Covid: Keeping you updated 23

When, as was the case this this week, a Downing Street briefing is held by two senior scientists and there is not a politician in sight, we can be confident we are being given statistics of significance and ones not to be adulterated by ‘world-beating’ or ‘moonshot’ populist hyperbole.

Here are the stark facts on September 21:

So, stopping the virus from spreading is paramount from today. A return to full lockdown is unlikely, and as health chief Professor Chris Whitty has explained, this might stop viral spread but cause economic consequences presenting a long-term threat to health through poverty and the breakdown of social structures. Individual action is the key and this is, of course, something all eye care professionals who are in contact with others on a daily basis, many especially vulnerable to the infection, must bear in mind.