Responding to the prime minister’s announcement regarding Greater Manchester and the latest data, NHS Providers deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery said:

“Tonight’s announcement by the prime minister is a sobering reminder that there is a still a long way to go in tackling coronavirus.

“Infection rates have been rising for the last month and this is now translating into a significant increase in hospital admissions, more patients requiring care in ICU and sadly more deaths.

“There are big differences across the country in infection rates. Tougher local lockdowns in areas with much higher rates of infection are key to helping the NHS in those areas cope with increased levels of activity, but that needs to come with appropriate wider support to mitigate the far-reaching impact on mental health, of economic deprivation and worklessness.

As we head further into winter, we also head into the NHS’s busiest time of year. Frontline staff are already tired and in danger of burning out.

Saffron Cordery    Deputy Chief Executive

“As we head further into winter, we also head into the NHS’s busiest time of year. Frontline staff are already tired and in danger of burning out.

“We need to continue to be led by the scientific evidence and act accordingly as the NHS has to be able to treat the patients most unwell with COVID-19 and ensure that all patients with other conditions are able to get the care they need.

“Protecting lives must come first, but we do not underestimate the economic impact and effect on people’s health and wellbeing that tighter restrictions have.”