Covid Plan B: New restriction not ruled out as Delta Plus sparks panic – ‘Implement it now

George Eustice says new variants could lead to another lockdown

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The UK’s daily Covid cases have risen about 40,000 for seven days in a row, sparking fears of a new wave of coronavirus. On Tuesday, official figures reported more than 43,700 new infections – the highest daily rate of infections in Europe. The UK has also recorded its highest number of Covid deaths since March, with 223 deaths confirmed within 28 days of testing positive for the virus.

The NHS Confederation has now urged ministers to implement their backup strategy for winter to stop the virus from further spreading and forcing the UK back into lockdown.

The Government’s Plan B would “prioritise measures which can help control transmission of the virus while seeking to minimise economic and social impact”.

Plan B measures would include mandatory face masks and coverings in crowded and enclosed spaces.

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, warned the Government on Tuesday the UK is “stumbling into a crisis”.

Health officials fear the NHS could be overwhelmed with hospitalisations this winter due to the ongoing surge in infections.

Mr Taylor said: “We are right on the edge – and it is the middle of October.

“It would require an incredible amount of luck for us not to find ourselves in the midst of a profound crisis over the next three months.

“The Government ought to not just announce that we’re moving to Plan B, but it should be Plan B Plus.”

The expert believes the Government should reintroduce restrictions on face coverings, working from home and attempt to rally the nation much like it did during the first and second waves of Covid.

He added: “We need that same sense of pulling together over the next few months, trying to avoid risky behaviour if it’s not necessary.”

Otherwise, Mr Taylor argued, it “wouldn’t take a miracle” for the UK to plunge into a “really profound crisis”.

The news follows scientists sequencing a new type of the Delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

The Delta variant is the dominant variant in the UK as it is more easily transmissible than the original virus.

The variant (AY.4.2), which some scientists are calling Delta Plus, contains mutations that could make it even more dangerous.

However, there is no evidence yet to suggest the new mutations pose an increased threat to public safety.

Since the end of the UK’s third lockdown, the Government has been reluctant to impose new restrictions on the public.

Kwasi Kwarteng, Minister for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, shed some light on the Government’s intentions on Tuesday morning.

Speaking to Kay Burley on Sky News, Mr Kwarteng said the Government does not want to go back into lockdown or restrictions, but did not rule out the latter.

He said: “The conversation on restrictions is unhelpful. We’ve done a huge amount of work on getting the economy back on track already.

“That has worked. What we want to do is manage the situation as it is.

“We don’t want to go back to lockdown or further restrictions.

“I would rule out another lockdown.”

Instead, he praised the Government’s rollout of vaccines and encouraged all eligible people to get both Covid jabs, followed by a third booster shot.

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