The Member of Parliament for Winchester and Chandler’s Ford quizzed the Government over their decision to delay changes to self-isolation rules until next month.
During a statement to the House of Commons by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment, Steve Brine called for clarification over the decision to continue to self-isolation rules for fully vaccinated individuals until August 16th.
Mr Brine asked the Minister, Nadhim Zahawi; “Can I ask my Honourable Friend what is the scientific basis for the decision to give my fully vaccinated constituents their real freedom after the middle of next month, but not now?”
Mr Zahawi responded saying “It is still possible, obviously, to catch and spread covid, even if you are fully vaccinated. So, introducing this exemption in August will allow more people to be fully vaccinated, as I mentioned earlier.
Unlike in previous waves, the rise in cases driven by the Delta Variant, is not translating into significant increases in hospitalisation and death and this is due to the, I think, effectiveness of the vaccines that are reducing that risk of transition to a severe illness.”
From 16th August, individuals who have had both jabs will no longer have to self-isolate should they have close contact with a positive case.
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