August 21, 2020

expert reaction to paper on using segmentation and protection (S&P) to reduce COVID interventions on the general population

A paper, submitted to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) on August 4^th 2020, looked at action to paper on using segmentation and protection (S&P) to reduce COVID interventions on the general population.

Dr Stephen Griffin, Associate Professor in the School of Medicine, University of Leeds, said:

“This document will be a profoundly disappointing read to many, particularly those that have been, and continue to, (informally) shield from higher risk behaviours due to their risk of developing severe complications from SARS-CoV-2 infection. It remains unclear to me by what criteria shielding was ‘paused’ at the start of August.

“The subtext for this proposal is the ongoing tolerance of significant community transmission. Whilst many of the recommendations are sensible at present in terms of due diligence for those in close contact with shielding individuals, the acceptance that the status quo will continue represents a major issue for the two million plus members of this high risk category.

“It is simply not ethical to compartmentalise parts of society in this way as a long term solution. Yes, shielding was, and probably still is, necessary, but this does not constitute an exit strategy for the UK. The premature easing of lockdown has consequences not only for those shielding, but also for e.g. schools, universities, as well as for the economy, as we continue to live in limbo with the constant threat of viral resurgence. Around us we see examples of countries that manage to control, or even eliminate community transmission, but also examples where even well-controlled scenarios can escalate once more.

“Ultimately, it will be a tough political decision to invest more effort into eliminating SARS-CoV-2 community transmission within the UK, yet parts of the Union clearly lead the way in this regard. It will take a unified approach across all nations to achieve this, led by public health experts and supported by co-ordinated testing and tracing. Eliminating community transmission is the only genuinely safe way to safeguard our entire population.”

All our previous output on this subject can be seen at this weblink:

www.sciencemediacentre.org/tag/covid-19

Declared interests

Dr Stephen Griffin: “No conflicts.”

None others received.