Sadiq Khan called on the government to provide “clarification” on its guidance to people living in areas affected by the “Indian variant” of Covid-19.
It was revealed this week that the government has updated its advice on areas affected by the variant of concern, including Hounslow in west London, warning against “all travel but essential” to or from the areas. .
But the changes in the advice were not announced publicly and local leaders across the UK stressed they had not been warned in advance.
Hounslow’s council has now clarified that there are no restrictions on travel to or from the borough after confirmation from government officials, causing further confusion.
Today, the Mayor of London met with Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi to ask the government to clarify its advice and urge it to provide additional support to people living in Hounslow.
Mr Khan said: “This morning I met Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi alongside mayors from across the country. I raised the need to clarify government directions and support for those who live and work in Hounslow, as well as the impact of the new directions on Heathrow Airport.
“In order to prevent the spread of the virus, including variant concerns, clear and timely communication with local leaders and public health officials is crucial. I am glad the minister agreed to convey these concerns to the government.
The Government advises that wherever possible everyone should avoid entering and leaving the area unless absolutely necessary, that the people of Hounslow should continue to work from home, meet other people outdoors rather than indoors when possible and stay two meters away from anyone in your household or in the supportive bubble. ”
The Borough of Hounslow currently has the highest rate of Covid infections in London, and the worrying Indian variant is now thought to be the dominant strain in the Borough.
Over the weekend, the government announced that surge testing for the variant would begin in the neighboring boroughs of Ealing and Hillingdon, as well as Harrow and Brent.
As vaccinations ramp up in the eight affected areas, with second-dose appointments for the most vulnerable, Sadiq Khan urged the government to expand the vaccination program to younger age groups in affected areas. the most transmissible variant.
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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-25 15:16:16
