One the UK’s top government scientific advisors has quit SAGE and has been calling for the return of face coverings, continued testing to get the country through what will be a difficult winter.
Sir Jeremy Farrar was advocating for a “vaccine plus” strategy to bring the high levels of infections across the UK down.
He has quit his high level position not because of the disagreements with the government, but also so that he can focus on his work with the Welcom Trust.
To date the government has refused to listen to Sir Jeremy and impement his route to reimpose tighter restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus.
In a statement, the former government scientist said, “The Covid-19 crisis is a long way from over, with the global situation deeply troubling.
“The high levels of transmission seen in the UK remain concerning, but I stepped down as a participant of SAGE knowing ministers had been provided with most of the key science advice needed over the winter months.
“It has been an honour to have joined the hundreds of scientists who have contributed, and I thank Patrick Vallance and Chris Whitty for outstanding leadership.
“I remain, as always, available where I may offer help as a clinical scientist or as Director of Wellcome.”
A spokesperson for the government office for Science confirmed that Sir Jeremy has stood down from SAGE.
The spokesperson added, “SAGE continues to provide government with independent expert scientific and technical advice.”
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