Lockdown rules ‘could be needed again if South African Covid spreads quickly’

If not controlled, outbreaks of mutant strains could force the Government to ‘put the reductions of lockdown into reverse’

Some lockdown rules may need to be reimposed if Covid-19 variants spread quickly, a scientist advising the Government has warned.

If not controlled, outbreaks of mutant strains could force the Government to ‘put the reductions of lockdown into reverse’, Professor Peter Openshaw said.

The leading scientist said he is ‘very concerned’ about a cluster of cases of South African coronavirus variant in London.

A testing blitz was announced on Monday after 44 cases of the variant were confirmed in Lambeth and Wandsworth, with 30 extra probable cases identified.

Prof Openshaw, a member of the Covid-19 clinical information network, told BBC2’s Newsnight: ‘A lot of we scientists are very concerned about what’s happening at the moment.

‘I think we’re all just hoping that the staged reduction in lockdown is going to be ok. It is being done reasonably cautiously but I think this is not good news.

‘If we get rapid spread of the South African or other more resistant variants, it may well be that we are going to have to put the reductions of lockdown into reverse.’

According to Government figures, there have been 533 genomically confirmed cases of the South African variant in the UK and another 11 probable cases.

Lockdown was further eased in England on Monday, with non-essential retail and pub beer gardens allowed to open again.

Lockdown rules were eased again this week (Picture: PA)

Shoppers walk into TK Maxx store on Oxford Street this week (Picture: REX)

Hairdressers were also allowed to open this week, with people booking midnight appointments to get their first trim in months.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has since said there are no plans at present to change the roadmap out of lockdown.

Customers sit outside bars and restaurants this week (Picture: AP)

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The next stage of England’s plan to ease restrictions is due on May 17. People are expected to be able to mix indoors again in groups of six.

Overnight stays at each other’s homes will also be allowed if Mr Johnson gives the green light for the next stage to go ahead.

Similarly, indoor hospitality venues, including pubs and restaurants, will begin welcoming guests and letting groups of up to six people share a table.

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