Covid-19 spreading too fast to lift lockdown in England. Agree with John & clear science advice. TTI has to be in place, fully working, capable dealing any surge immediately, locally responsive, rapid results & infection rates have to be lower. And trusted https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/29/covid-19-spreading-too-fast-to-lift-uk-lockdown-sage-adviser?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

My view 29 May. 19 June - Situation now changed & decision to lower level entirely reasonable. Infection rates lower, schools could reopen with careful measures & other restrictions carefully lifted. Still work on T-T-I needed, but is better than 3wks ago https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53106673

That three weeks has made a huge difference. There will be local epidemics & critical these are identified early with a rapid local response. Have to stop inevitable local epidemics becoming widespread. Protect #HCW, vulnerable groups & offer fast access best available treatment

Fastest & safest way out of the lockdowns is to reduce new infections to lowest possible level & maintain that through infection control, handwashing, masks when appropriate, avoid when possible higher risk situations, T-T-I tests, surge capacity & rapid access best treatment.

But be aware virus has not changed,lockdowns not changed fundamentals of biology of virus, how infectious it is,transmission & illness it causes.Changing fundamentals only come with infection control,reducing spread, diagnostics,treatment & vaccines.2nd waves more likely than not

And to be clear - I do think there will be further outbreaks, mini-epidemics, local increases in transmission. That is because we have not changed the fundamentals of the virus or its transmission. And we have seen these events in most other countries.

The key is to learn lessons from last 6 months. T-T-I, robust public health, understanding risk, best possible infection control, care for more vulnerable, protect #HCW, best possible treatments. Communication, transparency, honesty & trust. Prepare better & act faster.

Invest in R&D&Manufacturing & equitable access to ways to change the fundamentals through infection control, reducing spread, public health, diagnostics, treatment & vaccines.