By Ashley Young
A central member of the British government’s scientific advisory panel Sage has changed his mind on the enforcement of the two-metre rule in the UK.
Professor Calum Semple, a professor of child health and outbreak medicine at the University of Liverpool, said current coronavirus infection rates mean more decisions can be taken to reopen parts of society.
“I think the reason that I changed my mind now, and whereas I was of a very different opinion three weeks ago, is that now we are in a position where there are low levels and sustained low levels of transmission throughout the country,” Prof Semple told the Today programme.
“I’m still saying that two metres is safer than one, but in my opinion it is now a reasonable political decision to relax these rules – perhaps accelerate school opening and start opening up other parts of the economy where it becomes harder to maintain the two metre rule.”
His recommendation comes a day after scientists recommended that the UK’s alert level should be lowered from four to three, which guidance says will permit gradual relaxation of social distancing.
The tests could be used to help health authorities detect local and regional spikes in the virus as the Uk gradually recovers from the lockdown and tells individuals whether they might have had the illness.
Pubs are due to re-open ON July 4, with social distancing expected to be in operation across the UK.
Beer gardens will be patrolled to ensure social distancing and punters will be asked to order on phone apps under plans currently being considered by the Government.
Image: liverpool.ac.uk