Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to modelling study looking at impact of social distancing measures on epidemic in Wuhan
A study, published in the Lancet Public Health, reports on the impact of social distancing measures on the COVID-19 epidemic … read more
expert reaction to a preprint (unpublished work) looking at meplazumab, a humanized anti-CD147 antibody, as add-on therapy in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in China
A preprint paper, posted on MedRxiv, reports on meplazumab, a humanized anti-CD147 antibody, as and add-on therapy in patients with … read more
expert reaction to a report on the effectiveness of social distancing in China and the dropping of these measures after containment of the virus
Report 11 on COVID-19 from the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, looks at the effectiveness of social distancing … read more
expert reaction to unpublished paper modelling what percentage of the UK population may have been exposed to COVID-19
An unpublished modelling study, from the University of Oxford, reports that up to half of the UK population may have … read more
expert comment on using food delivery services rather than supermarkets in response to COVID-19
There have been questions from journalists around using food delivery services rather than supermarkets in response to COVID-19. Prof … read more
expert reaction to CDC report on COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships, which includes that SARS-CoV-2 RNA was identified on surfaces in cabins up to 17 days after they were vacated
The US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has published a report on the COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships, which includes … read more
expert reaction to the health secretary announcing a ‘NHS Volunteers’ scheme and a new temporary hospital as part of the COVID-19 response
In a Number 10 press conference this afternoon the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, announced a ‘NHS Volunteers’ scheme and a … read more
expert comment on the need for accurate tests to detect COVID-19 antibodies
There have been questions from journalists about the need for COVID-19 antibody tests, as well as an announcement by the … read more
expert reaction to reported second wave of infections in Hong Kong
The has reportedly been a second wave of COVID-19 infections in Hong Kong. Prof Sian Griffiths, Emeritus Professor, the … read more
expert reaction to today’s (Tues 24 March) new UK COVID-19 case numbers and mortalities
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have released today’s new figures, there are now 8,077 confirmed cases of … read more
expert reaction to questions about COVID-19 and viral load
There have been questions from journalists about viral load ad the COVID-19 outbreak. Comments sent out on Thursday 26 … read more
expert reaction to postponement of the Tokyo Olympic games
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) have announced the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics until 2021. Dr Michael Head, … read more
expert reaction to travel restrictions in Hubei province (excluding Wuhan) to be lifted from midnight, and the lockdown in Wuhan to be partially lifted on 8 April
The Chinese authorities have announced that they are lifting the lockdown measures in place for Hubei province, and partially lifting … read more
expert reaction to drop in air pollution because of COVID-19
There have been reports of reduced air pollution levels around the world, due to reduction in activity from COVID-19 responses. … read more
expert reaction to new UK government interventions to tackle spread of COVID-19
The UK government announced on 23rd March 2020 much stricter restrictions on social gatherings and travel to tackle the spread … read more
expert reaction to six coronavirus research projects announced which will get share of £20 million from government
The UK government announced on 23rd March 2020 that six new research projects focusing on the novel coronavirus will receive … read more
expert reaction to the possibility that loss of taste and smell could be a symptom of COVID-19
There have been reports in the media that the loss of taste or smell have been associated with people suffering … read more
expert reaction to the UK government being in talks with Amazon and other companies about delivering COVID-19 testing kits to healthcare workers and those self-isolating
There have been reports that the UK government is in talks with Amazon and other companies about delivering COVID-19 testing … read more
expert comment on age, COVID-19 infection and the role of social distancing
There have been questions from journalists about why it is important for young people to practise social distancing. Dr … read more
expert reaction to children and young people’s risk from COVID-19
There have been questions from journalists on the risk children and young people face from COVID-19. Professor Russell Viner, … read more