Coronavirus: What are the four steps to reduce transmission?

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England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance have detailed four ways the UK can beat coronavirus this autumn, as cases double every week. 

The scientists warned “the seasons are against us” and people should take public health advice “very seriously”.  

They predict the UK could see up to 50,000 cases per day by mid-October if no action is taken, reminding people there is “no evidence” to suggest a milder strain of the virus was in circulation.

The four ways to suppress Covid-19 include social distancing, self-isolation, limited social contact and investing in science.

Professor Whitty reaffirmed the importance of social distancing.

He mentioned the “hands, face, space” motto – which advises people to wash their hands, avoid touching their face and giving enough space to those around you.

He said it was essential people continued to wear masks in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.  

Professor Whitty said it was “absolutely critical” for people who have been told to self-isolate to remain in their homes.

That includes people who are infectious themselves, are a close contact of someone who is, or Brits who have returned from high-risk areas.

“They are taking, on behalf of society, a big step forward to keep the virus out of circulation while they are still infectious,” Professor Whitty said.  

People who fail to self-isolate face fines of up to £10,000.

Professor Whitty urged people to limit unnecessary contact between households.

He warned social interactions should be kept to a minimum and thanked employers for letting their employees work from home.

The chief medical officer said breaking links between households should be done in the “least damaging way” possible.

“(But) if we do not change course we will find ourselves in a very difficult situation,” he said.

Sir Patrick said the UK was in a “good position” to take advantage of vaccines if they become available.

He said while it wasn’t certain any vaccine would work, there was “increasing evidence it is pointing in the right direction”.

A vaccine could be ready for “certain groups” by the end of the year, but it is “much more likely” to be widely available by mid-2021, Sir Patrick said.