Government has 'dithered and delayed' over coronavirus, says council leader

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), which advises the Government during emergencies, called for a short national lockdown in England in September.

At its meeting on September 21, the scientific advisers said an immediate “circuit breaker” was the best way to control the rising number of cases.

READ > St Helens Council pens open letter to schools as lockdown looms

When minutes of the meeting were published three weeks later, Labour leader Keir Starmer called for the government to implement a national lockdown across half-term.

Boris Johnson resisted the calls until Saturday, when he told the nation that unless the government acts, deaths could reach several thousand a day.

Cllr David Baines, leader of St Helens Borough Council, said the country will now pay the price for not implementing a national lockdown sooner.

“As soon as the scientific SAGE advice was leaked several weeks ago, Labour called for a short circuit breaker wrapped around the October half-term,” Cllr Baines said.

“Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak ridiculed Keir Starmer and ignored this idea, and now because of their failure to act quickly we face a much tougher lockdown for a longer period.

“Government need to be much quicker and much clearer in their actions. Right through this crisis they’ve dithered and delayed.

“The fact we still don’t have a track and trace system fit for purpose is testament to this.

“I hope government use this time to fix testing, give local areas the power and funding to manage track and trace, and come up with a proper plan to get us out of lockdown as soon as possible.”

The Prime Minister’s handling of the situation has seen him roundly criticised by Labour, including from St Helens’ two MPs.

Much of the ire has come from Northern politicians, who feel the government has not given the North the same parity as the South.

This is after the government announced it would extend the furlough scheme, paying 80 per cent of people’s wages, despite refusing to pay Northern workers more than 67 per cent under Tier 3 restrictions.

“The decision to now provide a furlough scheme of 80s per cent welcome but far too late,” said Cllr Baines.

“Leaders here in the North have called for this for weeks but were told the money wasn’t there to do it and workers here would have to put up with 67 per cent.

“However, now London and the south are affected suddenly they’ve found it.

"It’s hard to avoid the conclusion that the Tory government value jobs in the South more than jobs in the North.”

St Helens Borough Council leader David Baines

What will happen from Thursday, November 5

People are also being told to stay at home unless they have a specific reason to leave.

Shopping for basic necessities, such as food and medicine, should be as infrequent as possible.

Leaving the house for childcare or education purposes is permitted, with colleges, schools, nurseries and universities all remaining open where possible.

People are allowed to travel to work if they cannot work from home, including those who work in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

Hospitality venues like restaurants, bars and pubs must close, but can still provide takeaway and delivery services. However, takeaway of alcohol will not be allowed.

Indoor and outdoor leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, leisure centres and gyms, and soft play centres must close, although playgrounds will remain open.

Socialising indoors with family or friends, unless they are part of your household or support bubble, is not allowed, as is the case under current Tier 3 restrictions.

People will be allowed outside to exercise and socialise in an outdoor public place with their household, one other person or your support bubble.

Medical concerns, such as appointments and emergencies, or to avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, such as domestic abuse, is also allowed.

How long will the lockdown last?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he expects the lockdown to last until December 2, after which England’s regional tiered system will be reintroduced based on local coronavirus data.

However, Michael Gove told Sky on Sunday that the lockdown could be extended beyond December 2 if necessary.

Click here to view the new lockdown restrictions in full.