I appreciate that the pandemic has been a particularly challenging time for those who are more at risk from COVID-19, and I am glad that support has been in place throughout. We are thankfully in a much better position to tackle, and live with, this virus than ever before, with the incredible success of the vaccination programme and the emergence of proven treatments, such as dexamethasone, tocilizumab and antivirals.
I am glad that one of four principles of the Government’s “Living with COVID-19 Plan” is protecting the most vulnerable, with targeted vaccines and treatments. Enough doses of vaccine have been procured to anticipate a range of JCVI recommendations and I welcome the announcement that a new spring booster will be offered to those aged 75 and over, to older care home residents, and to those over 12 who are immunosuppressed. The UK is also leading the way on antivirals and therapeutics, with a supply of almost 5 million doses.
While the provision of free universal symptomatic and asymptomatic tests for the general public in England will end from 1 April, it is right that some limited ongoing free testing will remain available for those who need it the most. This will include a small number of at-risk groups, for example those who are immunocompromised, and more detail will be set out on this in the coming weeks.
We know that COVID-19 has not gone away, and it will not suddenly disappear, so I believe that we need to learn to live with the virus in the way that we do with other respiratory diseases. This means continuing to exercise caution and act responsibly, while treating those who are more vulnerable with respect.