RUSHES: Coronavirus: Sajid Javid interview

Coronavirus: Sajid Javid interview; ENGLAND: London:INT Sajid Javid MP (Health Secretary) interview SOTQ: What changes are you making around isolation and why is that safe to do?- Want to reduce disruption to people's lives caused by pandemic- Cutting self isolation period from 10 period to 7 days- Take a lateral flow test on 6 and 7, if they're both negative- Informed by UKHSA, confident in protection provided is very similar to 10 days without tests- Best way to protect ourselves that you get boostedQ: This is needed in order to keep the economy going?- Sensible and balanced step to take- This variant is spreading rapidly and affection people's lives- Need to look at policy that reduce that disruptionQ: Are restrictions likely after Xmas?- Decision is finely balanced as PM said- We are confident there will be no new restrictions before Xmas- If restrictions are required we will not hesitate to act, if the data shows itQ: What does the data need to show?- There is data we have which we can rely on, we know that it spreads rapidly and two vaccines are not enough- We don't know enough about the severity compared to delta and the data around hospitalisationsQ: Would a return to step two of lockdown (outdoor serving, no indoor mixing) be proportionate?- I understand there is speculation, PM's announcement is important because it provides clarity- We will keep data under review, if we do need ot take further action we willQ: Does this govt have the authority to impose restrictions in light of photos of lockdown flouting by govt coming to light?- On these pictures, it is perfectly understandable that there are concerns- PM has asked a top civil servant to look into itQ: Are NYE celebrations going to have to be cancelled?- People are being very cautious already and it's good to see- In being cautious they are doing sensible things like doing a lateral flow test before seeing loved ones