key recommendations for a sustainable COVID-19 strategy within the UK. Thread.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)32350-3/fulltext
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)32350-3/fulltext
We are in the second wave in England - seeing >20K COVID-19 cases/day and ~340 deaths/day - largely due to failures of govt policy. Lockdowns are needed when public health strategies to control the epidemic fail. It's essential the govt learns from this, and uses this time well.
What can we do to prevent being in the same position in a few months time? Here are our recommendations:
1. We need to urgently reform the find, test, trace, isolate and support system.
It's clear the current privately run system isn't fit for purpose.
1. We need to urgently reform the find, test, trace, isolate and support system.
It's clear the current privately run system isn't fit for purpose.
The NHS system performance has been vastly superior to that of the privately run one - both in terms of how quickly tests are done, and how many contacts are reached. The system needs to be handed to the NHS, and local authorities.
People need to be supported with isolation- through providing financial, social, and practical support. Compliance with isolation is low, and is unlikely to improve unless we provide far better support with this.
2. We need to protect the NHS so it's able to provide care for all patients. Reducing COVID-19 transmission is key to this, so the NHS is not overwhelmed. The NHS requires more funding after a decade of being starved of funding and resources. And staff need protection and support
3. Education: We need to control transmission in the community and in schools, to allow schools to remain open. Schools need to be made safe- through better ventilation, smaller class sizes, face coverings. Schools need clear guidance and support.
If blended/remote learning is needed, the govt must ensure equipment & broadband is available to all children, and support families with this.
Universities must move to online instruction, and support students in returning home safely.
Universities must move to online instruction, and support students in returning home safely.
4. Comprehensive economic support packages for those who are most impacted, and for those who are vulnerable, including support for ethnic minorities. And specific support for women and children- child benefits, free school meals, domestic violence support services.
5. Guidance, and safety regulations for workplaces, and support to employers to put these in place. Workplaces will need to meet the required safety standards to remain open - to protect all employees.
6. We need coordination across Europe, and within the UK - on travel restrictions, data sharing, contact tracing app compatibility, developing and procuring rapid tests, procuring medical kits, procuring vaccines, and developing fair allocation protocols for vaccines.
7. We need clear, honest, & consistent govt public messaging- treating the public as equals, & avoiding blame. Important the govt stops treating the 'economy' and controlling COVID-19 as a dichotomy- it is not. The aims of protecting health, economy, and education are all tied.
