MORE lockdowns will be an “inevitable” result of the Government’s coronavirus strategy, rival Sage scientists have warned.
The Independent Sage group of top experts – set up to challenge the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies – have claimed the current strategy is “potentially dangerous”.
Sir David King is the lead of the Independent Sage
In a report released by the group led by former Chief Scientific Advisor Sir David King, they said: “Without suppression (of coronavirus) we shall inevitably see a more rapid return of local epidemics resulting in more deaths and potentially further partial or national lockdowns, with the economic costs that will incur.
“The Government should take all necessary measures to control the virus through suppression and not simply managing its spread.
“Evidence must show that COVID-19 transmission is controlled before measures are relaxed.
“We detect ambivalence in the Government’s strategic response with some advisers promoting the idea of simply “flatting the curve” or ensuring the NHS is not overwhelmed.
“We find this attitude counter-productive and potentially dangerous.”
The group warned the Government’s new “Stay Alert” message was confusing and not clear enough to ensure Brits followed social distancing rules strictly enough to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Sir David King has repeatedly criticised Sage, lead by Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Advisor Sir Patrick Vallance for failing to be transparent with their modelling – crucial to the Government’s coronavirus strategy.
He said last week: “A second spike is going to take us back to square one.
“It means we go into lockdown again and we go into lockdown for longer.
“That would be bad for our economy and also bad for the number of fatalities.”
Sir David bashed the Government’s approach, saying “we have fared extremely badly”.
Independent Sage accused the Government of relying on “inaccurate, incomplete and selective data” to make crucial calls on how to tack the deadly virus.
The group of scientists will lay out their full findings later today.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.hellofaread.com/politics/summer-holidays-will-be-cancelled-this-year-matt-hancock-reveals/
