SAGE has backed the dramatic shutting down of all shops that are not essential and banning households from mixing, to stop a flood hospitalisations or deaths caused by Omicron running amok.
Minutes reveal that the key government advisory body agreed Thursday to hospitalizations of at least 3,000 per day in England without any’stringent measures.
Based on the SPI-M-O Group’s grim modeling, admissions may rise to 10,000 per day. This could lead to upto 6,000 deaths each day.
SAGE consensus states that ‘earlier interventions’ would have a greater effect and can possibly last for a shorter time. However, they won’t be as effective if left in place past the New Year.
This statement implies that the government will be removing its supposedly “irreversible” roadmap from lockdown and returning to stage 1/2, which would only allow for essential retail openings.
Minutes reveal that the key government advisory body agreed Thursday to hospitalisations of at least 3,000 per day in England without any’stringent measures.
According to the statement, it is possible to rip up government’s allegedly ‘irreversible” roadmap and return backstage 1 or 2 (pictured), which would mean that only necessary retail openings are allowed. There will not be any mixing of households.
Based on the SPI-M-O model, admissions may rise to 10,000 daily, which could lead to upto 6,000 deaths per day. This was according the Grim Modeling group.
Boris Johnson, Chris Whitty and the chief medical officer at Downing Street’s press conference last Wednesday
SAGE reported that SPI-M-O has provided examples of scenarios which suggest that measures similar to those implemented after Step 2 in England or Step 1 in England could significantly reduce hospital admissions (medium confidence).
“It is important to choose the right time for such actions. Reducing the timeframe to 2022 will greatly decrease their effectiveness and increase pressure on healthcare systems.
“Slowing down the spread of infection would allow for more people to be given boosters to prevent them from being exposed to Omicron. It would also prevent some deaths and hospitalisations.
SAGE papers clearly show there’s still much uncertainty regarding Omicron’s threats.
They also cite “high confidence” that the Delta version will spread faster and sweep the country.
Medical and science chiefs Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance briefed the Cabinet yesterday on the SAGE view.
Ministers remain resistant to the notion of locking up millions and destroying Christmas, despite evidence remaining unclear.
After a huge revolt against Plan B and Lord Frost’s shocking resignation overnight, questions have been raised as to whether Johnson has the political will or the ability to pass restrictions. This highlights the danger of “coercive” policies.
Sajid Javid Health Secretary seemed to hint at an impending shift. She said the SAGE analysis is “sobering” and the government was ready to do what’s necessary.
When asked if a circuit breaker could be eliminated before Christmas, Mr Javid said to Andrew Marr on BBC Radio: “There are no guarantees that this pandemic will end. I don’t believe so.
“At this stage we only need to keep all under review.”
His response to the scientists was: “It’s very sobering analysis. This is something that we consider very serious.
“We have to question data and the underlying assumptions. That is what I feel is right, but we also need to consider other facts.
Also, he made it clear that he would recall parliament if necessary to ensure the proper implementation of any proposed actions.
The roadmap’s first stage was in March. Only one-on-1 mixing was permitted outside households.
The second stage allowed bars and restaurants to open outside and allow households to not mix indoors.
Cabinet Office minister Steve Barclay is to chair the Cobra meeting, which will consider the option for a circuit breaker’ lockdown.
There would be a lot of opposition from within the Cabinet.
According to one minister, the Sunday Times reported that “We cannot have a situation in which we lock down every winter while killing off the economy.” It is time to give up reading about South Africa’s current events. Comparing apples to pears is like that.
Rumours abound that the “handbrake” would instead be removed after December 25th, with reports that an announcement was made for Boxing Day.