Covid-19 Update

Esther McVey Excerpts

Monday 13th December 2021 Commons Chamber

[Sajid Javid]

I was referring to lateral flow tests earlier, but I think the hon. Lady asked me about PCR tests. I will look into what she said.

[Esther McVey (Tatton) (Con)]

Last week’s Ofsted report was damning about the impact lockdown has had on our nation’s children and the immense harm students have suffered, with the Children’s Commissioner saying that schools should not close again. However, it seems that the Government have left the door open to school closures after the Christmas recess. What specific conditions would need to be met for schools not to open in the new year?

[Sajid Javid]

I welcome that question from my right hon. Friend. What I would say to her is that with the risk we see from omicron at this point in time—the rise in infections, the increased risk of hospitalisation and the information we have on vaccines—we think we have taken the appropriate response. It is a balanced and measured response. It is designed to protect so much of what we love in our country, especially the interests of our children. The most important thing to focus on now is the booster programme.