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2,941 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCovid-19: Care Home DeathsThe noble Baroness raises what is probably the cruellest and most unkind aspect of this awful epidemic: the circumstances of death where those who love and care cannot necessarily…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Care Home DeathsThe noble Baroness is entirely right. This is an evil disease which strikes the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions the worst, and those who live in care homes are the…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Extent of InfectionSerology tests provide important data on the behaviours of the virus. We still do not fully understand what kind of immunity and antibody response will be long-lasting in the…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Extent of InfectionI thank the noble Baroness, Lady Sheehan, for a very clear Question. I can reassure her on three points. First, front-line staff in the NHS and in care homes are eligible for test…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Extent of InfectionMy noble friend Lord Dobbs is entirely right to put his finger on this important matter. The CMO was clear from the very beginning that Britain’s mortality rate came as much from…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Extent of InfectionThe noble Lord raises a completely valid point on the accessibility of drive-in centres. They suit some people but not all, as he rightly points out. That is why we have brought…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Extent of InfectionI reassure the noble Lord that testing has been opened up to all care homes. I pay tribute to the CQC, which played a pivotal role in providing access to Britain’s 12,000 care…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Medically Vulnerable PeopleThe noble Baroness is entirely right. The prospect of long-term shielding for those most vulnerable is of deep concern. That is why we are pressing so hard on the disease, through…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Medically Vulnerable PeopleThe noble Lord makes a reasonable point, but I confirm that it is the virus that makes this discrimination, not the Government. Certain demographics are even more vulnerable than…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Care Home DeathsThe noble Baroness is entirely right to raise the question of PPE. Looking into the medium and long term, there is undoubtedly going to be a massive demand for PPE in hospitals,…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Care Home DeathsI echo the noble Baroness’s timely comments on the role of BAME workers, many of whom have provided an amazing service and put themselves in harm’s way to care for those who are…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Care Home DeathsMy Lords, the need for daily figures means that there are two official publications: first, the daily figure that is used in the No. 10 presentation, which includes deaths of care…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Care Home DeathsThe noble Lord, Lord Laming, makes a point that I am afraid I cannot agree with. While the press may be more focused on hospitals, we in the department have put an enormous amount…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Extent of InfectionThe noble Baroness speaks of anecdotes of which we are very aware. We are conscious of the stories coming particularly from America about a seeming correlation, if not a…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Extent of InfectionMy noble friend is entirely right. Fitness and the Covid epidemic are closely connected. The Secretary of State for Health has made it clear that a daily walk should be part of…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Medically Vulnerable PeopleThe noble Baroness is entirely right. Letters should have been sent to all those who should be shielding. I am aware, as she rightly points out, that this process happened…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Medically Vulnerable PeopleMy noble friend is entirely right that the political context in Britain is based on rule by consent. We are not an authoritarian state. However, I cannot hide from my noble friend…22 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Removal of RestrictionsThe noble Lord is right that the British public have been incredibly diligent, and I commend all those who have followed the guidelines to stay at home for the impact they have…21 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Removal of RestrictionsThe noble Baroness is entirely right. Tracking and tracing will be absolutely essential for keeping down R0, the transmission rate, when it comes to the implementation of our…21 Apr 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Removal of RestrictionsThe noble Baroness is entirely right. I have spoken to Paul Nurse and commend the Crick Institute on the work it has done to build up the remarkable capacity of 2,000 tests a day.…21 Apr 2020