By Sarah Keane • Published: 28 Jan 2021 • 9:22 • <1 minute read
Valencian Community Right On The Cusp Of Covid ‘Low Risk’ Credit: Pixabay
COVID experts give hope that UK lockdown is working despite earlier reports that the results were disappointing
In a dramatic about-turn, scientists involved in the Imperial College London Study have reviewed the data and concluded that the strict UK lockdown is having a positive effect of Covid-19 infections – despite claiming earlier in the month that the restrictions were having little effect. The experts initially caused concern when they published their findings on rates for the first ten days of the year, insisting that the rate of cases hadn’t slowed down. However, they have now conceded that figures from January 15 to January 22 prove that there “is a decline” in infections, albeit at a “shallow” rate.
Professor Paul Elliot, who leads the Government-commissioned REACT-1 study, confirmed: ‘I think the suggestion now that there is a decline happening, particularly in some regions, may reflect that the restrictions in lockdown are beginning to have some effect on the prevalence [of the virus].’
He added: ‘It’s going in the right direction but probably not in the right direction fast enough.’
Figures published by the Department of Health on Wednesday, January 27, showed that the number of new infections had fallen by 35 per cent compared with the same day the previous week, and the study also indicated that the national R rate has dropped to 0.98. However, the experts cautioned that the positive effects of lockdown seem to be impacting certain areas more than others, and the numbers are still a long way off where they would like them to be.
Professor Elliot told a press conference on January 27: ‘We really need to keep an eye on what’s happening. Even though we’re seeing a down tick now it is by no means as good and so without getting a more rapid decline from these very high prevalence levels there will continue to be pressure on the NHS services.’
_______________________________________________________________________
Thank you for taking the time to read this news article “Covid Experts Give Hope That UK Lockdown Is Working”. For more UK daily news, Spanish daily news and Global news stories, visit the Euro Weekly News home page.
Share this story
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don't already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Former teacher and health services manager with a Degree in English, Sarah moved to Spain from Southern Ireland with her husband, who runs his own car rental business, in 2019. She is now enjoying a completely different pace and quality of life on the Costa Blanca South, with wonderful Spanish and expat friends in Cabo Roig. Sarah began working with Euro Weekly News in 2020 and loves nothing more than bringing all the latest national and international news to her local community.
Download our media pack in either English or Spanish.