Lockdown easing: Expert reveals he expects cases to rise

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A scientist has warned that Covid cases will “definitely” rise as lockdown is lifted in the U.K. today. Speaking to Radio 5 LIVE this morning Dr Chris Smith consultant virologist at Cambridge University and host of the Naked Scientists podcast said it was inevitable cases would rise as Brits come into contact with each other. But he said the good weather and vaccination rollout will help prevent people from getting seriously ill with the bug.

The doc was asked by host Rick Edwards whether he expected to see an increase in the spread of the virus as Brits come out of lockdown ahead of a sunny week for the U.K.

The bug expert said: “Oh definitely.

“Whenever you increase the contacts between individuals you increase the opportunities afforded to the virus to spread and therefore you will see more cases.”

But he said this will be counterbalanced like a “see-saw” by the weather pushing Brits outdoors, the massively successful vaccination rollout in Britain and the massive increase in testing.

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Dr Smith explained the R-rate of the virus which is the reproductive rate of the virus will be dependent on factors such as these.

He said: “It should be possible to keep it less than 1.

“And it’s keeping it less than one that is the crucial thing.”

Asked if R-rate goes above one what would happen the bug expert said the government may have to reconsider the roadmap out of lockdown and that the dates of releasing Brits back out are not set in stone.

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From today the Government will allow larger groups to meet outdoors.

Immediate changes on March 29 mean the rule of six applies again along with a new household rule.

This means you can meet in groups of six or two households with larger numbers can meet outside, provided they stick to Covid guidelines and social distancing rules.

Previous rules limited gatherings to two people maximum and only in public.

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But the rule changes from tomorrow will now allow people to bring guests home, meaning you can BBQ with friends in the garden from this date as long as you don’t go inside.

The ‘Stay at Home’ order will be taken away and replaced by a ‘stay local’ order.

The Government will also extend the types of activity people can engage in tomorrow.

Boris Johnson will address the nation from Downing Street’s new £2.6million press briefing room at 5pm today following today’s easing of restrictions.

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