" "Health Minister says only 'crystal ball' could have predicted need for second lockdown
The Conservative health minister has been criticised after suggesting the worsening coronavirus pandemic could only have been predicted with a crystal ball.
Nadine Dorries, who was the first sitting MP to test positive for Covid-19 in March, made the comments in response to criticism that the Government repeatedly took action too late.
Boris Johnson is expected to outline tougher national coronavirus restrictions later on Saturday.
Writing on Twitter, Ms Dorries said: "If only we had a crystal ball and could actually see how many over 60s would be infected, the positivity rate, the infection rate and the subsequent lag giving us the 14 day anticipated demand on hospital beds on any particular day, three weeks in advance." "
However, a document was leaked recently relating to a request by SAGE for a lockdown in September - more than 2 weeks ago - because of their concern about rising cases and deaths in October.
SAGE must have a crystal ball. And what a shame the government doesn't listen to scientists, as a lockdown now would have to be far longer than one in September, to gain the same effect.