The RCP has responded to a Downing Street briefing on rising coronavirus cases with NHS England National Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam.
Professor Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians said:
“We’re pleased to see regular testing introduced for all NHS staff in high risk areas, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.
“From the figures released this morning by the deputy chief medical officer, and from what our members have been telling us, we know for certain that we are now in the second wave of COVID-19. It is currently centred in the north west and north east of England, but it is going to spread to other areas.
“This is going to be a very hard winter, but doctors, nurses and their colleagues stand ready to care for the nation. We all have a responsibility to protect them and the NHS so it can care for all patients, those with COVID-19 and those with other potentially life-threatening conditions.
“Please keep washing your hands regularly, use a face covering when you can’t social distance, and keep your distance from people not in your household. These are small steps, but they have a big impact.”