SOME parts of England are set have Plan B rules introduced as coronavirus infections continue to rise, it has been claimed.
It comes as Health Secretary Sajid Javid last night warned that Covid-19 cases could hit 100,000-a-day by the winter months.
Areas that were hardest hit last year by the pandemic could have further measures rolled out, the i reported.
Leicester, Bolton, Luton and Blackburn and Darwen are all set to receive Enduring Transmission Area (ETA) support.
This means extra testing capacity, along with vaccine programme support and more assistance to public health staffing.
Three areas confirmed to the i that they were to receive the extra measures.
Other areas are also said to be under review and include: Bradford, Rochdale, Slough, Bristol, Peterborough, Oldham, Kirklees, Preston, Hartlepool, Tameside, Middlesbrough, Burnley, Ealing, Manchester and Hyndburn.
These areas are understood to be on a ‘watchlist’, with experts keeping an eye on growing infections rates.
Plan B measures proposed by the government could also include a working from home order and a return to mandatory mask wearing.
Last night the British Medical Association (BMA) accused the Government of being “wilfully negligent” for not introducing Plan B.
“Life is not back to normal, I think everyone can see that, because the pandemic is still here,” Mr Javid said.
So-called Plan B restrictions, including masks and work from home orders, would only be used if cases spiral out of control and the booster jab program fails.
However Cabinet Office officials are said to be discussing proposals which could form part of a potential Plan C.
Yesterday Mr Javid maintained that Plan B contingency measures won’t happen “at this point” – but begged Brits not to “blow it”.
Last month Mr Javid unveiled the Plan B strategy to MPs in a 33-page document titled: ‘Covid-19 Response: Autumn and Winter Plan’.
An ETA area is a place which needs support as cases remain above the national average.
‘PLAY YOUR PART’
Mr Javid said: “We must all play our part in this national mission, and think about what we can do to make a difference. That means getting the jab when the time comes, whether it’s for Covid-19 or flu.”
The Health Secretary urged Brits to get their booster vaccinations in a bid to keep hospitalisations down.
Backing Trending In The News’s Give Britain a Booster campaign, Mr Javid warned it was vital to take up a third jab not just to save lives but to keep our freedoms, too.
He said: “We need to sustain the progress that we’ve made. We could lose it. We really could lose that progress if people don’t take up their vaccination offers.”
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care said: “As set out in the Autumn and Winter plan, the government continues to work in close partnership with local authorities and we will continue to be guided by data and local insight so that we can provide targeted support to areas that need it to slow the spread of Covid-19.
Trending In The News has contacted the NHS.
