Lockdown really DID hit the virus hard

LOCKDOWN pushed the spread of coronavirus down to much lower levels than previously thought, according to the largest study to date.

More than 120,000 volunteers in England were randomly selected and swabbed for the virus throughout May under Governmentfunded research.

Of these, 159 tested positive, with the number of infections halving every eight to nine days.

Scientists said the low infection levels suggest the ‘R’ rate of coronavirus was just 0.57 before some lockdown restrictions were eased on June 1. At the time, Government estimates had put the R value between 0.7 to 1.0. The fact it was actually much lower suggests there may be more leeway to reopen the economy and schools without triggering a resurgence of the virus.

It also shows the importance of mass testing in the community – not just in hospitals – in monitoring the spread of the virus.

The R, or reproduction rate, refers to the average number of people infected by one person with the virus, and has been central to Government calculations on easing lockdown. In March, it was estimated to be as high as 4. Yesterday’s study, led by Imperial College London, also revealed that seven in ten infected patients do not have symptoms when they test positive for coronavirus.

This will add to concerns that some people are spreading the virus without knowing they have it.

Lead author Professor Steven Riley said: ‘The relatively low R value, even towards the end of May, suggests the lockdown was effective in the community.

‘I think that it emphasised that our level of adherence in the UK, and the overall average behaviour, was very effective at reducing transmission of the virus.’

Key trial results will by published on Monday revealing whether Oxford’s coronavirus vaccine works, the Lancet medical journal confirmed last night.

The publication will include information about the safety of the vaccine and whether it works as it is meant to.

Study leader Professor Andrew Pollard said his team is assessing information from the first 1,000 patients which shows whether the vaccine creates an immune response against the virus.

It comes as US biotechnology company Moderna said 45 participants in the first phase of its own vaccine trial had successfully produced antibodies, boosting hopes for a breakthrough.