Social distancing controls may be needed for the best part of the year, alternating between strict and less-strict measures in order to stop intensive care units being overwhelmed, according to the UK government’s scientific advisers. The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) which advises the Government on its anti-coronavirus policies, says the rules would need to be in place for months. Scientists are trying to prevent a huge peak of COVID-19 that would overwhelm NHS intensive care units. Measures that could be enforced strictly include school closures and social distancing for all. Schools in England, Scotland and Wales will close today until further notice, other than for looking after vulnerable children and/or those with a parent or guardian identified as a key worker. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated the UK could “turn the tide” on COVID-19 in 3 months. However, Mr Johnson was unable to state whether this would mean reaching the peak of the coronavirus in 3 months and then starting to see an improvement, or starting to see a return to normal day-to-day life. Source
