Eastwood calls for ‘fundamental shift’ in Northern Ireland coronavirus strategy

The Foyle MP said that the report revealed that health service surge capacity limits could not cope with the millions who could be put at risk by such a strategy.

Colum Eastwood MP said: “The modelling that the British Government was relying on for the ‘herd immunity’ approach has been severely compromised. An urgent and fundamental shift in approach is now needed.

“Our response must be to adopt the World Health Organisation advice on urgent action. We cannot afford to wait for the politics of this U-Turn to be spaced out over a few days.

“I believe in the sincerity of political leaders here who have advocated for the previous strategy. They were motivated by saving lives. But the evidence base has changed substantially and our response must urgently change as well.

“We are witnessing a blanket of unilateral decisions by school leaders to close for the rest of this week. We need to provide all schools with the cover to close and prevent the spread of the virus. That will create some space, at least, for considering a more substantial closure decision.

“We need, now, to be considering a more substantial plan for locking down spaces where people are in close proximity and the risk of transmission is increased. The political discussion needs to move beyond just schools.

“I welcome the Executive’s commitment to a relief package for business. But we should recognise that the Executive’s authority and spending capacity is limited.

“The British Government should look to the example of France where President Macron has announced that his government will guarantee €300bn of bank loans to secure the viability of businesses throughout the pandemic. That is the scale of intervention needed to protect people, jobs and business over the difficult months ahead.”