PUBLISHED: 11:55, Sun, Jan 10, 2021 | UPDATED: 12:32, Sun, Jan 10, 2021
Link copiedSpeaking today, professor Devi Sridhar, chair of public health at Edinburgh University, claimed there is no option but to maintain the measures until March. Although acknowledging lockdowns are "crude", professor Sridhar insisted measures must remain in order to bring case numbers down. While this would have catastrophic consequences for the UK's economy, the health expert insisted the four nations must now be proactive with the virus.
Her warning came as Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, could not rule out extending the lockdown measures.
Professor Sridhar told Times Radio: "With the numbers where they're at, there’s no other choice.
“For me, it’s a three-phase strategy – first is right now, it’s crude, it’s catastrophic for the economy and for people’s mental health, but a lockdown.
Insurance Loans Mortgage Attorney Credit Lawyer“Get those numbers down, protect the NHS for the next 12 weeks.”
Coronavirus: Measures must remain for 12 weeks (Image: PA)
Coronavirus: Matt Hancock (Image: GETTY)
England began its third national lockdown on January 5 and will at least last until mid-February.
Nicola Sturgeon also issued 'stay at home' order this week, while similar measures were also taken in Wales where schools and colleges will remain closed until half-term.
On Friday, Northern Ireland also issued further restrictions stopping the public from leaving their homes for non-essential reasons.
Due to rising case numbers, professor Sridhar, also added the nations must have adequate border measures in place by the spring in order not to see a further outbreak of the virus next winter.
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Coronavirus: She stated the measures must be in place due to the high case numbers (Image: GETTY)
She added: "When we get
