Cornish MP says blaming Covid rise on G7 is 'scaremongering'
Cornwall Council and Number 10 say there is no evidence that the two are linked
Last updated 22nd Jun 2021
A Cornish MP has accused those blaming the G7 summit for the current rise in Covid-19 cases in Cornwall of “scaremongering”.
Cherilyn Mackrory, MP for Truro and Falmouth, commented on the ongoing row on her Facebook page.
Cornwall Council, public health officials and the Government have all said that there is no evidence that the spike in Covid-19 cases is linked to the summit of world leaders in Carbis Bay.
Public health officials have stated that the rise was initially spotted at the university campus in Penryn and is largely affecting younger people who have not yet been vaccinated. They have also highlighted the large number of visitors who came to Cornwall during the half term holiday as well as people from Cornwall who travelled outside the Duchy during the break.
But critics say that the G7 was a super spreader event and point to the large numbers of people who were in Cornwall preparing for the summit before it happened.
Derek Thomas, MP for St Ives, has also criticised those blaming the G7 for the rise in Covid-19 cases.
Claims link between G7 and Cornwall's rise in Covid cases is 'undeniable'
Cherilyn said on Facebook yesterday: “Current data shows that the increase in COVID cases in Cornwall is NOT linked to the G7 summit.
“Despite assumptions and scaremongering circulating on social media, Cornwall Council’s Public Health Chief Dr Ruth Goldstein has today confirmed that she “cannot find a direct, definitive link to G7” in the rise of COVID cases in Cornwall.
“Dr Goldstein has confirmed the Delta variant is much more transmissible and is responsible for the increase. There was a rigorous testing regime in place for everyone involved in the G7, whereby a negative test was required each day, before, during and after for all those involved.
“Current scaremongering is being spearheaded by an ex Lib Dem MP in Cornwall who is basing his comments on assumptions. Assumptions do nothing but scaremonger. We have the facts from health professionals in Cornwall, why try and pedal any other narrative?
“This is not about politics, it’s about facts. These facts are coming from health professionals, not elected representatives.
“I would also stress these comments are based on COVID data as of today. Please remember, if you are showing any symptoms please do get tested.
“Lastly, thank you to all front line staff involved in the testing and vaccination programmes locally, as well as to everyone who is continuing to play their part.”
Cherilyn Mackrory, MP for Truro and Falmouth
The Conservative MP’s reference to an ex-Lib Dem MP is with regards to Andrew George who has been calling on the Government to publish its G7 covid risk assessment.
St Ives MP Derek Thomas said on his Facebook page that he was concerned that by placing the blame for the rise on G7 could increase the risk among young people in Cornwall.
He said: “Blaming the G7 Summit is not healthy! There is little evidence that the Summit can be blamed for the rise in covid cases around Cornwall. Through test and trace we know the infection rate of the Delta Variant increased much earlier and predominantly amongst 16 – 29 yr olds. The culprit is more likely to be the lifting of restrictions for the hospitality sector in Mid-May.
“I personally believe to blame the G7 Summit puts more people at risk. Our younger generation must understand the part they inadvertently play.
“The more important message is that the variant is very contagious and we need every 18 yr old and above to receive the vaccine. Extra capacity has been created to accommodate this and people can book a test online or by calling 119.
“We know the vaccine helps because we are not seeing a repeat of the severe health problems and deaths of previous spikes.”
Derek Thomas, MP for St Ives