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Scientists urge caution ahead of easing of lockdown in England

      

As government announces travel traffic-light system and bi-weekly testing

An easing of coronavirus restrictions is likely to lead to a rise in case numbers, particularly in deprived areas, a group of scientists has warned.

According to the self-appointed expert group Independent Sage, plans to reopen pubs and restaurants serving outdoors along with non-essential shops, gyms and hairdressers on 12 April could increase infections as social contact increases.

The group is urging the government to prioritise support for vulnerable communities as data suggest that in the north cases are three times higher in the most deprived areas when compared with the least deprived.

“We must continue to analyse data at the local level to identify communities which continue to suffer and do not reflect trends at the national level,” the group, which is led by former chief scientific adviser David King, said in a statement on 9 April.

“Independent Sage urges the public to remain cautious and adhere to all social distancing measures as we enter this next phase in the UK government roadmap.”

While the group said it is “encouraged by vaccine rollout progress” and supports the position of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in urging those awaiting the vaccine to take up the offer, it called for “complete transparency” from the regulator when examining potential links between the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine and blood clots.

Traffic-light system

Meanwhile, the UK’s transport secretary Grant Shapps has announced a framework produced by the government’s Global Travel Taskforce to chart the safe return of international travel, which “is based on robust scientific and clinical evidence”.

The traffic-light system will categorise countries based on risk alongside the restrictions required for travel, and it aims to protect the public and the vaccine rollout from international Covid-19 variants.

Key factors in the assessment will include the percentage of the population that has been vaccinated, the rate of infection, the prevalence of variants of concern, and the country’s access to reliable scientific data and genomic sequencing.

“The framework announced today will help allow us to reopen travel safely and sustainably, ensure we protect our hard-won achievements on the vaccine rollout, and offer peace of mind to both passengers and industry as we begin to take trips abroad once again,” Shapps said.

Testing drive

The government has also launched a new campaign urging the public to get regularly tested for the virus.

From today, everyone in England will be eligible for free rapid Covid-19 tests twice a week.

“Alongside the successful rollout of the vaccination programme, rapid testing will be one of our most effective weapons in tackling this virus and ensuring we can cautiously reopen our economy and parts of society that we have all missed,” said health secretary Matt Hancock.