Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 156
156
The second wave of covid infections, hospitalisations and deaths during the autumn and winter of...
Conclusion
The second wave of covid infections, hospitalisations and deaths during the autumn and winter of 2020/21 was significantly driven by the emergence of a new variant, known as the Kent or Alpha variant. It is likely that a “circuit break” of temporary lockdown measures if introduced in September 2020, and earlier lockdown measures during the winter, could have impeded the rapid seeding and spread of the Kent variant. However, the existence of the Kent or Alpha variant was not known by the Government until 11 December 2020 so that the justification for taking earlier measures could not rely on information available at the time.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Non-pharmaceutical interventions have been a key element of the government’s response to COVID-19. At the outbreak of the pandemic, the government carefully monitored the data, and our decision-making has always been informed by science and evidence. We took quick and decisive action when we needed to.