UK needs an immediate ‘reset lockdown which will save thousands of lives’

Government scientific advisors are strongly urging the Prime Minister to immediately impose a national lockdown to help reset the virus.

The government’s scientific adviser Jeremy Farrar warned the current regional measures would not be effective.

 Said, “The current tiered restrictions will not bring the transmission rates down sufficiently or prevent the continued spread of the virus.

“A three-week period of nationally increased restrictions, with the right levels of financial support, will allow us to reset before winter, stop transmission spiralling, protect and prepare health services, give time to get the test-trace-isolate systems fully functional, and save lives.”

Farrar, who is director of the Wellcome Trust and a member of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, warned that putting it off will worsen and lengthen the ongoing crisis which is spiralling out of control.

Michael Gove MP said a two- or three- week “circuit breaker” national lockdown was not being considered.

“The spread and the nature of the disease does not merit that approach at the moment,” he told Sky News on Sunday.

According to a paper drawn up by leading government scientific advisor, if the Prime Minister imposes a “short sharp” two-week lockdown during half term in October then over 7,000 deaths could be spared.

Scientists have warned that the winter months are going to be “difficult anyway” as we are entering into the flu season and there will more an uptick with more coronavirus infections.

Professor Graham Medley said the government must consider imposing short lockdown for half terms, and even plan for the Spring half term.

Professor Medley told a webinar on Wednesday, “Christmas is going to be very difficult anyway.