3 December 2020

ZERO COVID day of action – SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER

As the Tories waive the Union Jack for being the first country to approve a Covid vaccine, deaths are approaching 70,000. And despite the scientific advice, lockdown measures are being lifted over Christmas and the New Year, leading to a justified fear that infection rates will rise again in January.

A vaccine is indeed welcome, but it will take months for the entire population to receive it. In the meantime, we need a Zero Covid strategy.

Independent SAGE, the Hazards Campaign for workplace safety and others have advocated a ‘Zero Covid’ strategy to eliminate virus. This is the stance taken by the Zero Covid campaign, which is supported by Anti-Capitalist Resistance.

A Zero Covid strategy means using physical distancing, masks and hygiene. It also means an effective publicly provided test, track and isolate system and not the failure of the private company SERCO. Workplaces should be closed unless certified Covid Safe, and all workers that are furloughed or isolating should receive full pay.

This strategy is in stark contrast with that of the right wing who argue that we have to live with the virus, protect the vulnerable and get the economy going. This means putting private profits ahead of peoples lives.

The Zero Covid campaign was launched recently. You can watch the video of the launch meeting with speakers from Independent Sage, the NEU, Hazards and others.

This Saturday 5 December, there is a Zero Covid day of action.

Join the protests that will be held in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle, Preston and Wellingborough.

Follow the online event with speakers Prof Yaneer Bar-Yam (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Larissa Kennedy (President NUS), Roger Lewis (Disabled People Against Cuts), Dr David Strain (BMA (PC)), Fee Henson (SOAS Disabled Students and Carers). Zoom link for the rally here

Sign up here to the Zero Covid campaign.