Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 4
4
At the time of publication of this report, we recognise that almost of all of...
Conclusion
At the time of publication of this report, we recognise that almost of all of the covid-19 restrictions we refer to are no longer in force. However, should the covid-19 situation worsen again, and restrictions need to be reintroduced, we would urge the Government to act in line with the principles embodied in the conclusions of this report and with the lessons learnt. (Paragraph 8) Creating covid-19 offences
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government’s objective in the next phase of the response is to enable the country to manage COVID-19 like other respiratory illnesses, while minimising mortality and retaining the ability to respond. This includes removing the last domestic legal restrictions in England. As set out by the Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), the future path and severity of the virus is uncertain, and it may take several years before the virus becomes more predictable. During this period further resurgences will occur, it is possible more severe variants will emerge and there will sadly be more hospitalisations and deaths. As a result, the Government is taking steps to ensure there are plans in place to maintain resilience against significant resurgences or future more severe variants and remains ready to act if a dangerous variant risks placing unsustainable pressure on the NHS. In future, pharmaceutical capabilities will be the first line of defence in responding to COVID-19 if risk threatens to place unsustainable pressure on the NHS. Additionally, core infrastructure will be retained to enable testing to be scaled up in the case of a new dangerous variant. Going forward, if ever required, measures required to respond to future variants will be taken reflecting the advances made in population immunity given advances in vaccine technology and repeated exposure to the virus.