Covid-19 hoax claims are ‘nonsense’ and an insult to staff – NHS boss

Claims that hospitals are not under pressure from rising coronavirus cases are “nonsense”, according to the head of NHS England.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Sir Simon Stevens, NHS England chief executive, said people claiming the situation is a “hoax” are responsible for potentially changing behaviour which will kill people and are insulting to staff who have worked long shifts in the most demanding circumstances.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson also delivered a stark message to Covid-deniers during Thursday’s Number 10 press briefing, telling them to “grow up”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Johnson said: “The kind of people who stand outside hospitals and say Covid is a hoax and this kind of stuff, really I do think they need to grow up.”

Protesters march up Whitehall after gathering in Parliament Square at an anti-lockdown demonstrationProtesters march up Whitehall after gathering in Parliament Square at an anti-lockdown demonstration
Protesters march up Whitehall after gathering in Parliament Square at an anti-lockdown demonstration

Sir Simon added: “Let’s just be completely straightforward about it. When people say that (Covid is a hoax) – it is a lie.

“If you sneak into a hospital in an empty corridor at 9 o’clock at night and film that particular corridor and then stick it up on social media and say ‘This proves the hospitals are empty, the whole thing is a hoax,’ you are not only responsible for potentially changing behaviour that will kill people, but it is an insult to the nurse coming home from 12 hours in critical care, having worked her guts out under the most demanding and trying of circumstances.

“There is nothing more demoralising than having that kind of nonsense spouted when it is most obviously untrue.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is thanks to our loyal readers that we can continue to provide the trusted news, analysis and insight that matters to you. For unlimited access to our unrivalled local reporting, you can take out a subscription here and help support the work of our dedicated team of reporters.

Related topics: