Health minister Edward Argar said the Government was acting “coolly” and “calmly” as it presses ahead with coronavirus restriction easing on Monday, despite rising cases of the Indian variant.
Referring to reports the new variant could be up to 50 per cent more transmissible, he said: “As Chris Whitty said yesterday, it’s possible, but equally it could be much less more transmissible, if that makes sense.
“We don’t know how much more transmissible it is yet.
“All the evidence so far suggests there is no evidence of increased severity of illness or that it evades the vaccine.
“So, at the moment, on the basis of the evidence we are doing the right thing, coolly, calmly continuing with Monday, but keeping everything under review.”
Mr Argar added that people should take personal responsibility when deciding whether or not to hug loved ones, when allowed to do so.
“You have to take all the facts into consideration,” he said.
“It’s about personal responsibility, it’s about making the right judgment call.”
