Coronavirus: What are the four steps to reduce transmission?
England’s top scientists have urged Brits to take the advice ‘very seriously’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance have detailed four ways the UK can beat coronavirus this autumn, as cases double every week.
The scientists warned “the seasons are against us” and people should take public health advice “very seriously”.
They predict the UK could see up to 50,000 cases per day by mid-October if no action is taken, reminding people there is “no evidence” to suggest a milder strain of the virus was in circulation.
The four ways to suppress Covid-19 include social distancing, self-isolation, limited social contact and investing in science.
Reduce our individual risk
Professor Whitty reaffirmed the importance of social distancing.
He mentioned the “hands, face, space” motto – which advises people to wash their hands, avoid touching their face and giving enough space to those around you.
He said it was essential people continued to wear masks in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.
Isolate the virus
Professor Whitty said it was “absolutely critical” for people who have been told to self-isolate to remain in their homes.
That includes people who are infectious themselves, are a close contact of someone who is, or Brits who have returned from high-risk areas.
“They are taking, on behalf of society, a big step forward to keep the virus out of circulation while they are still infectious,” Professor Whitty said.
People who fail to self-isolate face fines of up to £10,000.
Break unnecessary links between households
Professor Whitty urged people to limit unnecessary contact between households.
He warned social interactions should be kept to a minimum and thanked employers for letting their employees work from home.
The chief medical officer said breaking links between households should be done in the “least damaging way” possible.
“(But) if we do not change course we will find ourselves in a very difficult situation,” he said.
Invest in drugs, vaccines and diagnostics
Sir Patrick said the UK was in a “good position” to take advantage of vaccines if they become available.
He said while it wasn’t certain any vaccine would work, there was “increasing evidence it is pointing in the right direction”.
A vaccine could be ready for “certain groups” by the end of the year, but it is “much more likely” to be widely available by mid-2021, Sir Patrick said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments