Dementia is a cruel condition that can rob sufferers of their dignity and identity and cause immense anguish to individuals and their families. I believe that sufferers and their relatives should be properly supported.
On the specific issue of testing, the UK established the biggest testing programme per person of any large country in the world. This came, however, at enormous cost. The testing, tracing and isolation budget in 2020-21 exceeded the entire budget of the Home Office; it cost a further £15.7 billion in this financial year, and £2 billion in January alone.
At the same time, the success of the vaccine rollout has contributed to the fact that as of January 2022 there is no longer ‘excess mortality’ in England. New treatments such as dexamethasone have made a positive further difference to reducing the lethality of the disease – including for those who are elderly or otherwise vulnerable. In the circumstances, it is sensible to recalibrate the funding currently dedicated to mass testing towards surveillance, spotting new variants and tackling the backlog of elective surgery.
Meanwhile, the Government has committed to continuing to protect the most vulnerable with targeted vaccines, antivirals and therapeutics, with our Antivirals Task Force securing a supply of almost 5 million doses. 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.
In addition, from 1 April, when winter is over and the virus will spread less easily, free symptomatic tests will continue to be provided to the oldest age groups and those most vulnerable to Covid. In line with the practice in many other countries, we are working with retailers to ensure that everyone who wants to can buy a test. Specific detail will be set out in due course.