The government must stop "playing musical chairs" with health secretaries, as urgent decisions need to be made to protect public health, a UK-based Covid testing expert has said.

Dr Quinton Fivelman has urged the new (or latest, given the ongoing cabinet crisis) minister, Steve Barclay, to reintroduce compulsory face masks and improve access to free tests.

“The revolving door that has seen four health secretaries in five years must stop. Britain is facing vital decisions about how to end the Covid pandemic and the continual chop-and-change at the top of the Department of Health and Social Care is a dangerous distraction,” Dr Fivelman commented.

“The turmoil of politics must be put aside as the new health secretary faces some urgent decisions. The latest Omicron variants are rapidly running away with us. The new man in the hot seat, Steve Barclay, must quickly reintroduce the compulsory wearing of face masks on public transport and in shops. He must also provide free Covid tests to those at high risk or in regular contact with people with compromised immune systems.

“He also needs to build on the legacy of his many predecessors and ensure Britain remains at the forefront of immunisations, by purchasing top-up vaccinations specifically targeted against Omicron variants as soon as they become available.

Continual change at the top of this important department will do nothing to fight the ongoing battle against Covid, Fivelman added.

“In the past five years, the nation’s health policies have been in the hands of Jeremy Hunt, Matt Hancock, Sajid Javid and now Steve Barclay. No matter what your political persuasion, this continual change at the top of such a vital department is undoubtedly hindering the long-term battle against the impact of Covid.

“Steve Barclay needs to get on top of his new brief quickly. Before Brits start to get together in large numbers to enjoy their summer holidays, the decision must be taken to reintroduce compulsory mask-wearing in indoor public places such as stores and on public transport. Omicron BA.5 is growing 35.1% faster than even Omicron BA.2 The new man at the top hasn’t got the luxury of getting to know his job before he acts."

The lack of access to free tests could also hinder our understanding of how many cases of Covid are circulating in the population.

The UK has a stockpile of existing Covid vaccinations, but the rapid evolution of the virus means these have become less effective, meaning vaccines need constant tweaking to ensure adequate protection.


In numbers: Covid cases rise in England (Source: UK Health Security Agency, 6th July 2022 at 16:00)

Between 29th June and 5th July, 1,416,094 tests were conducted, an increase of 11.8% compared with the prior 7 days.

Between 25th June 1st July, 139,272 people had a confirmed positive test result, up 26.5% on the prior 7 days.

Between 28th June and 4th July, 11,028 went into hospital with coronavirus, up 32.9% on the prior 7 days, and 217 of which were on a mechanical ventilator.

Between 25th June and 1st July, there had been 454 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test, which represents an increase of 13.2% compared with the prior 7 days.

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