What can the UK learn from the EU’s covid plan for winter 2022-23?

Abstract

This winter is likely to be brutal. The rising cost of living will force many people to choose whether to "heat or eat." And, despite optimism expressed by several eminent figures, 1 2 it's clear that the covid-19 pandemic is not over. England continues to record almost 30 000 cases each week despite vastly reduced testing, with almost 4000 people admitted to hospital. 3 It would be very surprising if covid proved to be unlike all respiratory viruses and cases didn't increase further in the winter months. This will inevitably place an already struggling NHS under even more pressure. In these circumstances it's perhaps surprising that, beyond the promise of booster vaccinations, covid-19 is largely lacking from Our Plan for Patients, 4 published by England's new secretary of state for health and social care, Thérèse Coffey. This contrasts with the stance taken by the European Union, which has published a comprehensive plan to counter this persistent threat, 5 which in turn holds lessons for the UK.

Insights into the Impact of Hesitancy on Cancer Care and COVID-19

“…Unvaccinated (30 to 60%) individuals feel that herd immunity may protect them [ 5 ] ( Figure 2 ). Thus far, there is no strategy to optimize defenses against the emergence of new COVID-19 variants [ 6 ].…”

“…Unvaccinated (30 to 60%) individuals feel that herd immunity may protect them [5] (Figure 2). Thus far, there is no strategy to optimize defenses against the emergence of new COVID-19 variants [6]. In the early months and years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the complex health-care landscape contributed to fewer cancer diagnoses, as initial investigations of symptoms that could confirm cancer were delayed due to fear of the virus [7].…”

A plan for unhealthy growth

“…Cases are once again on the rise, but the NHS plans barely mention covid, unlike our European neighbours, who-say Martin McKee and Samantha Field-have "comprehensive and forward thinking" plans in place (doi:10.1136/bmj.o2331). 13 This lack of planning to prepare for another covid wave overlooks, once again, the cost of poor health to the economy, be that from disruption and staff absences or long term sickness as a result of long covid (doi:10.1136/bmj-2022-072117, doi:10.1136/bmj.o2287, doi:10.1136/bmj.o2188). 14 -16 The UK government's plans also fail to tackle the climate crisis; instead, proposals for investment zones have been called an "attack on nature" (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/sep/24/conservation-groups-brand-minibudget-an-attack-on-nature).…”

“…Cases are once again on the rise, but the NHS plans barely mention covid, unlike our European neighbours, who—say Martin McKee and Samantha Field—have “comprehensive and forward thinking” plans in place (doi:10.1136/bmj.o2331). 13 This lack of planning to prepare for another covid wave overlooks, once again, the cost of poor health to the economy, be that from disruption and staff absences or long term sickness as a result of long covid (doi:10.1136/bmj-2022-072117, doi:10.1136/bmj.o2287, doi:10.1136/bmj.o2188). 141516…”