Liberal Democrats Call for Scaled-Up Monkeypox Response as Southwark records 7% of All English Cases

The Southwark Liberal Democrats have called on the council to scale-up its response to the monkeypox epidemic in light of recent figures.

The most recent data shows that Southwark has recorded 215 cases which is the second highest of any local authority and constitutes 7% of all cases in England.

This means the borough is continuing to have a high amount of cases compared to other parts of the country and city.

Leader of the Southwark Liberal Democrat group, Cllr Victor Chamberlain, wrote to the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing to highlight the need for increased public messaging to tackle the situation.

Commenting, Southwark Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:

“Southwark is on the frontline of the monkeypox outbreak. The cases may be slowing in London, but these numbers are still alarming and Southwark needs to do a lot more to inform the public about the risk of monkeypox, how to avoid it and the treatments and support available. Covid showed us the importance of a quick, comprehensive response in tackling threats to public health. We must do the same now.”