Claims link between G7 and Cornwall's rise in Covid cases is 'undeniable'
The Cornwall councillor wants to see more support for affected businesses
Last updated 22nd Jun 2021
A Cornwall councillor claims the link between the G7 summit and a recent rise in coronavirus cases across the Duchy is 'undeniable'.
Andrew George is the local councillor for the Ludgvan, Madron and Heamoor ward and is also a member of the health scrutiny committee on Cornwall Council.
He says there is a correlation between the recent 'tsunami' in Covid numbers in places such at St Ives and Falmouth and the G7 event.
He added that his main priority is to highlight the seriousness and impact of the outbreak, after he sought evidence that the Government had 'properly considered the Covid risk' before proceeding with a face-to-face G7
But Number 10 has denied that there is a link between the two, saying a rise in numbers was to be expected after restrictions were further eased.
"I know that what they've done is turn the narrative to the fact that the delegates themselves were not the cause of the outbreak. No one is saying that Joe Biden was a super spreader who came to Cornwall and caused this outbreak. It is just a preposterous nonsense that they are defending it in the way that they are.
"I would rather that they put their hands up and said yes there appears to be a correlation, but let's move on, and let's accept that the government has some responsibility to compensate people in the community for the consequences of their decision."
Andrew George
A large number of local businesses in Cornwall have had to temporarily close because of confirmed cases and staff members having to self-isolate.
Mr George says there needs to be more support to help them get through, as well as surge testing in the affected towns.
"Covid cases have been causing significant detriment to local businesses, workers, suppliers and confidence, quite apart from the ill-health to those who have contracted the new covid variant.
"The very least the Government should be doing now is to urgently introduce surge testing, offer rigourous support for tracing and supporting our hotspot communities, as well as of course to compensate the many workers, businesses and suppliers who have been sustaining unacceptable loses.
"There's a clear enough correlation between the very high Covoid case load here in west Cornwall and the Government's decision to proceed with a face-to-face summit. Therefore it's down to the Government to compensate locals for their actions."
Andrew George, Cornwall councillor
Downing Street has denied that there is any connection between the G7 summit and the rise in positive Covid-19 cases in Cornwall.
A spokesman said: “Attendees going to the G7 were tested before arriving and throughout the summit. We are not aware of any transmission to local residents.”
Public health officials from Cornwall Council have also said that the spike in numbers is not linked to the G7 summit.
Cornish MP says blaming Covid rise on G7 is 'scaremongering'
Downing Street and Cornwall Council deny link between G7 and rise in Covid cases
Councillor responsible for health says G7 is not the cause of rise in Covid cases in Cornwall