isolation – Saddleworth Liberal Democrats

18Oct 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Gove’s comments show Government’s refusal to prioritise test and trace overhaul

Responding to Michael Gove's appearance on the Andrew Marr Show this morning, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said: “Michael Gove’s comments this morning are just more evidence of a government in utter denial. The continued refusal from Ministers to overhaul the failing test, trace and isolate system is not only pig-headed, but incredibly reckless. “If the Government does not prioritise fixing the broken test, trace and isolate system, the new restrictions being put in place around the country will do very little on their own to help the Government get a grip on this second wave. An effective test, trace and isolate system is fundamental to keeping people safe. “The decision to hand over people’s coronavirus test data to the police will just further undermine the test and…

Chatty Checkouts and Chatty Cafes: let’s get people talking!

Borough news

One of the hidden impacts of the lockdown has been the massive affect that is has had on people's mental health, with social isolation worsening existing problems for many people. As we start the process of ending lockdown, Liberal Democrat Councillors Dave Murphy and Chris Gloster have brought a motion for the 17 June Oldham Council meeting to try and combat this. The idea behind Chatty Checkouts and Chatty Cafes is to get people speaking to one another. This is at designated tables in cafes and shop checkouts counters. People can forge friendships and escape the trap of isolation. Oldham has already begun to pioneer this idea, but the Liberal Democrats want to take this further and get Oldham Council behind it. Councillor Murphy comments: “Councillors should be constantly to looking at…

Government strategy must also support people in isolation

Parliamentary news

Responding to the Government’s test and trace system announcement, Liberal Democrat Health, Wellbeing and Care spokesperson Munira Wilson said: “The Coronavirus crisis is leaving people rightly worried about their loved ones. Sadly, the Government has left confusion in it's wake this week and there are plenty questions still to answer. “Central to the Government’s strategy must be a comprehensive test, trace and isolate system. Time and again, we have seen Ministers announce the next steps but never an effective plan to support people in isolation, thereby stopping the spread and saving lives. “Ministers must come forward with these clear and honest answers, in addition addressing the obvious issues with their app and why the level of testing remains so low across the UK compared to some countries.”