Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to unpublished paper modelling what percentage of the UK population may have been exposed to COVID-19
An unpublished modelling study, from the University of Oxford, reports that up to half of the UK population may have … read more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
expert reaction to preprint (not a published paper) on estimates of excess mortality from COVID-19 in the UK
A preprint (not a paper) estimating the excess 1-year mortality from COVID-19 in the UK was posted on Monday 23 … read more
expert reaction to social distancing and children exercising and playing
There have been questions from journalists about how children should follow the social distancing guidelines. Prof Sian Griffiths, Emeritus … read more
expert comment on enforcing social distancing measures
There has been widespread discussion in the media on enforcing social distancing measures, similar to the restrictions enforced in other … read more