The union representing doctors in the UK has issued its own advice for hoidaymakers and accommodation providers ’in the absence of any current official Government guidance’.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has called on Health Secretary Matt Hancock to produce clear and consistent guidance, and says it has grave concerns ’over the Government’s failure to provide clarity for tourists and tourism operators’.
Its letter to the Secretary of State follow scenes of hugely crowded beaches in the South East of England this week and comes ahead of lockdown restrictions on overnight stays being eased on July 4.
Urging the Government to ‘take responsibility’ and ensure the public know exactly what is safe, and what is not safe to do, BMA Council chairman Dr Nagpaul writes: ’Given the summer season and many months of a strict lockdown, it is understandable that people will want to travel to tourist areas in the UK for a break and relaxation.’
However, he says it is imperative that there is absolute clarity on public health measures that must be adhered to in order to minimise the spread of infection, as ways of life that have been on hold start to resume.
Dr Nagpaul also warns that Covid-19 still poses a serious risk to the public and also the NHS with significant levels of the virus still circulating in the population. He writes: ’It is vital that in easing the lockdown, all efforts must be made to mitigate against further spread and outbreaks, and at worst a second spike which could overwhelm the NHS should it coincide with the winter months.’
The letter comes as the BMA issued its own advice for holidaymakers and tourism operators in the absence of any current official Government guidance.
The organisation warns that people on holiday may be ’more relaxed’ about doing handwashing and using face coverings than they would be otherwise, and also warns that those whose jobs are within the tourist industry could face heighthened risks. It also states though, that those on holiday might have had reduced exposure to the virus due to their educational or work setting.
’Tourism within England should only be encouraged if it is undertaken with the suppression of viral transmission as a key safety principle, and we have grave concerns that the UK Government has not been clear or consistent in its instructions to the public on this point,’ says the BMA.
’Whilst it is right that the Government says people should be trusted to continue acting responsibly, this should not confer the weight of responsibility on their shoulders.
’The Government must take responsibility to issue clear and consistent communication of the guidance on what is, and is not, safe to do as well as put in place all necessary measures in order to ensure public safety.’The advice set out by the BMA is as follows:1 Do not leave home if you have symptoms that could be Covid-19. 2 Follow the core principles of physical distancing; of hand washing and of not mixing with other households unless adhering to physical distancing. 3 People can be infectious for up to 48 hours before developing symptoms. Wearing a mask or face-covering can reduce the risk of transmitting Covid-19 when infectious: consideration should be given to businesses mandating the wearing of face coverings in enclosed spaces. 4 The risks of transmission of the virus are increased in enclosed spaces. Unfortunately, the weather in the UK is unreliable and therefore consideration should be given by all as to what happens in bad weather. It is also important to consider “pinch points” where groups may be pushed together, for instance on narrow pathways to access beaches or at facilities such as toilets. 5 Contact Tracing is an important control mechanism to address any local outbreaks successfully. Therefore, this service needs to be appropriately sized and staffed with ready access to testing. People on holiday should be contactable in case the NHS Test and Trace service needs to contact them. 6 Providers of accommodation and other services for tourists will need to ensure that their guests and staff can adhere to physical distancing guidance, enhance the cleaning regime that they follow and may need to consider deep cleans between guests. 7 Accommodation providers should have a plan in place should a number of their guests be required to self-isolate. 8 Providers of services should recognise that they may need to close if they themselves have symptoms of or test positive for COVID-19. Consideration should be given as to how best to support such businesses. 9 Follow the appropriate national guidance if you develop Covid19 symptoms. 10 Different types of tourist (from day trippers to second home owner) will require different policy responses and levels of support.