COVID-19: WHAT SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCE TODAY?

Last night the Government announced restrictions for the hospitality industry. As outdoors is far safer than indoors, let's hope there's some scope for small groups to meet socially.

Otherwise in pursuit of #NearZero, the best approach was set out in this "Too Little Too Late. It's Time To Take Decisive Action"

A key issue is that COVID-19 is far worse than 'flu, especially as there will not be a mass vaccine until at least after Christmas.  Action is needed now.

The Independent SAGE group has also just made some specific recommendations.  Here's some thoughts in response.

The key matter is making sure businesses and individuals are suitably supported, whether that's:

• Self-isolation, otherwise the Isolate part of Test and Trace doesn't work as well as it should
• As a result of more general restrictions, such as being announced today 

In particular, the SEISS Self-Employed Income Scheme needs further instalments.

iSAGE RECOMMENDATIONS	THOUGHTS
IMMEDIATE MEASURES (to be reviewed, as appropriate, when a functional testing system is in place and infections are back under control)
1. Pubs and restaurants limited to outdoor service.	Outdoor and very well ventilated e.g. gazebos.  Keep open in any lockdown
2. Work at home if possible. No return to workplaces until certified COVID safe.	Agreed
Provide financial support to employees in the interim.	So important. Scottish approach "Test, Trace, Isolate, Support" should be adopted
3. Fund schools to allow smaller, socially distanced classes.	Ideally, especially for older teens
Provide digital resources for all students and teachers for study/work at home.	Ideally
4. No in-person teaching at Colleges and Universities	OK if socially distanced
5. Limit indoor social interaction to a bubble of three households	On each occasion
6. Create an emergency fund in each local authority area and provide wrap around support for all those needing to shield or self-isolate (including those unable to get tested)	Support so important
7. Re-establish the 2 metre distance rule.	Mask needed less than 4 metres
A STRATEGY FOR BUILDING A FUNCTIONAL TESTING SYSTEM
8. Rebuild the testing system based on tried and trusted local authority,  NHS and public health structures, including recruiting and deploying contact tracers locally	Local 'COVID wardens' that can act as both contact tracers and 'COVID marshals'
9. Provide clear consistent messaging about testing and other protective measures that is culturally competent and accessible to all sections of the community	Communication generally needs to be improved massively, to include more of the why as well as the what
10. Establish a clear strategy and set of priorities for symptomatic and asymptomatic testing	Agreed.  Two-tier structure of daily 'warning tests' for everyone and confirmatory tests for those warned.