Coronavirus: Disease Control

(asked on 18th May 2021) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has has taken to (a) recognise and (b) tackle the Indian variant of covid-19 in the UK.


Answered by
Jo Churchill Portrait
Jo Churchill
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
This question was answered on 24th May 2021

Genotype assay testing is being deployed across the whole laboratory network to enable quick identification of known variants. Additional rapid response measures will be implemented in areas where clusters of cases have been detected to stop further spread. These measures include:

- enhanced testing and contact tracing, including enhanced community and surge testing in areas defined by the local authorities and regional teams;

- increased community engagement, including ensuring that messages are accessible in languages that are used by communities;

- working closely with communities and community leaders to ensure that individuals are supported to test and self-isolate; and

- ensuring access to vaccination in the age and risk groups currently prioritised for vaccination and encouraging uptake.

We are working closely with the devolved administrations to support them with their testing efforts.

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