CORONAVIRUS is still spreading so fast in England that lifting the lockdown now would be far too risky and lead to a second wave, SAGE scientists have warned.
Boris Johnson’s plans to ease lockdown restrictions in England has made Government scientific advisers uneasy as there are 8,000 new coronavirus infections daily. They fear that easing restrictions now could lead to a second wave.
SAGE scientist John Edmunds, a professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: “We cannot relax our guard by very much at all.”
The warning was echoed by Director of the Wellcome Trust Jeremy Farrar, who also sits on the committee.
Speaking out on Twitter, he said: “COVID-19 spreading too fast to lift lockdown in England.
“I agree with John and clear science advice.
“TTI has to be in place, fully working, capable and dealing any surge immediately, locally responsive, rapid results and infection rates have to be lower, and trusted.”
Yesterday it was revealed the UK remain on level 4 of the COVID Alert system despite the Prime Minister reducing lockdown measures in England from Monday.
Mr Johnson previously said he would not relax measures until England was at level 3.
