Confusion over Indian variant hotspot advice in Bedford
The government has said we shouldn't travel in or out of hotspot areas unless it's essential
Last updated 25th May 2021
There was confusion this morning over new government advice surrounding Indian Covid-19 hotspot areas, including Bedford.
The Government has been accused of “incompetence” after advising against all but essential travel in eight areas of England.
Officials said areas including Bolton, Leicester, Kirklees and the London borough of Hounslow were hardest hit and people there should not meet indoors.
People were told to avoid travelling into and out of the eight areas, with Bedford, Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley and North Tyneside also on the list.
People in the eight areas should also be tested twice a week, according to the Government advice.
The change to the guidance – which is not law – appears to have been made on Friday without an official announcement, prompting criticism from MPs.
A joint statement has been issued this afternoon by directors of public health in Burnley, Bedford, Blackburn with Darwen, Bolton, Kirklees, Leicester, Hounslow and North Tyneside this afternoon, confirming there are no local lockdowns.
This morning, Bedford Borough Council said they were not told about the changes:
Bedford's Labour MP voiced his disappointment at the way it was announced.
Earlier Mohammad Yasin said the government had 'sneaked' the borough into a local lockdown, without consulting with local Public Health officials.
He added:
"The Council, myself and scores of concerned constituents only found out through the national media that the Government had silently updated their guidance online.
"Not only does this reveal a shocking lack of respect for residents in Bedford Borough and the work our Public Health team have been doing to try and keep the public safe but the message on such a vital issue is hugely confusing."
Mr. Yasin said he has been calling for surge vaccinations for two weeks, to speed up the rollout of the jab.
The MP voiced his dismay that this has been done in nearby areas, like Central Bedfordshire, but isn't available in the hotspot itself.
Mr. Yasin continued:
"We already know that local lockdowns on their own do not work. Whilst the late arrival of surge testing and extra vaccines is of course welcome, it is clear that the Government must deliver a true surge vaccination program and be clear with the public about what they are trying to achieve.
"Any dither and delay - given we know the vaccine takes time and two doses to become fully effective - is literally a matter of life and death.
"A local travel lockdown now will only delay the spread, not stop it. I will be pressing the Government to work with the local Public Health team to widen the scope of support for those who need to self-isolate."
We spoke to Ella, from Bedford, who also only found out about the change this morning.
She had booked a weekend away for her family at the seaside this coming weekend:
"Then obviously the news came and we're now looking at our options.
"I think, obviously, we will do as we have done and follow government guidance, although I have to say I'm slightly confused as to what that guidance is."
Ella says her little boy will be disappointed if they can't go.
She added:
"Obviously it is just a holiday, in the grand scheme of things, but I think we have had home schooling again this year, sadly lost some family to covid and so were looking forward to having a change of scenery."
Anger across the country
Yasmin Qureshi, Labour MP for Bolton South East and shadow international development minister, said:
“I was not informed of this and I understand nor was anyone else in Bolton.
“I’m just gobsmacked. They’re making such an important announcement and they don’t even have the decency to tell us or tell our constituents.
“This is typical of this Government’s incompetence.”
Layla Moran, chairwoman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus, said updating the guidance without a proper announcement “is a recipe for confusion and uncertainty”.
She added:
“Local people and public health leaders in these areas need urgent clarity from the Government. Matt Hancock must come before Parliament and make a public statement to explain these new rules."
Newly elected West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin added the change could cause “anxiety and confusion”.
Ms Brabin said she would raise the matter urgently with vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi on Tuesday.
She tweeted:
“If Govt are concerned we need clear guidance and support not advice that could cause anxiety and confusion.”
Quarantine to stay in place?
Meanwhile, quarantine requirements will reportedly be maintained for those who come into contact with positive cases after June 21 even if they have received both doses of the vaccine.
The Daily Telegraph said this could mean the nearly 23 million people who have had both doses could be forced to isolate for 10 days if contacted by the NHS, adding a negative test would not allow an early end to quarantine.
Separately, the Government will be facing an urgent question from Labour’s shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth on Covid-19 on Tuesday.
A Government spokesman said:
“Working with local authorities, we took swift and decisive action to slow the spread of the B1.617.2 (India) variant by introducing surge testing and bringing forward second doses of the vaccine for the most vulnerable.
“We provided additional guidance for those living in affected areas when we became aware of the risk posed by the variant, to encourage people to take an extra cautious approach when meeting others or travelling.”