Hounslow Council Leader Calls for Stricter Covid-19 Measures
Steve Curran says extra steps needed due to ‘inadequate’ test and trace system
Test and trace system inadequate according to council leader
The leader of Hounslow has called for stricter measures to be introduced above and beyond the additional restrictions announced by the government this week.
Cllr Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council, said: “Following yesterday’s (21 September) meeting with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, other borough leaders and public health experts, it’s clear that stricter measures are needed to slow the spread of coronavirus across the capital.
“Cases are rising exponentially and, with the current woefully inadequate test and trace system, extra steps need to be taken to protect our most vulnerable residents and control demand on hospitals.”
Director of Public Health at Hounslow Council said that it is everyone’s responsibility to familiarise themselves with the new guidelines adding, “We must not put our health at risk or return to where we were earlier this year when lives were at stake. Ignoring this guidance is making a choice to put other people at risk.”
She reported that the rate of coronavirus infection in Hounslow borough has reduced from a high of 37 cases per 100,000 people last week to 25 cases per 100,000 people this week. However she adds, “These figures do not reflect a fully accurate picture and are based on positive cases of people who have been able to get tested. We know that the current testing provision in London isn’t able to offer tests to everyone who needs one. What we do know, and what matters, is that cases are rising rapidly across London as a whole, and more people are needing hospital treatment.”
New rules are not in place including the mandatory closure of restaurants and bars at 10pm and a requirement for people who can work from home to do so. The rule of six means that there can be no gatherings inside or out of more than six.
Cllr Curran commented, ““If we act early we can hopefully save lives and reduce the likelihood of needing more stringent measures later. I urge the Prime Minister to listen to the collective voice of London and bring in the measures requested by the Mayor.
“We all need to play our part too and follow the key government guidance - washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces, keeping two metres apart where possible, and no social gatherings in groups of more than six.
“We should never forget how awful things were during the peak of the first wave. Almost 240 people in Hounslow died and hundreds more were made seriously ill. Coronavirus is still out there, it can spread without symptoms and it is still lethal.
“I’ve been extremely proud and inspired by how Hounslow residents have stepped up to support each other during the pandemic, with the vast majority of people acting responsibly. We all have a duty to keep following the rules to protect our most vulnerable residents and the NHS.”
With the winter months approaching, it is important we get on top of this! If you are eligible for a free flu vaccine, go and get vaccinated and help protect Hounslow from the double threat of flu and coronavirus. This year, the programme is being expanded to help protect more people from flu and ease pressure on the NHS and urgent care services.
Former Southwark Council leader Peter John – who chairs London Councils, the group representing all 33 local authorities in the city – said there was clearly a “rising tide” of cases.
“The enhanced national restrictions from Government are welcome and are designed to have an impact on the spread of the virus in the capital,” he said.
“But these restrictions must come hand in hand with access to testing when Londoners need it.”
Cllr John it was “deeply worrying” that tests are not available when residents need them. We know that Londoners are frustrated by problems accessing testing, but we urge them to follow the guidance and remain self-isolated if they have Covid symptoms.”
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September 25, 2020