Millions of lives 'saved' in lockdowns

Coronavirus lockdowns may have saved around three million deaths across Europe, research suggests.

A modelling study by Imperial College London scientists, using data from 11 European countries up to early May, found that lockdowns had a "substantial effect" in reducing transmission levels of COVID-19.

European countries began implementing social distancing, school closures and national lockdowns in March, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson putting the UK in lockdown on March 23.

Researchers estimate that across all 11 countries – the UK, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland - between 12 and 15 million people were infected with COVID-19 up to May 4 – between 3.2% and 4.0% of the population.

By comparing the deaths predicted under a model with no interventions, the researchers calculate that 3.1million deaths have been averted since the beginning of the epidemic.

Sturdy author Dr Samir Bhatt, said: "This data suggests that without any interventions, such as lockdown and school closures, there could have been many more deaths from COVID-19.

"The rate of transmission has declined from high levels to ones under control in all European countries we study.

“Our analysis also suggests far more infections in these European countries than previously estimated.

"Careful consideration should now be given to the continued measures that are needed to keep SARSCoV-2 transmission under control."