Sadiq Khan urged Londoners to come forward for their booster jab (Stock image)
(Picture: PA Wire)Sadiq Khan has admitted he is “worried” about the prospect of a “twindemic” this winter amid fears that a combination of Covid-19 and flu could put pressure on the NHS.
Speaking to the Standard, the Mayor warned Londoners to be “vigilant” about vaccination to prevent a surge in infections of both viruses as recent data showed an uptick in Covid-19 hospitalisations.
Figures published last week by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that Covid-19 infections are continuing to increase in England and Wales. The number of hospital patients in London testing positive for Covid also increased by 15 per cent in the week up to September 28, according to Government data.
Reacting to the latest figures on Tuesday, Mr Khan said: “We are worried about the ‘twindemic’ of flu and Covid. And we have seen an increase in Covid cases, albeit from a relatively low base. There are more people testing positive for the virus and more people in hospital.
“We can’t show any complacency at all. Keeping on top of your vaccines is the best way to stay ahead of the pandemic, so I urge anyone who is eligible for a Covid and a flu vaccine to come forward.”
“You should also check on your loved ones to make sure they have received theirs.”
Mr Khan also said it was essential that “lessons are learnt” over the Government’s pandemic response as the Covid-19 public inquiry began in London on Tuesday.
“There are 20,000 families in London who are bereaved to Covid and the Government’s initial response to the pandemic was incredibly slow. I’m afraid this isn’t the last pandemic we are going to have.
“It’s really important we learn lessons now and that the NHS is supported. We know there was complacency from central Government, like the Prime Minister not attending Cobra meetings or medical staff not having personal protective equipment (PPE).”
He added: “We also know that not everyone felt the consequences of the pandemic in the same way, with a disproportionate number of BAME people being infected and losing their lives. So it’s vital we have this public enquiry.”
Mr Khan was speaking as he joined London Ambulance Service (LAS) medics for a training session on CPR and defibrillation at City Hall, as part of their London Lifesavers initiative to equip at least 100,000 Londoners with first-aid knowledge.
