The G7 summit had to have played a role in Cornwall’s case spike, writes Nick Jemmett. Plus letters by Brian Hatton, Richard Burtle, Jane McAdoo and Simon Routh
Your article on the spike in Covid cases in places that were most used by G7 personnel during the summit in Cornwall (No 10 says G7 summit not to blame for rise in Cornwall’s Covid cases, 22 June) missed a major impact source: the 1,000-plus police officers housed on a cruise ship in Falmouth. They – like the other 4,000 or so police brought into the county – came from all over England and, unsurprisingly, a number of them were self-isolating on the ship after testing positive.
During the summit, off-duty officers were visible out in the town, in bars and other venues, and whereas it is assumed they adhered to Covid rules, it’s unlikely that all were Covid-free. Also, a large number of journalists were in the town. Falmouth has had one of the biggest spikes of Covid cases in Cornwall in June, and while half-term visitors and university students are a factor, the G7 must be seen as a major player in the outbreak. It’s disappointing, since Cornwall had hitherto made a huge effort in keeping Covid infection rates to among the lowest in the country.
Nick Jemmett
Falmouth, Cornwall
