UK approves new antibody treatment Xevudy for Covid-19

It has been found to cut hospital admissions by 79%

Author: Demi OlutunmogunPublished 2nd Dec 2021
Last updated 2nd Dec 2021

The UK’s medical regulator has approved a new antibody treatment for Covid-19.

Xevudy (sotrovimab), made by pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), has been found to cut hospital admission and death by 79% in those at risk.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have also said that Xevudy can treat people in the UK who are at a higher risk of developing severe Covid-19.

Scientists say that with preliminary checks, Xevudy could work well against new variants such as the most recent one, Omicron.

The UK government has ordered about 100,000 doses of the drug. It is the second monoclonal antibody treatment to be approved by the MHRA following Ronapreve.

What are the new restrictions, and where do you have to wear face coverings in England?

Mask wearing in shops

From Tuesday, face coverings will be mandatory in shops in England. Regardless of vaccination status, those who do not wear a mask in retail establishments - other than those who are exempt for medical purposes - will be asked to leave.

Mask wearing on public transport

While travel across the country remains permitted, face masks will also be made compulsory on public transport in England. This includes buses, trams, trains and taxis. People with medical and respiratory exemptions will not be included in these restrictions.

Students and teachers advised to wear masks

Face coverings are also "strongly advised" to be worn for students in year 7 and above in communal areas unless they are exempt. According to the Department of Education, this is to make sure they can "continue to benefit from classroom teaching".

University students encouraged to wear masks

Department for Education guidance also states that face coverings should be worn by university students and staff in communal spaces and corridors. They have also encouraged that staff and students to do lateral flow tests twice weekly.

Mask wearing in pubs as well?

As of yet, it isn't mandatory to wear a face-covering in pubs and restaurants in England. It comes as Health Minister Edward Argar explained why wearing a mask in a pub or restaurant is difficult. He said people standing at the bar are often there for a short time and will "sip a drink on their way back to a table, where they'll be seated".

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