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Written question asked by Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 27 October 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 November 2020. It was answered by Lord Bethell (Conservative) on Monday, 30 November 2020 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the argument that restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 indirectly cost more lives than they save.

Answer

These restrictions are necessary and proportionate to prevent the incidence and spread of COVID-19, to protect the National Health Service and to save lives.

An analysis of the overall health impact of lockdown was published in July. A copy of Direct and Indirect Impacts of COVID-19 on Excess Deaths and Morbidity: Executive Summary is attached.

Estimates of the impact of COVID-19 admissions on NHS capacity was published in October as part of a presentation by the Chief Scientific Adviser. A copy of this presentation is attached.

These set out the risk that non-COVID-19 health services would be impacted at a national level by early December if the NHS were to free-up sufficient capacity to meet the projected hospital admissions from COVID-19 patients. If action had not been taken, we would exceed surge hospital capacity by approximately 4 December, even after postponing some hospital services.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL9655
Session
2019-21
Attachment
Chief Scientific Adviser presentation; Direct and Indirect Impacts of COVID-19
Subjects
Disease control Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk