Health experts across the UK are demanding a review to determine whether or not the country is appropriately prepared for the “real risk” of a second spike.
An open letter in the British Medical Journal served to warn ministers that urgent action would be essential to limit further loss of life. Co-signatories on the letter included the presidents of the Royal College of Surgeons, Nursing Physicians and GPs.
The letter followed the prime minister’s statement yesterday, which announced considerable changes to lockdown rules. According to the Department of Health, they will continue to be informed by current scientific advice and will give the NHS "whatever it needs".
The letter read: "While the future shape of the pandemic in the UK is hard to predict, the available evidence indicates that local flare-ups are increasingly likely and a second wave a real risk.
"Many elements of the infrastructure needed to contain the virus are beginning to be put in place, but substantial challenges remain."
The signatories of the letter also asked that ministers establish a cross-party group with a "constructive, non-partisan, four nations approach” in order to develop practical recommendations.
"The review should not be about looking back or attributing blame," they noted, but that it ought to instead focus on "areas of weakness where action is needed urgently to prevent further loss of life and restore the economy as fully and as quickly as possible".
From 4 July, pubs, hairdressers and cinemas will be able to reopen. This is coupled with the replacement of the 2-metre social distancing rule, with the "one-metre plus" rule.
