UCL Intensive Care Medicine professor Hugh Montgomery warned the UK should expect an increase in coronavirus cases, following Boris Johnson’s coronavirus lockdown exit strategy message. Professor Montgomery, who currently represents the Intensive Care Society charity, warned the Government’s handling of lockdown measures could result in a second wave “trickle” or “tsunami.” During an interview with Express.co.uk, he also argued scientists are currently unsure whether herd immunity can be achieved for COVID-19.

Professor Montgomery said: “We are going to continue to see cases of coronavirus.

“This is because we have no substantial immunity in the country, this is herd immunity.

“This means enough people get it to mean that it cannot spread readily.

“We simply don’t even know if that is achievable, like with the common cold where you don’t really get herd immunity.

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“We also don’t know exactly when that would happen and if it did it would be some time away.”

The medical expert continued to explain cases would rise as soon as lockdown measures were relaxed.

He noted the biggest issue was how severe the second wave would be after the country comes out of its initial lockdown.

He added: “The real issue is how big is that spread is going to be when the Government take their foot off the brake.

“It could be a slow trickle or steady stream or it could be a large wave.

“If people go crazy, it could be a big tsunami so it is hard to know how big the hits would be.”

Professor Montgomery closed by warning that NHS hospitals may struggle if the second coronavirus wave is too intense. 

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He insisted that while ICU and hospital admittance remains low, if a second wave is severe the hospitals will quickly fill as those recovering remain in beds. 

Boris Johnson’s Sunday address to the nation on the Government’s next coronavirus plans were quickly met with criticism.

Mr Johnson claimed the Government wanted Britons to return to work but remain vigilant against the virus. 

The Prime Minister has clarified that if you are able to safely work and travel to work, you should do so, but if not possible you should stay at home. 

The Intensive Care Society charity is currently working to provide essential wellbeing and support to the intensive care community through the coronavirus pandemic and all donations are appreciated during these difficult times.

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