Richer young people are one of the biggest drivers of the recent spike in coronavirus, the health secretary has said, as he urged people “don’t kill your gran”.
Matt Hancock appealed to younger people to stick to social distancing measures, saying that under-25s, particularly those aged 17 to 21, accounted for a large number of positive cases.
He admitted that it was “concerning” that nearly 3,000 new cases of coronavirus were counted in the 24 hours to 9am on Sunday, the biggest jump in new cases since May 22.
Speaking on LBC radio, he said younger people could still have serious illness and could pass on disease to more vulnerable people.
The revelation could also pose questions about the imminent return of students to universities.
“Over the summer we had particular problems in some of the areas that are most deprived,” he said.
“Actually the recent increase we have seen over the last few days is more broadly spread and is not concentrated in poorer areas.
“So it is actually amongst more affluent younger people especially that we’ve seen the rise.
“And that is where people need to really hear this message and abide by it, which is that everybody’s responsibility for social distancing to keep themselves safe and to keep others safe.”
He added: “It is important for everybody to wash their hands, to follow social distancing. It’s ‘hands, face, space’, as in wash your hands, cover your face when appropriate and stay two metres apart where appropriate, or one-metre plus.
“We will take action if people go to big social events that are completely inappropriate, sadly, in a time of coronavirus.”
In a separate interview with BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat he said: “Don’t kill your gran by catching coronavirus and then passing it on.”
Meanwhile, Hancock revealed that ministers are working on a plan to replace 14-day quarantine restrictions for people travelling into the UK from countries suffering Covid-19 spikes with a test eight days after arrival which could free people from self isolation if they test negative.
The health secretary said he was working with transport secretary Grant Shapps and the travel industry on the proposals amid continuing disquiet among Tory MPs over quarantine.
“It’s one of the things we’d like to bring as soon as it’s practical to do it,” he said.
“It isn’t something that is as straightforward as simply testing people when they get off a plane because of the number of people for whom that wouldn’t catch.”
Hancock said the government was also looking at introducing rapid saliva tests that give results within an hour to allow people to do activities without social distancing.
People could do the tests themselves to see if they have the virus on that day.
If they do not, they would be able to do activities without social distancing, for example attending a packed theatre or a sold-out football match.
Hancock said he hoped it could allow Britons to enjoy a “merry Christmas this year”.
“I’m not saying categorically but I am saying that is the hope,” he added.