COVID news live: UK can't 'scamper down a rabbit hole' with every new variant and rules should be li2 Jun 2021 14:13
I think testing will inevitably become a way of life!
11:34
Warning on 'vaccine-beating variants' as UK hits 'dangerous moment' in COVID fight
"Vaccine-beating variants" will almost certainly emerge sooner or later, the World Health Organisation's special envoy on COVID-19 has warned.
Dr David Nabarro said the pandemic is currently "raging" across the world and causing "extreme suffering".
Referring to the UK's vaccine success, he told Sky News: "It is always the most dangerous moment when you are managing an infectious disease as you get that curve coming right down to zero.
"It's at that point that if you release your precautions too quickly then a spike will come back up. And given that we've got new variants, particularly variant Delta (the Indian variant) in the UK, we have to be doubly careful.
"So my only suggestion to everybody is please continue to treat this virus with respect. It hasn't actually become any less dangerous - so maintain the physical distancing and mask-wearing as much as you possibly can. There's nothing to be gained from perceiving that bravado will somehow beat the virus. It doesn't work like that."
Asked if his words of caution meant he was in favour of delaying England's 21 June unlocking, he replied: "I'm perfectly okay if people are going to say to me the government's going to relax restrictions, but what I want to add is, could we also have a really strong emphasis on partnership between people and government and business because we are going to have to continue to be vigilant and to be able to deal with this virus for some time to come.
"Right now, I don't think we have any vaccine-beating variants on the horizon, but that will almost certainly happen sooner or later. So, let's be COVID-ready to deal with spikes when they come and stop them turning into surges."
He added: "The virus hasn't gone away, but while we are enjoying the benefits of vaccine, let's also make sure our vigilance and defences are superb."
https://news.sky.com/story/covid-news-live-latest-uk-updates-boris-johnson-lockdown-easing-vaccine-school-day-deaths-12321239
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