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Stepping into the Unknown

Covid restrictions are lifting in England on the 19th July. Yet infections are rising fast. Is the UK stepping into the unknown? David Aaronovitch explores some of the risks.

Some are calling it Freedom Day. Others are much more circumspect. The lifting of Covid restrictions on 19th July in England is, to a certain extent, an experiment. The UK has one of the best vaccination rates in the world and far fewer people are now dying from coronavirus. But it also has one of the fastest rising infection rates. The development of the vaccines so quickly was, undoubtedly, an extraordinary scientific feat. It did also lead some scientists to predict that we would be through this pandemic by now. So why hasn't that happened? And what do we know about the risks involved in lifting restrictions now?
Joining David Aaronovitch in the Briefing Room are:

Azra Ghani, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College, London
Tom Chivers, Science journalist and author
Linda Bauld, Professor of public health at Edinburgh University
Thomas Hale, Associate Professor in Public Policy, University of Oxford

Producers: John Murphy, Ben Carter and Kirsteen Knight
Studio Manager: Graham Puddifoot
Editor: Jasper Corbett

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Thu 15 Jul 2021 20:00
ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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  • Thu 15 Jul 2021 20:00
    ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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  • The Briefing Room

    David Aaronovitch presents in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.