Lichfield and Burntwood’s MP has warned that further coronavirus restrictions could be introduced if people do not follow the new rules.
The Prime Minister has announced a raft of new measures designed to halt the spread of COVID-19.
They include a 10pm curfew for pubs and a restriction on the number of people who can attend weddings.
Conservative MP Michael Fabricant said that while the steps – which also include asking office workers to stay home if they can – were short of a full lockdown, the actions of people now could impact on how the pandemic is managed in future.
“It is more important than ever that we all abide by the rule of six, wash our hands regularly, and wear face masks in enclosed areas to protect others including shop workers who must also now wear face masks.
“And, if you are an office worker and you can work from home, do so. Otherwise continue working at your workplace provided protection is in place.
“But this is not a return to full lockdown. If, however, these instructions are ignored and the reinfection rate remains above 1 which means the pandemic is continuing to spread, further restrictions will have to be introduced.”
Michael Fabricant MP
Mr Fabricant said the Government was trying to manage a tough balancing act when it came to COVID-19 restrictions.
“It has been important to react to the spread of the virus – those testing positive have quadrupled over the last month.
“However, some people are telling me these restrictions are going too far – I say the Government has had to balance the need to protect lives with having to protect individual liberties in a democracy.
“Still others have criticised the Government for not imposing tough enough restrictions at the very start of the pandemic, although those countries which acted faster than us initially are now experiencing a second wave more severe than our own.
“If the Government had now done nothing, it would have been rightly blamed for endangering lives.
“As the pandemic ebbs and flows and international understanding of COVID-19 increases, there will be further changes to the rules. This is happening in other nations throughout Europe and elsewhere.
“The balance the Government has now struck on these controls would always be criticised by some, for either being too liberal or too severe.
“It will only be after the pandemic has ended that an objective judgement can be made of how the nation coped with this once in a 100 year pandemic.”
Michael Fabricant MP
