The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) met
yesterday and reviewed the latest numbers of cases in the
UK, updated modelling, interventions made by other
countries, and proposals for monitoring and modelling the
outbreak as it advances.
The two major objectives were reiterated – save lives and
reduce the peak of the epidemic to reduce the very
considerable pressure on the NHS. This means examining
interventions that can flatten the curve and those which
ensure those most at risk are shielded.
The review of the new data showed that as anticipated the
epidemic is progressing and on that basis SAGE advised the
next planned effective interventions (shielding the
vulnerable and household isolation) will need to be
instituted soon.
SAGE is examining models of further interventions. SAGE
also agreed that in line with good scientific practice the
modelling and data considered by SAGE in future will be
published.
Chief Scientific Adviser and Chief
Medical Officer said:
We are dealing with a very fast moving epidemic with
emerging data from many disciplines and many complex
decisions.
Scientists across the world are helping each
other, governments and society to deal with this
international emergency.
How PHE, together with NHS England and DHSC, will
prioritise testing for those most at risk of severe illness
from the virus.
As we have moved from ‘contain’ and into the ‘delay’ phase
of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), PHE, together with NHS
England and DHSC, has agreed we will need to prioritise
testing for those most at risk of severe illness from the
virus. Our aim is to save lives, protect the most
vulnerable, and relieve pressure on our NHS.
Those in hospital care for pneumonia or acute respiratory
illness will be priority. This will mean those most at risk
will be identified as early as possible, speeding up access
to the right care and treatment.
People who are in the community with a fever or cough do
not usually need testing. Instead, tests will primarily be
given to:
all patients in critical care for pneumonia, acute
respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or flu like
illness
all other patients requiring admission to hospital for
pneumonia, ARDS or flu like illness
where an outbreak has occurred in a residential or care
setting, for example long-term care facility, prisons
All other individuals with a high temperature or new,
continuous cough should stay at home for 7 days. People do
not need to call NHS111 to go into self-isolation. If your
symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better
after 7 days contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk. If you
have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. For a
medical emergency dial 999.
