Joint statement issued by all four UK Governments on Covid 'second wave'

All four Governments of the UK have today issued an unprecedented joint statement appealing to the public to "adhere to the rules and advice" to tackle soaring levels of Covid-19.

UK is now facing a "second wave" of Coronavirus

The open communique from the Scottish, UK, Welsh and Northern Irish Governments warns that the UK is on the verge of a "second wave" and that public behaviour is the key to tackling this.

"In the weeks and months ahead we must carry on pulling together to protect and care for those most at risk, and keep the virus under control," it states.

And despite some divergence in approaches to lockdown north and south of the border during the pandemic, the statement pledges that co-operation will be at the heart of the UK-wide strategy going forward.

"We will work determinedly, energetically and cooperatively to make sure people are working and socialising safely, communicating clearly and effectively the steps we all need to take," it adds.

Fresh lockdown measures were imposed on large parts of the UK last week, with home visits banned in Scotland, but today's statement warns that "the threat remains all too real."

"COVID-19 threatens lives, health, prosperity and our way of life," it adds.

It sets out six bullet points mapping out the approach which is being adopted. There is a warning that action must be taken to stop an exponential increase which could "overwhelm" the NHS as winter approaches.

All four Government held talks at a COBR meeting earlier this week and today's statement pledges a "shared commitment" to suppressing the spread of the virus and, while striving to get life back to normal for “as many people as possible.”

"We agree that our policy decisions should be consistent with this objective," the statement adds.

There are a series of pledges to help ensure people are "working and socialising safely", and to communicate "clearly and effectively" the steps being taken.

People with symptoms will be provided with tests and their contacts traced, with a "quick response" pledged to local outbreaks.

Winter preparations will also be put in place with a pledge to protect the "most vulnerable in society."

All four Governments will also co-operate to "reach a long-term solution to the threat of COVID-19 in the form of a treatment or vaccine as soon as possible."

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