A scientist who is a member of Independent Sage who provide alternative advice to the government’s scientific group has warned Europe is in for a “rocky time.”
Professor Gabriel Scally told Sky News they are concerned over the risk Europe faces if the Indian variant sweeps across the bloc as they have low vaccination numbers.
Scally said, “There are great concerns about this particular variant because of its much more transmissible characteristics and it hasn’t really taken off in Europe yet.
“If it takes off in Europe, I think we’re in for a very rocky time because, of course, vaccination levels are not at the same high level as they are in the UK, in much of Europe.
“And at the same time, we’re reducing travel restrictions and many more people are disappearing off on holidays and will come back and not necessarily have any really managed quarantine. And we know self isolation doesn’t work.
“I’m really worried about a big wave in Europe if this very transmissible variant or another one that comes along can take off. So a good quarantine system on our borders is absolutely essential.”
Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of The Wellcome Trust charity, also warned that Btits pose “a risk” to Europreans should the Indian variant be transmitted in Europe.
Sir Jeremy told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, “I think travel should still be very cautious and only when absolutely essential.”
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