Indian variant could drive third coronavirus wave in UK, says Prof Andrew Hayward
Britain could be at the start of a third wave of coronavirus infections, an infectious disease expert has warned.
Professor Andrew Hayward, of University College London, told BBC Breakfast earlier he is “very concerned” about the spread of the so-called Indian variant, or B1.617.2 mutation, because it has spread so effectively within households and the broader community, and is likely to spread to other parts of the country.
He added a third wave has always been likely in the UK but its size will depend on how transmissible the variant is and how many people are vaccinated.
Almost 3,000 cases of the mutation have now been identified across the UK – up from the 2,323 declared on Monday – and surge testing has been announced in a number of places to control its spread, including Bolton and Blackburn.
It comes as Imperial College London epidemiologist Professor Neil Ferguson warned the UK’s post-travel home quarantine system is not working, and will not stop more Covid variants coming into…
