Brits should return to wearing face masks to avoid the return of lockdown restrictions this winter, according to an expert.
Latest figures show the number of infections across England increased by a quarter while hospitalisations have surged to more than one million across the UK in the last week.
The jump has caused fears the country is already experiencing the start of a winter wave as millions sign up for Covid boosters.
To avoid the return of nightmare scenarios such as lockdowns Martin Michaelis, professor of Molecular Medicine at the University of Kent, says there may have to be a return to wearing face masks.
He explained: “If we want to reduce the likelihood that formal restrictions will have to be re-introduced to prevent a collapse of the healthcare sector, it is a good idea to still follow wherever possible the rules that we have become familiar with, in particular in crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
“One thing we have learnt during the pandemic is that face masks reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
“Therefore, wearing face masks, for example, in supermarkets and on public transport reduces the spread of all respiratory illnesses.
“Also, washing your hands regularly reduces the transmission of infectious diseases.
“If you experience the symptoms of a respiratory illness (e.g. runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, body aches, fatigue, high temperature), it is a good idea to stay away from others to break the infection chain.
“If this is not possible, wearing a face mask reduces the likelihood you infect others.
“What we do not know is whether a new variant will be more or less severe than the Omicron subvariants.
“If a variant evolves that combines the immune escape properties and the transmissibility of Omicron with the deadliness of Delta, we may see a substantial wave with many hospitalisations and deaths again.
“In the worst case this may result in the re-introduction of some restrictions, if hospitals fill again up beyond their capacity limits.”
Reassuringly, he added the return of lockdowns is “unlikely” - but not impossible.
He added the best defence continues to be vaccines and urged people to get their boosters.
Professor Michaelis added: “We know the protection provided by vaccines wanes over time.
“Thus, everyone, who is eligible, should come forward and get an additional COVID-19 booster.
“Although these boosters cannot prevent every infection, they provide high protection from severe disease and reduce Covid-19 spread.
“The good news from the flu outbreak in Australia is that the current flu vaccines match the circulating flu strains and provide good protection. This is not always the case, as the vaccine strains are predicted about nine months in advance and are not always as accurate as we would hope for.
“However, every flu vaccine is better than no vaccine, and this year the flu jabs are expected to be very effective.
“Therefore, everyone, who is eligible, should get their flu vaccination and everyone, who is not automatically offered a flu vaccine, should consider to pay privately for one.”
