Mass infection is not an option: we must do more to protect our young (07 July 2021)

Summary

This Lancet article argues that the UK Government's plan to lift almost all COVID-19 restrictions on 19 July 2021 is a mistake, setting out five main concerns in this regard.

Content

The authors argue that the Government should delay complete re-opening until everyone, including adolescents, have been offered vaccination and uptake is high, and until mitigation measures, especially adequate ventilation (through investment in CO2 monitors and air filtration devices) and spacing (e.g, by reducing class sizes), are in place in schools.

 In addition to the authors, this letter to The Lancet has been signed by over 120 scientists and Patient Safety Learning’s Chief Executive Helen Hughes.