'Targeted action' taken against more than 100 coronavirus outbreaks each week, Matt Hancock says
"Targeted action" is being taken against more than 100 local outbreaks of coronavirus every week, the health secretary has said.
Matt Hancock revealed flare-ups are being “swiftly and silently” dealt with, while he said increased testing means officials can take a more targeted approach rather than imposing national measures.
His comments come after a farm in Herefordshire and its 200 workers were locked down after 73 cases were confirmed amongst employees.
Meanwhile, Monday marks two weeks since Mr Hancock announced Leicester would be the first city to be put under a local lockdown – restrictions he is expected to review later this week.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Mr Hancock said: “Each week there are more than 100 local actions taken across the country – some of these will make the news, but many more are swiftly and silently dealt with.
“This is thanks in large part to the incredible efforts of local authorities – all of whom have stepped up and published their local outbreak control plans in line with the end of June deadline.”
In an article for the newspaper, the Health Secretary said officials will “hunt down the virus” by targeting areas of concern.
An increased testing capacity means the government can take “more targeted local action and less national lockdown” to allow the easing of measures for the majority of the country, he said.
The newspaper reports that door-to-door testing, which was utilised in the worst-hit areas of Leicester, is to be used more widely to curb outbreaks in the coming months.
Portable walk-in centres will also be stationed in areas where there is a flare-up of the virus.
On Sunday, Public Health England (PHE) Midlands and Herefordshire Council said around 200 employees at vegetable producer AS Green and Co were put into lockdown following a Covid-19 outbreak among the workforce.
Some 73 workers tested positive for the virus, leading to the whole group of workers, who live in shared accommodation at Rook Row Farm, to be isolated together as “one extended bubble”.
The council said it is arranging food and essential supplies for residents on the site while they self-isolate.