Coronavirus: ‘Prepare for another wave in winter,’ says Nabarro
Show the latest numbers coronavirus cases are up nearly 20 percent, with about 2.7 million people infected in the past week. The increase is driven by Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5, and the latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows that one in 25 people in England had Covid in the week ending June 29.
This is the highest estimate since April, but some experts warn that major summer events could push the number of cases further.
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As result, express.co.uk held a poll from Monday, June 27, 1:00 PM to Friday, July 8, 1:00 PM to ask readers for their thoughts on potential new restrictions.
First, express.co.uk asked, “If the number of cases increases, should masks be made mandatory indoors again?”
A total of 3,704 people responded to this question, and readers were divided on the matter.
Some 53 percent (1,968 people) said “no”, masks should no longer be mandatory indoors, while a further 46 percent (1,691 people) said “yes” they should.
In addition, only one percent (45 people) said they knew neither.
No restrictions should be introduced to deal with the new wave of Covid (Image: Getty)
Then, express.co.uk asked, “Would you ever support a lockdown again?”
A total of 3,650 people voted, with the vast majority, 62 percent (2,259 people) answering “no”, they would not support another lockdown.
Another 30 percent (1,093 people) said “yes” they would, while eight percent (298 people) said they didn’t know.
Dozens of comments were left under the accompanying article, as readers discussed possible measures to slow the spread of Covid.
No new lockdown should be imposed (Image: Getty)
Many readers were against any restrictions as the UK faces a fifth wave.
One reader, username Blacksails said: “No masks, no lockdowns, no mandates. The end of.”
Username The mug that works!! said: “No masks and certainly no closures or restrictions of any description.”
And username DADDY-LCWRA said, “No, no, no, never again will we be locked up as prisoners in our own homes and forced to wear face masks.”
Some readers have been wary of severe restrictions, such as lockdowns, given the lasting damage to the nation.
Username chrysogaster said “Absolutely not, lockdowns have destroyed this country and wearing masks is a waste of time.”
And username Monkeytunes1 said: “No, no masks, no lockdowns or other restrictions. Whether they were right then or not, we are paying a high price and will be for many years to come.”
NOT MISSING
COVID-19 symptoms compared to cold and flu (Image: EXPRESS.CO.UK)
However, other readers thought that new restrictions would be beneficial in limiting infections.
Username Yetti said, “If the scientific evidence shows they help, yes. Wearing a face mask costs nothing.”
Username Evie Roberts said, “Yes, many people are still at risk for Covid. I never understood the hatred of masks.”
And username Buntybubblesbonbin wrote, “It’s all very well to say no to masks if you’re a naturally fit and healthy person, but for someone with chronic respiratory disease, we need to be extra careful.”
Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, who recently stepped down as deputy head of England’s medical service, told BBC Radio 4’s Today program last month that the country was in a different situation from previous peaks.
He said: “In terms of its kind of lethality, the picture is now much, much, much closer to seasonal flu than it was then. [coronavirus] first emerged.
“And you know, in the winter we just accept that if you have the seasonal flu and you’re sick for a few days, it’s going to disrupt your life.
“And so I think we need to start framing Covid in a little more of those terms.”