Hs2: how workers ‘put public at risk’ during coronavirus outbreak

Phase one of the controversial High Speed Two (HS2) train is already under way and workers continue to clear forests to make way for tracklines. It is hoped the ultra-fast transportation

network will help to bridge the gap between the North and South of England. The team tasked with delivering the project is HS2 Ltd, who have hired contractors to carry out the work –

currently between London Euston and North Birmingham. Despite the coronavirus lockdown across the nation, HS2 contractors have continued with their task – in a move that environmental

campaigners have dubbed “dangerous”. They told Express.co.uk that the presence of HS2 teams could be endangering local residents, communities and the families of those working there. Prime

Minister Boris Johnson and the medical community have warned the public to do all they can to reduce their risk of catching coronavirus. Measures including self-isolation, social distancing

and additional hygiene practices have become the new norm in Britain.  The Government has advised the public to work from home wherever possible and reduce their number of trips outdoors to

an absolute minimum.  Despite the warnings, HS2 Ltd workers have been observed on numerous sites around the country where they have been seen ignoring social distancing guidelines. Wildlife

activists told Express.co.uk this is putting communities at risk because contractors are travelling from all parts of the country. JUST IN: HS2 WORKERS ‘IGNORING SOCIAL DISTANCE'

PROTOCOL DESPITE CORONAVIRUS Video footage and photographs unearthed by Express.co.uk showed HS2 Ltd contractors working in close proximity to one another on at least three sites. They were

documented in Harefield, Uxbridge; Balsall Common, Coventry; and, Kenilworth, Warwickshire – all over the last week.  One video clip showed contract workers holding hands and standing

besides one another to form a barrier while they cut down a tree.  The footage was posted on March 21 – before lockdown measures were brought in – but campaigners maintain that it was still

extremely dangerous and not “essential work”. Ms Jones told Express.co.uk: “In terms of the virus, chopping down ancient woodland cannot be considered ‘essential work’.  “It could be left

until autumn, right now everyone needs to go home and stay safe.” A HS2 Ltd spokesperson told Express.co.uk they have closed the “majority” of their sites and are “pausing construction

works” on many others. They also stated that the Government has not directly ordered construction sites to shut down.  HS2 Ltd told Express.co.uk: “To ensure the health, safety and wellbeing

of our workforce and the communities in which we are working, only construction sites that can maintain Government guidelines and are critical to the delivery of HS2 will remain

operational.  “Those sites still working are doing so because they are confident they are operating within PHE guidelines, and will be monitored and remain under constant review.”  The

spokesperson added that after sites have closed, they will maintain “necessary security” in order to “uphold” their “health and safety commitments”.