IS COVID ON WAY DOWN?
‘Stick to rules and save Xmas’
A FORTNIGHT of sticking to Covid rules could save our Christmas, scientists say.
Professor Susan Michie, a Government advisor, urged the public to resist breaking rules, so they can “be in a position” to spend the holiday with their loved ones.
The news comes as it was revealed the all-important Covid R number in England has fallen, bringing hope of a levelling out of the pandemic.
The R number is now between one and 1.2. Scientists said the figure in England fell from a recent high of 1.56 and is therefore “heading in the right direction”.
If the R value is above one then the Covid-19 epidemic continues to grow, but below one it shows the outbreak is in retreat.
But Prof Michie from the Government’s Scientific Advisory Group, or Sage, fears talk of a potential vaccine could lead to complacency with the measures.
And she added that the jab will make “no difference” to the current wave. Documents released by Sage on Friday warned that a return to the tiered system of coronavirus restrictions will see infections rise again.
When asked what should replace current restrictions when lockdown ends, Prof Michie said: “It’s too early to know. I think the next two weeks are going to be absolutely crucial. “They are going to be a very challenging two weeks, partly because of the weather, partly because, I think, the promise of a vaccine may be making people feel complacent.
“But the vaccine is very unlikely to come in until the end of the year or beginning of next year.”
Meanwhile, a north London gym owner is facing a £67,000 fine from his local council for refusing to close during the second English lockdown.