Government 'Winter Plan' must not leave behind London
News release
14.09.2021
For immediate use
In response to the Health Secretary’s announcement of the Government’s COVID-19 ‘Winter Plan’, Labour’s London Assembly Health Spokesperson, Dr Onkar Sahota AM, said:
“I welcome the news that the booster jab is about to be rolled out to most clinically vulnerable in our communities, and that a first dose of the vaccine will be offered to 12-15 year olds.
“I would urge the Government to remember that there are still many parts of London with some of the lowest vaccination rates in the country and these communities cannot be left behind.
“If we are to avoid a winter lockdown, Ministers must grasp the nettle and take action on poor ventilation on schools, ensure the Test and Trace system is handed over the more capable hands of local health teams and improve the support available to those self-isolating.
“It has been disappointing to hear that the Government has so far refused the Mayor’s calls to make wearing a face-covering on the TfL network a by-law. Ministers must urgently reconsider this.
“I am also deeply concerned about the pressures that our NHS will be under this winter. In recent months, we have already seen staffing vacancy rates on the rise and unacceptably long waiting times in London’s A&E departments”.
ENDS
Notes
- Dr Onkar Sahota AM is the London Assembly Member for Ealing and Hillingdon.