Urgent action needed to prepare for ‘real risk’ of second coronavirus wave, say health leaders

Health leaders are calling for an urgent review to ensure Britain is properly prepared for the “real risk” of a second wave of coronavirus.

Ministers have been warned that urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of life and to protect the economy amid growing fears of a renewed outbreak in the winter.

The appeal is backed by the presidents of the Royal Colleges of Physicians, Surgeons, GPs and Nursing – as well as the chairman of the British Medical Association.

It follows the prime minister’s announcement of a reduction in the two-metre social distancing rule, as he gave the green light for pubs, restaurants, hotels, hairdressers and barbers in England to reopen from 4 July.

In an open letter to the leaders of all the UK political parties published in the British Medical Journal, the health leaders call for a “rapid and forward-looking assessment” of the state of national preparedness in the event of a renewed flare-up.

“While the future shape of the pandemic in the UK is hard to predict, the available evidence indicates that local flare ups are increasingly likely and a second wave a real risk,” they said.

“Many elements of the infrastructure needed to contain the virus are beginning to be put in place, but substantial challenges remain.

“The job now is not only to deal urgently with the wide-ranging impacts of the first phase of the pandemic, but to ensure that the country is adequately prepared to contain a second phase.”

Yesterday the PM said from next month people will be required to keep “one-metre plus” apart from others, while also taking measures to mitigate the risk of transmitting COVID-19.

“Where it is possible to keep two metres apart, people should,” Mr Johnson said.

“But where it is not, we will advise people to keep a social distance of one-metre plus, meaning they should remain one metre apart while taking mitigating measures to reduce the risk of transmission.”

These include wearing a face mask on public transport, handwashing, screens, being outside and limiting time spent with others.

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Another change to the guidelines from 4 July will allow gatherings of two different households indoors, provided social distancing is maintained.

This will mean families can be reunited and dinner parties will be allowed, but people will still be unable to hug their loved ones.

But the public have been warned life will not return to normal for a long time.

“I would be surprised and delighted if we weren’t in this current situation through the winter and into next spring,” England’s chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty warned at the final daily Downing Street briefing.

“I expect there to be a significant amount of coronavirus circulating at least into that time and I think it is going to be quite optimistic that for science to come fully to the rescue over that kind of timeframe.”

(c) Sky News 2020: Urgent action needed to prepare for ‘real risk’ of second coronavirus wave, say health leaders