Grant Shapps, who was concerned about the scare potential of Covid advertisements on public transport, has blocked the plans for Covid new public health ads.
It has been alleged that the Transport Secretary partially stalled the “Stop Covid-19 Hinging Around” campaign.
The campaign is designed to spread the word about the virus in closed spaces and to encourage homeowners to keep their home ventilated when guests visit.
Sources familiar with the situation say that the campaign had been scheduled to include public transport, including buses. But Mr Shapps stopped it from running during this week’s Telegraph.
Because it features a short film that shows Covid’s ability to linger in the air, and build up, the campaign is called the “smoke camp”.
According to reports, plans were approved by Cabinet Office and Department of Health and Transport officials. However Mr Shapps requested that public transport not be included in the campaign.
After concerns that they might scare people, Grant Shapps stopped plans to put Covid’s new public health ads (pictured) onto public transport.
Following the row, the officials decided to go ahead with the campaign and not add any ads.
Whitehall sources said that the agreement was approved at all levels.
The Shaps team discovered this and decided to stop doing it. The project was not moving forward so it was decided to continue, with the suspension of the public transport component.
Another source claimed that Mr Shapps objected to the advertisements on the grounds they might alarm passengers or cause a decline in public transport use.
The Department for Transport has invested billions in rail operators and transport networks to help them survive the pandemic.
Sources close to Mr Shapps stated that they were not opposed to the campaign but worried about its execution.
Sources said that they are concerned about the black smoke analogy as it might be misinterpreted by passengers to signal terrorism or fire danger.
The adverts were objected to by Mr Shapps (pictured), who claimed they might alarm people and lead to a decrease in public transport use.
As many public buses are sealed with windows, it was questionable if improving the ventilation was an option.
Source said that they were in agreement with the message of the campaign about ventilation and best practice for enclosed spaces.
Sources believed that the smoke metaphor was not well-conceived as buses are sealed and could cause confusion for passengers.
They are looking for modification and a rethink of the messaging.
This new campaign is part of a push by the government to speed up its jabs booster program.
This is necessary to safeguard elderly and vulnerable citizens of the society. It will also avoid the need for reimposing tougher Covid restrictions.
Last week, ministers said that over 10 million people aged 50 and older can get their booster shots starting Monday.
The slots will be open up to a full month before the start of rollout to speed things along.
Boris Johnson will hold a conference to confirm the Government’s plan to provide compulsory vaccinations to NHS employees.
This campaign (pictured below) is designed to spread the word about the virus in enclosed areas and to encourage people to keep their home ventilated when visiting.
After warnings by the NHS, the deadline will be extended to March 31. This is due to the possibility of staff leaving if this compulsory measure is implemented during winter.
Downing Street was planning to hold the press conference towards the end last week. However, it had to be canceled because some parts of its policy had not been finalised.
According to sources, Sajid Javid (the Health Secretary) has said that he will not change the deadline of November 11, when social workers must be twice vaccinated.