https://x.com/chrischirp/status/1396428230765260801
I disagree [with this tweet].
Let's look at the last 3 crucial weeks:
6th May: PHE very concerned about B.1.617.2 & about to make a VoC. Report delayed because of local elections, pubished 7 May. PHE bounced into announcement by Guardian & Channel 4 coverage.
theguardian.com/world/2021/may… 1/5
13th May: Report was ready on Thursday afternoon with a page on schools data (seen by Observer) - report published hours later in the evening with just the schools page removed.
Observer has seen evidence this removal was at Num 10 request.
theguardian.com/world/2021/may… 2/5
20th May: PHE told journalists report would be released on Thursday (when it was due). it was not. Then Friday lunchtime - it was not. Then Friday sometime. It was not.
Finally released Sat night - no press release (unlike vax report released at same time). No school data. 3/5
*If* this was just difficulty issue then wait till Sunday, release it *with a press briefing* and explain to the public what is in it.
Or is it suddenly not news that B.1.617.2 is now "high risk" for transmissibilty & vax escape AND likely dominant in England? 4/5
This is politics not public health and it's not OK. /END
Risk assessment:
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl…
Report
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl…
PS I don't doubt that PHE scientists are working round the clock. And their reports are really good.
But I think if anything they should be more concerned and angry that their hard work is being spun to minimise concerns and help number 10.