Warwick scientists warn lives could be lost without 'circuit break' lockdown
Scientists at the University of Warwick have warned coronavirus hospitalisations and deaths could rise without a short lockdown.
A paper published by experts who have been modelling the coronavirus pandemic believe thousands of lives could be lost without another lockdown.
The scientists- some of whom are on the Government's advisory board known as SAGE- are calling for a precautionary break to be brought in now to stop the pandemic getting any worse.
They argue that that would buy us time to develop the Test and Trace system, and would also give businesses the warning they need to prepare for another shutdown.
The paper also recommends that the break come during the half-term, to avoid having to close schools.
What do the politicians say?
It emerged on Tuesday that the Prime-Minister decided to reject another lockdown- instead opting for the new three-tiered coronavirus system that was brought in on Wednesday morning.
But Cabinet ministers have admitted more measures could be needed if the three-tiered system doesn't work. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has defended the Government's decision, saying it was listening to the scientific advice.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is putting pressure on the Government to announce another lockdown. In a speech on Tuesday, he accused the Government of "losing control of the virus".
What do businesses say?
There's fear among businesses about another lockdown, with worries it could damage the economy even further.
Michael Goodall from the Federation of Small Businesses in the West Midlands says more forewarning is needed about any further measures, so that businesses can plan.
He's also called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to offer more financial support, saying too many businesses are being "excluded" from the current grants and schemes.