the news

bbc: tell us about the new cases curve flattening? (ie this will be over soon, right?)

expert: we see a pattern of new cases that suggests we are getting to the peak. number of people dying not increasing as fast as it would if the virus was still spreading. people are doing the right thing and it is working.

bbc: is it too soon to start talking about green shoots? (ie this will be over soon, right?)

expert: yes, people are doing really well, the nhs is coping and all our actions are working.

bbc: EVERYONE in the country is asking how much longer have we got to put up with this? someone else we interviewed said a few weeks? (ie this will be over soon, right?)

expert: too early to say.

bbc: several weeks? (ie this will be over soon, right?)

expert: maybe. we need to get this under control and then keep it under control by staying indoors in order to stop the spread of the virus, and we aren't there yet.

bbc: if you can't tell us when this will be over can you tell us how it will end? (ie this will be over soon, right?)

expert: no, too early to say.

bbc: what about what that other person said in an earlier
interview about his opinion on this? (ie this will be over soon, right?)

expert: everything is being considered. some restrictions could be lifted before others.

bbc: would opening schools be first? (ie this will be over soon, right?)

expert: we are watching other countries. Still to far too early to say. long way to go. people are doing the right thing and it is working.

bbc: proper testing and tracing might help ease the restrictions. how soon can you test everyone? (ie this will be over soon, right?)

expert: we are increasing testing everyday but the most important thing is staying indoors and thank you to everyone for their efforts.

bbc: should we be worried that there isn't herd immunity?

expert: too early to say. we are doing detailed studies and checking other countries. we don't know at this stage.

bbc: is the froth caused by that mp who drove 40 miles to deliver some food justified according to the guidelines?

expert: imo no, it was within the guidelines.

bbc: are you struggling to cope with the lock down?

expert: i take comfort from the fact this is working due to all our efforts. we need to continue to work together.

Posted By: Chris Peacock, Apr 10, 09:45:13