Following the Health Secretary’s statement on the R value and lockdown, Harriett Baldwin raises constituents’ concerns at the lack of social distancing during some of the protests over the weekend and at the possible impact on the virus reproduction rate.
Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)
We are all so grateful to our NHS and careworkers. So many people have made so many difficult sacrifices during this period of lockdown. They are furious to see the lack of social distancing in some of the protests that took place over the weekend and want to know what impact that might have had on the reproduction rate of the virus.
Matt Hancock
I thank my hon. Friend for that question. It is incredibly important that people follow the social distancing rules. Where the demonstrations that we saw over the weekend did not follow the social distancing rules, they risk increasing the spread of the virus. That is the clear scientific evidence. It is a mistake for people to participate in demonstrations that help to spread this vile disease. Instead, we should all be doing our bit to reduce the spread.