Residents in Lancashire can no longer mingle with different households in private gardens, pubs or restaurants – and safety measures will be kept under review. But how far off is the UK from a much-needed vaccine?
Reports detailed that since January 2020, there have been around 170 vaccine candidates under development.
At present, 15 of them are already in human trials, and Oxford scientists believe they’ve made a breakthrough.
It’s said that the Oxford team tested a specific vaccine on 1,077 British adults.
Results revealed that the vaccine induced strong antibody and T-cells responses in the participants.
Such a discovery is exciting as separate studies have suggested that T-cells can stay in the body for years.
In addition, there were no serious adverse reactions reported, as told by The Telegraph.
The Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, announced a further £84 million will be funded for the work currently underway at Oxford and Imperial College.
MP Sharma revealed that Britain has secured 90 million doses of two possible COVID-19 vaccines.
These vaccines have been sourced from the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech alliance, and French group Valneva.
Should a heavily trialled vaccine prove safe and effective, it means life could potentially return back to a real normal.
In theory, people would be able to see who they want, when they want, where they want.
But the Government has cautioned that an effective COVID-19 vaccine may never be found.
The Chief Executive of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Dr Seth Berkley commented on the issue.
“Vaccine candidates have a normal success rate of around seven per cent preclinical, maybe 15 to 20 per cent clinical, so the vast majority will fail,” he said.
“But, by having a large portfolio this will move us forward,” he continued.
In the meantime, the best defence against the contagious virus is to follow the Government’s rules.
Remember to wear face masks to supermarkets, the post office, banks and on public transport.
In fact, any enclosed space that isn’t your home, a bar or restaurant, requires people to put on a face mask, including cabs, libraries and bingo halls.
It’s advised to wash your hand with soap and water – for at least 20 seconds – after returning to your home.
Also try to avoid touching your face. If you have unwittingly picked up the invisible virus, touching your eyes, mouth or nose could lead to an infection.
Anybody currently presenting symptoms – a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of taste or smell – is required to self-isolate.
Anyone who shares a home with someone who is self-isolating must also self-isolate too.
To protect yourself, loved ones and citizens, do your part by following the rules.
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