Scientists are warning that the government easing the lockdown is happening to early as coronavirus is spreading fast and there could be a spike in new cases.
Government Ministers have been accused of taking risks over the current easing of the lockdown, Sir Jeremy Farrar and Professor John Edmunds, both members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), have said.
The scientific experts have warned that new case of the virus each day is still “relatively high,” and have major concerns over the gradual reopening of schools, shops and gatherings.
Sir Jeremy tweeted, Covid-19 spreading too fast to lift lockdown in England. Agree with John & clear science advice.
“TTI (test, trace and isolate) has to be in place, fully working, capable dealing any surge immediately, locally responsive, rapid results & infection rates have to be lower. And trusted.”
Professor Edmunds said many scientists “would prefer to see the incidence driven down to lower levels, because that then means that we have fewer cases occurring before we relaxed the measures.”
Mark Woolhouse, who sits on the government’s Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M) committee, warned “A second wave is a clear and present danger.”
A document released on Friday shows the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M) who advise the government, have warned against the Prime Minister’s decision to reopen shops.
The scientific document said, “There is limited evidence on the effect of closing of non-essential retail, libraries, bars, restaurants, etc, but it is likely.”
Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said, “I know we are going into another weekend where the weather looks fantastic and beautiful, and that will bring many temptations for us to go outside and perhaps meet with friends and loved ones that we haven’t seen for some time, and perhaps gather in large groups, but, quite simply the rules and regulations will not allow that this weekend.”
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