A public health official has issued a stark warning that a “very large number” of at-risk people could develop a “serious” Covid-19 infection if restrictions are lifted now.
Professor Jeremy Brown, a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, said between 90% and 95% of high risk people have been vaccinated.
However, that is only with the first dose which doesn't provide full protection.
Mr Brown told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday that vulnerable people who have not yet had their second dose could die due to a lack of protection.
He said: "If you completely lift all restrictions there will be a wave of infections across the country and those who are not protected, either because the first vaccine hasn’t worked very well in them and they need their second dose, or because they have not had a vaccine at this point in time but are still vulnerable, they will get infections and they will end up in hospital and die.
“So, if you lift restrictions, even though most people who are at risk have been vaccinated, the proportion who have not still represent a very large number of people who could end up with serious infection.”
It comes as MPs are set to vote this week on whether to extend lockdown laws in England until October.
Conservative MP Steve Baker called on the Government to scrap the Coronavirus Act.
He questioned the Government on why it is looking to extend lockdown powers despite the success of the vaccination programme which has seen a high number of vulnerable people receive their jab.
Asked about the size of the Conservative rebellion, Mr Baker told Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Sky News: “They really should now start looking at dramatically reducing the range of powers that they have.”
But Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth has said caution is needed for the pandemic response given the level of infections, telling Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Sky News: “That will mean, I’m afraid, that governments will have to have the power to impose restrictions where necessary.”
Mr Ashworth said parts of the Coronavirus Act need to be scrutinised and he will press Health Secretary Matt Hancock to explain why they are needed, including on social care, but he acknowledged other parts are required.
Asked if he will be voting in favour, Mr Ashworth added: “We broadly support it, it ought to be properly scrutinised.”
On summer holidays, Mr Ashworth warned the virus is appears to be surging in France, Germany and elsewhere due to the Kent variant.
He said: “It’s too early to make a judgment around the May 17 date on international travel. I’m not expecting myself to go on a holiday abroad this summer, but we’ll keep these things under review.”
.jpg?w=600)
