COVID-19: UCL academics mobilise to provide critical advice and expert comment

A key strength of the UCL community is its ability to work across disciplines and with colleagues, partners and industry to help address the biggest challenges facing the world today.

UCL researchers are working in the vanguard of helping find cure, improving diagnosis and are advising Government here in the UK and globally. In addition, they are helping to inform public knowledge by providing expert comment on issues as varied as predictions on virus spread, panic buying and stockpiling, broadband provision, and the economic and political impact of the pandemic.

Professor Judith Breuer (UCL Division of Infection & Immunity) is advising the Government on the use of viral genomics to help control the outbreak, and Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) is advising the UK government-convened advisory group, the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behavioural Science (SPI-B): 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID19).

Professor Rachel McKendry (London Centre for Nanotechnology at UCL and i-sense) and Professor Ingemar Cox (UCL Computer Science) are leading a team developing rapid tests and tracking systems for COVID-19 in collaboration with the World Health Organization, Public Health England and Africa CDC, while Professor Martina Micheletti (UCL Biochemical Engineering) is working with Oxford colleagues to develop a potential vaccine.

Others at UCL are working on monitoring people who have been tested, predicting the outbreak’s future, and developing digital platforms for community-based care.

Here in UCL in the Media, we feature the work of UCL colleagues who are providing critical advice and expert comment to world leaders and the public on COVID-19 and its impact through numerous appearances on TV, radio, print and online news sources:

• Fresh term of uncertainty begins with fears of resurgent pandemic The government could have done more to blunt the inevitable autumn rise in Covid cases as “rising community infection rates will result in rising infections within schools...households and communities,” says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (7 September 2021) Read: Times (£)

• Fears Covid could raise the risk of dementia “There is a big risk for younger people such as forty-somethings with Covid, as it may cause dementia in later age that they would not otherwise have developed,” says Dr Dennis Chan (UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience). (7 September 2021) Read: Mail Online

• Children don’t need vaccine on health grounds The MRHA have decided that Covid vaccines are safe for those age 12 to 15, however there is no reason to do so based on their health, says Professor Jeremy Brown (UCL Medicine). (7 September 2021) Read: Guardian

• Ethics of Covid boosters questioned Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health) has questioned the ethics of the UK giving boosters to large numbers of low-risk individuals at a time when poorer nations are desperate for vaccines. (7 September 2021) Read: Evening Standard

• Biggest wave of Covid infection yet to come “Even though the [Covid] vaccine will substantially reduce the number of deaths and hospitalisations, it’s still likely that we will see somewhere in the low tens of thousands of deaths even if we are cautious,” says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (7 September 2021) Read: Sun

• Should we be concerned about September Covid spike? A September lockdown is “extremely unlikely” but if there is a large spike in Covid cases over Autumn then “the government might go back to step three of the road map,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (6 September 2021) Read: Times (£)

• Vaccinating all teens shouldn’t be difficult decision Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) argues that the case for vaccinating three million younger teens in the UK is “overwhelming” because it would protect them against the immediate and long-term impacts of Covid, as well as reduce infections in schools. (6 September 2021) Read: BBC News, Listen: BBC Radio 2’s ‘News at 7’ (from 40 secs), BBC Radio 4’s ‘News at 7’ (from 21 secs)

• Delay on Covid boosters hard to fathom While the UK was once far ahead with the vaccine rollout, it is now slipping behind due to the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation dragging its heels on authorising booster jabs, says Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (3 September 2021) Read: Sun

• Covid-19 could lead to increase in dementia cases Not only has Covid-19 caused an unexpectedly fast dementia progression in some patients, “increased isolation because of Covid and social distancing is itself a risk factor for dementia,” warns Professor Gill Livingston (UCL Psychiatry). (1 September 2021) Read: FT (£)

• First findings from world’s largest study on long Covid in children 14% of children who caught SARS-CoV-2 may have symptoms linked to the virus 15 weeks later, suggest preliminary findings from the world’s largest study on long Covid in children, led by Professor Sir Terence Stephenson (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (1 September 2021) Read: Telegraph (£), More: i News, Guardian, Sun, Metro, Toronto Sun (Canada), Deccan Herald (India), Mail Online, i News (2), Sun (2), City A.M., CBBC Newsround, BBC News, BBC News (2), ITV News, FT (£), Belfast Telegraph, Bloomberg, UCL News, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘World at One’ (from 33 mins 50 secs), More: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Six O’ Clock News’ (from 12 mins 5 secs), BBC Radio 4’s ‘Midnight News’ (from 15 mins 33 secs), BBC Radio 2 News (from 58 secs)

• Global vaccination drive needed now A global drive to boost Covid-19 vaccination rates is needed, and richer countries like the UK must do more to help countries without adequate vaccine supplies, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (1 September 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Evening Standard, Wales Online, Mail Online (2), Evening Standard (2), Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 2 hours 37 mins 19 secs), More: BBC World Service’s ‘The Newsroom’ (from 16 mins 17 secs)

• World leaders urged to boost vaccine availability The best way to slow the transmission of Covid-19 and prevent new mutations is to roll out a high quality, high coverage worldwide vaccination programme, argues an open letter signed by Professor Anthony Costello (UCL Institute for Global Health). (1 September 2021) Read: FT (£)

• Low-level Covid restrictions preferable to closing schools Re-imposing lower level Covid-19 restrictions such as masks would not be ideal, but “we can’t keep on opening and shutting schools, it is not great for anyone,” says Professor John Jerrim (UCL Institute of Education). (1 September 2021) Read: Mail Online

• New Covid strain unlikely to be more transmissible A new strain of Covid-19 first identified in South Africa “shows no evidence of increasing in frequency,” says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (31 August 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Mail Online (2), Express

• Up to 600,000 Britons feared to have missed second AstraZeneca dose People may have chosen not to get the second dose of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine as the media discussed the vaccine’s risk of blood clots “without highlighting the incomparably higher risks of Covid,” says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (31 August 2021) Read: Independent

• University Freshers’ events likely to have high Covid risks Freshers’ events at universities are likely to carry a high Covid risk as “however much universities pay attention to making it as safe as possible, it’s the behaviour of people that won’t be known,” says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (31 August 2021) Read: Guardian

• Pfizer’s Covid jab only causes mild to moderate side effects in vulnerable teenagers The findings that the Pfizer Covid jab produces few side effects in a group with severe disability and very high medical needs is “generally reassuring,” says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (27 August 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Sun, Mirror, Wales Online

• More information is needed before vaccinating teenagers The reason for vaccinating teenagers against Covid would largely be to protect adults and “if we are going to do that then the safety bar needs to be exceptionally high,” says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (26 August 2021) Read: Telegraph (£), Listen: BBC Radio 4’ ‘Today programme’ (from 1 hour 52 mins 33 secs)

• Donald Trump’s vaccine stance sees steadfast supporters turn on him Former President, Donald Trump has faced backlash in recent days for encouraging supporters to get vaccinated against Covid-19 but “if the pro-vaccine message falls flat, he will ditch it in a hurry,” says Professor Thomas Gift (UCL Centre on US Politics). (25 August 2021) Read: Newsweek

• Covid booster vaccine for most vulnerable within weeks Booster jabs for the most vulnerable could start within two weeks but “most people have been starting to feel that a blanket booster programme at this stage is not needed in the UK,” says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (24 August 2021) Read: Times (£), More: Express

• Nationwide Covid antibodies search begins Providing Covid booster jabs on the condition of presence of antibodies is “very clever” as it is “reasonable to give boosters to those who do not have sufficient antibodies,” says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (23 August 2021) Read: Times (£), More: Guardian

• Covid has worsened online radicalisation problems “Lots of people get radicalised for a lot of different reasons but there is definitely a pool of people that have become more vulnerable as a by-product of the lockdown,” says Professor Paul Gill (UCL Security & Crime Science). (23 August 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Covid booster jab plan not currently set The plan for rolling out Covid-19 booster vaccinations is not currently set, but is likely to focus on the most vulnerable members of the population who may not have an adequate immune response from the first two doses, says Professor Jeremy Brown (UCL Medicine). (20 August 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘PM’ (from 22 mins 39 secs)

• Are Covid-19 vaccines working? While transmission of Covid-19 is never going to be stopped completely, "the vaccines are still doing what they are meant to do," by reducing transmission and disease severity, says Senior Research Fellow Oksana Pyzik (UCL School of Pharmacy). (20 August 2021) Watch: Bloomberg

• How to boost vaccination rates among students Boosting Covid-19 vaccination rates among students isn’t straightforward, but easy access, information about how the vaccination helps protect others, and ways to speak to people about any concerns would all help, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (16 August 2021) Read: Guardian

• Behaviour change after lockdown end not as drastic as feared The lifting of lockdown measures has not had as big an impact as feared, because “Other parts of our society — businesses, local authorities, regional governments — have stepped in…to enforce some form of restrictions,” says Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (16 August 2021) Read: FT (£)

• Air purifier pilot in schools is coming too late The pilot use of air purifiers in schools “should not be an excuse to delay implementation of basic air quality measures any further” as there is already ample evidence to support their use, says Professor Irene Petersen (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (13 August 2021) Read: Independent

• A fifth of people report a complete relationship breakdown in the past year Over a fifth (22%) of adults say they have experienced a complete breakdown of a relationship with either family, friends, colleagues, or neighbours in the past year, finds the UCL social study, led by Dr Elise Paul (Epidemiology & Health). (13 August 2021) Read: Times (£), More: Guardian, i News, Evening Standard, UCL News

• Children born during pandemic have lower IQs New research suggests children born during the pandemic have lower IQs and those from lower socioeconomic families were particularly affected, which “resonates with many of the other impacts of the pandemic,” says Sir Terence Stephenson (UCL GOS Institute of Child Health). (13 August 2021) Read: Guardian

• Little benefit in vaccinating children Professor Helen Bedford (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health) has said that as children have such a low risk of Covid, it would make more sense to give the vaccines to other countries before boosting adults or vaccinating children here. (11 August 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Express

• Herd immunity cannot replace vaccinations “It is not so much anymore a ‘duty to others’ to get vaccinated but a protection for oneself. There won’t be any ‘herd immunity wall’ to hide behind,” says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (11 August 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• ‘Covid will soar annually like flu – and we won’t need lockdowns’ Covid will become an “endemic disease” that soars annually like flu but will not need further lockdown to keep it under control, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (11 August 2021) Read: Evening Standard, More: Mail Online, i News, Wales Online, Express, Telegraph (£), Mail Online (2), Mail Online (3), Metro, China Daily, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today programme’ (from 1 hour 15 mins)

• Important benefits for vaccinating teenagers “Vaccinating all 16 and 17-year-olds with the Pfizer vaccine is a welcome and sensible step given what we know about Covid-19 risks and the safety of vaccines in the age group,” says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (11 August 2021) Read: Sun

• Why the Covid experts are not sure that the pandemic is over Although high levels of Covid antibodies and cautious behaviour among the public mean that the situation bodes well for summer and early autumn, the picture for the UK becomes more uncertain after that, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (10 August 2021) Read: Guardian
• Can we defeat the long Covid epidemic too? “We don’t yet have treatments for many of long Covid’s effects, but we do know how to help patients with common symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, breathlessness and anxiety,” says Professor Elizabeth Murray (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (10 August 2021) Read: Mail Online
• Coronavirus pandemic could continue to shrink until schools return The R rate of Covid may continue to fall until the schools go back then will gradually increase, rising above 1 again around the start of November, as the weather cools and people spend more time indoors, forecasts Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (9 August 2021) Read: i News

• Is the coronavirus pandemic over at last? While there may be “a few flares and outbreaks” in Europe this winter, Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute) is “pretty confident” that in countries with high vaccination, the pandemic phase of the virus will be over by the spring. (9 August 2021) Read: BBC News

• Binding antibodies could help reach threshold needed for protection against Covid Professor David Goldblatt (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health) found that less effective Covid vaccines generate lower antibody levels, so binding antibodies which latch onto the virus’s spike protein could be key to reaching the threshold needed for protection. (6 August 2021) Read: Wired

• A third of adults unvaccinated in parts of London, data shows Vaccination rates may be low in London as “highly mobile populations may not registered with GPs…low-paid people may not be able to take time off work, or have other difficulties accessing vaccination services,” says Professor Helen Bedford (UCL GOS Institute of Child Health). (6 August 2021) Read: Guardian

• Overcoming vaccine hesitancy in younger people Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) recommends combatting vaccine hesitancy in younger people by sharing accessible information about the risks from vaccines vs the risks from the disease itself, and talking to a trusted figure about any concerns. (6 August 2021) Read: Independent

• The benefits of Covid on commutes and the environment Instead of “going back to huge long commutes” we need to consider using local hubs so people don’t have to travel as much, which will be better “not only for health but for the environment,” says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (6 August 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Vaccinating older teenagers is a sensible step Vaccinations for children must balance risks, and “vaccinating older teenagers is a reasonable first step,” says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health), but Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) says the decision should have been made earlier. (5 August 2021) Read: Sun, More: Mail Online, Mail Online (2), Mail Online (3), i News, Mirror

• Researching long Covid in children There is no accepted definition of long Covid and no simple test for it, making diagnosis and treatment incredibly difficult, says Professor Sir Terence Stephenson (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health), who is leading a study into long Covid in 11-17 year olds. (5 August 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Inside Health’ (from 8 mins)

• ‘Overwhelming’ Government guidance held schools back as Covid hit Headteachers and school leaders have described how an ‘avalanche’ of confused and shifting Government guidance severely impeded schools during the first months of Covid-19 lockdown, finds research involving PhD Student Grace Healy (UCL Institute of Education). (5 August 2021) Read: Guardian, More: Mail Online, i News, Telegraph (£), UCL News

• What is the Delta plus variant? The Delta Plus Covid variant “has remained at very low frequency everywhere where it has been identified, which strongly suggests it is not more transmissible than its Delta progenitor,” says Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (5 August 2021) Read: Sun

• Easing young adults' concerns about the Covid jab “It’s really important that young people have information about the risks and benefits [of the Covid vaccine] in a form that they understand and is accessible to them,” argues Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (5 August 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Woman’s Hour’ (from 6 mins 46 secs)

• Study on long-term Covid symptoms in children ‘reassuring’ A study which has found a low proportion of children who catch Covid-19 have persistent symptoms “is much lower than reported in some other studies and is reassuring,” says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (4 August 2021) Read: Guardian, More: FT (£), Sun, Hindu (India)

• Covid-19 case reduction ‘surprising’ All the evidence points towards a real reduction in Covid-19 cases since lockdown easing, with Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) saying “Covid’s had a habit of surprising us, and it’s a good surprise for a change”. (4 August 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Six O’clock News’ (from 9 mins 5 secs), More: BBC Radio 2 News (from 57 mins 4 secs), BBC Radio 2 News (2) (from 1 hour 1 min 34 secs)

• Fall in recorded Covid infections could be due to test avoidance A fall in Covid-19 infection rates could be driven by a reluctance to self-isolate leading to an avoidance of taking a test, even when people are experiencing symptoms, says Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (2 August 2021) Read: Mirror, More: Evening Standard, Wales Online, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 54 mins 13 secs)

• Public information campaign needed to boost Covid-19 vaccine uptake Incentives intended to boost Covid-19 vaccine uptake among younger people may have an impact, but what is really needed is a public information campaign explaining the benefits of the vaccine and how they outweigh any risks, says Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (2 August 2021)  Listen: BBC Radio 2 News (from 1 hour 1 min 25 secs)

• Fall in Covid infections can’t be taken at face value There is evidence to suggest that people are avoiding being tested for Covid to avoid having to cancel events such as holidays, meaning that the current data on infections is not “desperately reliable,” says Professor Hugh Montgomery (UCL Medicine). (30 July 2021) Read: Guardian

• Opening borders to US and EU ‘doesn’t make sense’ People arriving in the UK from the EU and the US will not have to quarantine if they have had two Covid vaccinations but “the variants we are most worried about are the ones that infect vaccinated people,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (30 July 2021) Read: Mirror

• Concern raised over risk of new Covid variant as travel restrictions eased A “worrying new [Covid] variant could emerge” in the US or Europe – or “a variant that emerges anywhere will spread everywhere” if travel were less inhibited between those places and the UK, says professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (29 July 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Evening Standard, Guardian

• Britain may be finally nearing herd immunity The herd immunity threshold is currently about 93 per cent and it is estimated that the total population immunity is now at 87 per cent, says Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (29 July 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Drop in Covid infections could be evidence of peak A drop in new Covid infections could be evidence that cases have peaked, with “no further surges until winter,” says Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (27 July 2021) Read: Times (£), More: City A.M.

• Covid events programme ‘an excuse for opening things up’ The announcement that Premier league football games could go ahead at full capacity, it’s clear that the trial to test the safety of live events has given the Government “an excuse for opening things up,” says Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (27 July 2021) Read: i News

• UK government opening floodgates to Covid variants It is concerning and surprising that there has a been a steep decline in the proportion of positive Covid tests being analysed for variants among people arriving from red list countries, says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (26 July 2021) Read: Guardian

• Uncertainty around why Covid infections are dropping despite previous rise in cases Covid cases had been rising rapidly due to unlocking. However, it “just doesn’t make sense that we were going up a lot, then we open further and then suddenly you see these drops,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCl Mathematics). (26 July 2021) Read: Express

• Covid is losing its grip despite confusion over ‘pingdemic’ “If you were extremely optimistic, and not afraid of hurting people’s feelings, you could say the pandemic is already borderline over,” says Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (26 July 2021) Read: Times (£)

• No reason for children to be vaccinated against flu but not Covid Under 18s are expected to reach immunity from Covid by being infected even when “we vaccinate school-age children against flu every year and Covid is more fatal than flu, even for young children,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (26 July 2021) Read: Mail Online

• Government let virus rip to bolster levels of immunity Lifting all Covid restrictions is a way to “get as many people infected as possible, as quickly as possible, while using the rhetoric about caution as a way of putting the blame on the public for the consequences,” says Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (26 July 2021) Read: Guardian

• Vaccine antibody levels start to wane at around 2-3 months Total antibody levels appear to start declining from as early as six weeks after complete vaccination and can reduce by more than 50% over 10 weeks, according to new data from UCL’s Virus Watch study, says Professor Dr Maddie Shrotri (UCL Institute of Heath Informatics). (23 July 2021) Read: Guardian, More: Mirror, Times of India, Pioneer (India), Express, UCL News

• Adults with Down’s Syndrome should be prioritised for the Covid vaccine Adults over the age of 40 who have Down’s Syndrome have a higher risk of dying or developing breathing problems, so it’s “really important” they get the vaccine, says Professor Monica Lakhanpaul (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (22 July 2021) Listen: BBC World Service Radio’s ‘Health Check’ (from 23 mins 4 secs)

• By opening its economy as Delta variant surges, the UK becomes a Covid-19 test case “In previous stages of the pandemic, rising cases have meant tightening, not loosening, restrictions,” which meant that what happens next in the UK “is highly uncertain”, says Professor Irene Petersen (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health). (22 July 2021) Read: Wall Street Journal

• Approximately 1.5million children lose family members or caregivers due to Covid-19 About 1.5million children have lost a parent, grandparent or primary caregiver due to Covid-19, a new study, conducted by researchers including Lorraine Sherr (UCL Institute for Global Health) has estimated. (21 July 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Evening Standard, Irish Examiner, CNN, Wales Online, The Herald, Washington Post (US), India Today (India), UCL News

• The importance of encouraging 18–30-year-olds to get the Covid-19 vaccine Young people are more hesitant to get the Covid-19 vaccine, so we need to emphasise to them that by doing so, they are doing their part to protect the NHS and protect those more vulnerable than they are, says Dr Elise Paul (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (21 July 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘World at One’ (from 18 mins 48 secs)

• Covid-19 unlocking encourages new variants Removing Covid-19 restrictions in England could lead to the emergence of new variants, as the virus “will mutate faster and more frequently,” warns Dr Rochelle Burgess (UCL Institute for Global Health). (20 July 2021) Read: Wall Street Journal

• Covid-19 vaccines must be tested before use on children Because so few young people become seriously ill with Covid-19, “we therefore need to be very clear about of the safety of the vaccines in this group,” says Professor Helen Bedford (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (20 July 2021) Read: Times (£), More: Huffington Post, Times (£) (2), Independent

• End of lockdown may not radically alter behaviour The perceived level of threat from Covid-19 is more likely to influence behaviour than government regulations, meaning that the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions may not actually impact behaviour as much as feared, says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (20 July 2021) Read: Conversation

• UCL leads £8m studies into long Covid treatments and diagnosis Professor Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) and Professor Dennis Chan (UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience) are leading the largest clinical trial on long Covid to date, involving over 4,500 people. (19 July 2021) Read: FT (£), More: i News, Mail Online, Guardian, BBC News, Statesman (India), Deccan Herald (India), Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘News and Papers’ (from 2 mins 30 secs)

• Proceeding with Covid unlocking is ‘madness’ Removing Covid-19 restrictions when cases are rising and a large proportion of the population are still unvaccinated or have only had one jab is “madness” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (19 July 2021) Read: Express, More: Express (2), Express (3), Express (4), Evening Standard, Mirror, Express (5), Metro, New Scientist, Hindustan Times (India), RTÉ (Ireland)

• How to protect yourself and others from Covid-19 Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) answers common questions about protection from Covid-19, including when mask-wearing helps and whether sanitising your hands is an effective way to prevent the spread of the disease. (19 July 2021) Read: Guardian

• Child vaccination decision could be influenced by supply issues A delay to the decision on whether or not to vaccinate children against Covid-19 could be due to lack of supplies of the Pfizer and Moderna jabs, says Professor Anthony Costello (UCL Institute for Global Health). (19 July 2021) Read: Express

• People may become more cautious after lockdown lifts Population responses to previous waves of Covid-19 suggest that members of the public will become more cautious about infections despite the easing of restrictions, says Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (19 July 2021) Read: i News

• Covid-19 pandemic not a reason to take children out of school An increase in the rates of children being homeschooled has been blamed on ‘Covid anxiety’, but the risks of the disease for children attending school are far lower than for adults, says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (19 July 2021) Read: BBC News

• Caution key in Covid unlocking Removing all lockdowns restrictions now means “we are heading into the biggest wave of Covid infection that we have ever seen,” cautions Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health), adding that people should continue to minimise contact with others. (19 July 2021) Read: i News, More: Sun, Evening Standard, Mail Online

• Should we be concerned about Covid hospitalisations among young people Around 5830 children and young people have been admitted to hospital since the beginning of the pandemic, out of an estimated four million infections among this age group, says Dr Joseph Ward (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (16 July 2021) Read: Express

• Boris Johnson urged to fix Covid-19 ‘pingdemic’ Being “pinged” on the NHS Test and Trace app should be a tool used to “help us manage the risk” rather than always being required to self-isolate, says Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery (UCL Laws). (16 July 2021) Read: Sun, More: Evening Standard, Mail Online, Mail Online (2), Independent

• NHS risks being overwhelmed by winter flu The NHS must prepare for a difficult winter by “acting now” and ensuring that all adults are fully vaccinated against Covid by September with the addition of a major flu jab and Covid booster campaign, says Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Institute for Global Health). (15 July 2021) Read: Sun, More: FT (£), Guardian

• Johnson’s reopening is a potential recipe for disaster A group of clinical virologists, featuring four experts from UCL, including Professor Judy Breuer (UCL Infection & Immunity), have expressed concerns about government plans to abandon community infection control measures against Covid-19. (15 July 2021) Read: FT (£)

• Identification of over 200 long Covid symptoms prompts call for UK screening programme Patients who experience long Covid have reported more than 200 symptoms across 10 organ systems, in the largest international study of ‘long-haulers’ to date, led by Dr Athena Akrami (Sainsbury Wellcome Centre at UCL). (15 July 2021) Read: Guardian, More: Times (£), Sun, Mail Online, Evening Standard, Deccan Herald (India), Telegraph (£), Insider, New Scientist, Mirror, Montreal Gazette (Canada), Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Six O’Clock News’ (from 26 mins 46 secs), More: BBC World Service’s ‘Newshour’ (from 35 mins 40 secs), UCL News

• England’s ‘freedom day’ is tempered by worries of rising cases Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted in England from 19 July but “Delta has changed the equation” and made it “much harder to rely on vaccination to bring cases down on its own,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (15 July 2021) Read: Mail Online

• Government accused of chasing ‘herd immunity’ by mass infection With regards to Covid-19 “the government says it isn’t [following a herd immunity strategy], but at the same time they’ve said they’re willing to live with potentially a few more million infections just before autumn,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (14 July 2021) Read: Independent

• Approximately 20% of UK adults have deleted NHS Covid app Around one in five adults of all ages in the UK have deleted the NHS Covid-19 app from their phone, which could be down to an expectation of increased caseloads after 19 July, says Professor Henry Potts (UCL Health Informatics). (14 July 2021) Read: Guardian, Mail Online, Sun

• Removing all Covid restrictions will only ‘make things worse’ Boris Johnson’s plan to lift all Covid restrictions on 19 July can only make things worse as infectious diseases are a matter of collective, rather than personal responsibility, says Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (13 July 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s “Today Programme” (from 1 hour, 43 mins, 25 secs).

• Researchers are looking for parents of autistic children for Covid-19 school study A study into autistic children and Covid-19 aims to capture the impact of the virus on school attendance of autistic children and those with learning disabilities, alongside school deregistration and home learning, study leader, Dr Vaso Totsika (UCL psychiatry). (13 July 2021) Read: i News

• English sports test events risk further Covid outbreaks Test events mean that the virus could spread among sport fans on public transport, in pubs and homes as “Covid is thriving in close contact where there’s poor ventilation,” says Professor Irene Petersen (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (13 July 2021) Read: FT (£)

• Covid vaccines may be less effective at preventing infection than previously thought Even people who have had two jabs against Covid-19 should behave more or less as they did before they had their vaccinations if they want to be safe, says Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (13 July 2021) Read: i News

• Will a public wary of Covid-19 restrictions be willing to self regulate? Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted on 19 July signalling that “it is not such a risk any more”. However there is “also a narrative that everyone should be cautious”, which is leading to confusion, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (13 July 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘The World Tonight’ (from 17 mins 19 secs)

• Concern for vulnerable people who have chosen not to be vaccinated During the Covid third wave, vulnerable people who have not been vaccinated are more susceptible to the disease being severe, ending up in hospital or dying, says Professor Jeremy Brown (UCL Medicine). (13 July 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 2’s ‘News at 10’ (from 59 secs)

• Mask wearing cuts Covid risk Wearing a mask cuts the risk of Covid spread, and “if…nine others are not wearing a mask, if you’re the one who is infected and you put on your mask, you are protecting those nine others,” says Professor Laurence Lovat (UCL Surgery & Interventional Science). (12 July 2021) Read: Times (£)

• Football final likely to contribute to rise in Covid cases Mass gatherings and celebrations relating to the Euro 2020 football tournament are likely to drive up Covid cases more than the match itself, say Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) and Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (9 July 2021) Read: Times (£), More: Mail Online, i News, Sky News, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘The World Tonight’ (from 17 mins 20 secs)

• Risks of severe Covid-19 in children shown to be very low in largest study yet The risk of severe illness and death from Covid-19 is very low in children and teenagers, according to comprehensive analyses of public health data, led by researchers including Professor Russell Viner and Dr Joseph Ward (both UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (9 July 2021) Read: BBC News, More: Mail Online, Guardian, Times (£), Sun, Wales Online, Wall Street Journal (£), Independent, ITV News, Sky News, MSN News, Telegraph (£), Bloomberg, Yahoo! News, Forbes, Outlook India, Hindustan Times (India), Mirror, India Today, Statesman (India), Watch: BBC One’s ‘Morning Live’ (from 16 mins 50 secs), UCL News

• How can we encourage more people to isolate? A growing number of people are deleting the Covid-19 Track and Trace app, so to encourage isolation the government need to give people better financial and practical support, says Professor Henry Potts (UCL Health Informatics). (9 July 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s “Today Programme” (from 1 hour 51 mins 47 secs)

• NHS Covid app could be useful after lockdown The NHS Covid-19 app could be used to caution vaccinated people that they may have the virus, with the app “enabling you to be careful,” says Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery (UCL Laws). (9 July 2021) Read: BBC News

• NHS app changes must be data-driven Any changes to the sensitivity of the NHS Covid-19 app must be driven by the data, rather than political pressure to reduce levels of self-isolation, says Dr Michael Veale (UCL Laws). (9 July 2021) Read: Guardian, Listen: BBC Radio 4's 'World at One' (from 16 mins 10 secs)

• Isolation still an important tool in controlling Covid-19 Controlling Covid-19 using distancing and isolation is important even after restrictions end, as “if we get to a very small percentage of a massive number of cases getting hospitalised, that’s still a very large number,” says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (8 July 2021) Read: Wales Online, More: Times (£), Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 2 hours 52 mins 22 secs), More: BBC Radio 2 News (from 31 mins 6 secs)

• ‘Premature’ Covid-19 Freedom Day is a dangerous and unethical experiment Boris Johnson's plans to unlock the nation from Covid-19 restrictions have been called “dangerous and unethical", in a letter signed by nine UCL academics, including Professor Anthony Costello (UCL Institute for Global Health) and Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (8 July 2021) Read: Telegraph (£), More: Mail Online

• Scotland must not follow English example on Covid-19 restrictions Scotland shouldn’t take England’s decision to remove lockdown restrictions as a prompt to do the same, and Nicola Sturgeon should continue with her “exemplary,” messaging on the virus so far, says Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (7 July 2021) Read: Times (£), More: Times (£) (2)

• Arthritis drugs save lives of hospitalised Covid-19 patients Drugs used to treat arthritis reduce deaths and the need for mechanical ventilation among people hospitalised with Covid-19, according to a new study led by Dr Claire Vale (MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL) which has prompted new World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. (7 July 2021) Read: NBC News, More: Yahoo! News, CNA (Singapore), Today (US), Reuters, Straits Times (Singapore), Daily Sabah (Turkey), Mail Online, UCL News

• It’s ‘too early’ to know how dangerous Covid Lambda variant is It is important to track the Lambda variant of Covid-19 but it’s not a concern until “it starts growing week on week”, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) (7 July 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Mail Online (2)

• Concerns it may not be ‘wise’ to make face masks optional As Covid restrictions ease, “face masks are a really simple way to prevent people from transmitting disease to others,” says Professor Laurence Lovat (UCL Surgery & Interventional Science). (7 July 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Evening Standard, Guardian, i News, Mail Online (2)

• Thousands facing long Covid as ‘collateral damage’ of Boris Johnson lifting restrictions Lifting restrictions on 19 July is “a pretty crazy thing to do when cases are so high and rising” and “doesn’t make much sense,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (7 July 2021) Read: Independent, More: Yahoo! News, New Scientist

• What will lockdown ending mean for Covid spread? Covid cases are likely to rise rapidly once restrictions are lifted, but at some point new infections will slow and eventually reduce due to vaccination and natural immunity, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (6 July 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘PM’ (from 25 mins 8 secs)

• How much protection do face masks give us? Despite laws on wearing face masks being lifted, they provide protection “especially in indoor spaces where it’s crowded and where there’s not very much ventilation”, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (6 July 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘You and Yours’ (from 14 mins 37 secs)

• Covid-19 R rate continuing to increase Covid-19’s R rate, the rate at which the virus is spreading, has increased as the Delta variant of the disease continues to transmit among the UK population, says Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (6 July 2021) Read: i News

• Russian Covid surge comes at politically difficult time A surge of Covid-19 in Russia has come ahead of the parliamentary elections in September, a key barometer of the legitimacy of Putin’s leadership, says Dr Ben Noble (UCL School of Slavonic & East European Studies). (6 July 2021) Read: New Statesman

• Lockdowns have protected the rich at the expense of working class people While richer people could work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, poorer people would not have been protected without lockdowns, making inequalities worse, says Professor Sir Michael Marmot (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (5 July 2021) Read: Express, More: New York Times Post

• Lifting of Covid-19 restrictions happening too quickly New Covid-19 infections increase the possibility of new variants, and can lead to debilitating cases of long Covid, meaning restrictions should not be lifted when cases are increasing rapidly, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (5 July 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 2 News (from 1 hour 29 mins 50 secs)

• Removal of all Covid-19 restrictions ‘bonkers’ The planned lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions on July 19 is “absolutely bonkers” and is the equivalent of removing all laws relating to driving and leaving it up to ‘individual responsibility’, says Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (5 July 2021) Read: Mirror, More: i News, Mirror (2), Mirror (3), Independent, Metro, i News (2)

• Surge in Covid-19 transmission could lead to new variants The lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the subsequent surge in community transmission “is like building new ‘variant factories’ at a very fast rate,” says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (5 July 2021) Read: Guardian, More: Guardian (2), i News, New Scientist, Mail Online, Washington Post (£)

• Covid-19 quarantine exemption for double-jabbed will lead to resentment Allowing people who have had both Covid-19 vaccine doses to skip quarantine will lead to resentment, especially as many people haven’t yet been offered the vaccine, and could also lead to a loss of compliance, says Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (5 July 2021) Read: Mirror, More: Guardian, Metro, Evening Standard, Evening Standard (2), Scotsman

• Common cold could prime the immune system to fight off Covid People who are repeatedly exposed to Covid-19 but do not develop an infection may have had their immune systems primed by the common cold, finds preprint research led by Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (5 July 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Biden administration misses vaccine target A missed Covid-19 vaccine target for the US Government will lead to more cautious deadlines in future, and shows that “overpromising and underdelivering is never a recipe for success,” say Dr Julie Norman and Professor Thomas Gift (Both UCL Centre on US Politics). (5 July 2021) Read: Newsweek

• GPs must not confuse cases of long Covid with other ailments in teenagers It is important to remember that some Covid symptoms, such as very significant fatigue, “are very common in teenagers,” says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (2 July 2021) Read: Sun

• Covid-19 cases reach new high in UK raising fresh concerns of lockdown timetable At the current growth rate the UK will be exceeding 40,000 cases a day by 19 July, yet “everything this week implies the Government is going to let virus go regardless of long Covid, chances of mutation and hospitals,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (2 July 2021) Read: i News

• Schools could hold Covid vaccination clinics for teenagers A schools-based Covid vaccination programme would be the best choice if the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) decides vaccines should be given to youngsters, says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (2 July 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Wales Online

• UK offers a cautionary tale as Ontario battles the contagious Delta variant In the middle of April, only one per cent of Covid-19 cases were attributed to the Delta variant but now they are doubling every week, despite a partial lockdown and vaccine roll-out, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (2 July 2021) Read: National Post (Canada)

• Young people should get Covid vaccine before they become biggest source of infection to the vulnerable By vaccinating all adults, the dynamics will change so that children and young people become the source of most infections, says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (2 July 2021) Read: Mail Online

• Quarantine exemptions a cause for concern Exemptions from Covid-19 quarantine for business executives don’t make sense scientifically and are more likely to cause the public to ignore rules which are perceived as unfair or selectively applied for no good reason, says Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (30 June 2021) Read: Times (£), More: Wales Online, Mail Online, Evening Standard

• Half of teenagers suffering anxiety and trauma in wake of Covid lockdowns Half of teenagers have been left suffering anxiety and trauma in the wake of the Covid lockdowns, a systemic review in to the impact of school closures led by Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health) has found. (30 June 2021) Read: Telegraph (£), Mail Online, Evening Standard, Sun, i News, i News (2)

• How to embed better infection control into people’s lives We can help provide better infection control for society by making sure people understand the risks, making sure the environment is safe and creating motivation, says Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (29 June 2021) Read: Mail Online, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 38 mins 50 secs)

• High profile cases signal rise in Covid-19 ahead of lockdown An increase in cases of Covid-19 could be due to the high transmissibility of the Delta variant and, possibly, a slight bending of the rules by the public, says Dr Elise Paul (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (29 June 2021) Read: Guardian

• Covid rules in schools should be reviewed “If all adults are vaccinated we need to think carefully about restrictions on schools" says Professor Russell Viner (UCL great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health) with regards to Covid-19 restrictions. (28 June 2021) Read: Telegraph, More: Evening Standard, BBC News, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 38 mins 13 secs)

• Those with long Covid report worse quality of life than cancer patients Many people suffering from long Covid have a worse quality of life than patients with advanced lung cancer, in what has been described as “a real wake-up moment,” by Professor Elizabeth Murray and Dr Manuel Gomes (both UCL Epidemiology & Health). (28 June 2021) Read: i News
• Data on vaccines for children is based on low numbers While the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine appears safe in teenagers, more data is needed, says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health), while Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute) says vaccinating children is an “ethical minefield”. (28 June 2021) Read: i News, More: FT (£), Mail Online

• The dangers of long Covid The long lasting impact of Covid-19 should be taken seriously, and long Covid “will be profoundly debilitating for some people,” says Professor Hugh Montgomery (UCL Medicine). (25 June 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Up to one in six people with Covid-19 report long Covid symptoms One in six middle-aged people who report being infected by SARS-CoV-2 also report long Covid symptoms, while this falls to one in 13 among younger adults who reported having Covid-19, finds a study led by Professor Nishi Chaturvedi (UCL MRC Unit for Lifelong Health & Ageing). (24 June 2021) Read: Mirror, More: i News, BBC News, Evening Standard, Mail Online, Wales Online, Evening Standard (2), New Scientist, UCL News

• Careful decision needs to be made on vaccinating children in England The decision about whether to vaccinate healthy teenagers “needs to balance risks and benefits for both young people and for broader society – and there are complex ethical and safety issues,” says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (24 June 2021) Read: Guardian

• Race between Covid-19 vaccines and Delta variant plays out in UK Covid-19 Deaths would likely have been considerably higher without the vaccine against the disease and the jabs “are working” says Professor Irene Petersen (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (24 June 2021) Read: Wall Street Journal (USA)

• What happened to the Alpha Covid variant? The Alpha Covid variant prompted a deadly Covid surge earlier this year but Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) says it’s now “dying out” and that the Delta variant now accounts for “well over” 90 per cent of sequenced Covid cases. (23 June 2021) Read: Express

• Experts unsure if jabs will stop long Covid but hopes grow for current sufferers Without data from trials, “at present the best way to avoid long Covid is to avoid getting infected,” says Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics). (21 June 2021) Read: Metro

• Young people ‘are most hesitant about vaccines’ Student Nusayba Ali (UCL School of Pharmacy) has launched a project addressing vaccine hesitancy, saying that hesitancy can originate in people’s backgrounds, philosophical or religious beliefs, or approach to risk. (21 June 2021) Read: i News

• Experts unsure if jabs will stop long Covid but hopes grow for current sufferers Without data from trials, “at present the best way to avoid long Covid is to avoid getting infected,” says Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics). (21 June 2021) Read: Metro

• Can you go to the gym after your Covid vaccine? It would be a “logical approach” to avoid vigorous exercise on the day of vaccination against Covid-19, says Dr James Hull (UCL Surgery & Interventional Sciences). (21 June 2021) Read: Express

• Keeping stands closed at Tokyo Olympics is least risky option Professor Eric Brunner (Institute of Epidemiology & Health) says, “It’s clear that the attitude in Japan is very much a precautionary one but it’s likely that they will allow some people into the stadium,” for the upcoming Olympic Games. (21 June 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 2 News (from 1 hour 2 mins)

• The mental impact of the pandemic on NHS doctors “The problem with this new incessant case load is that it increases the danger of burnout,” explains Professor Hugh Montgomery (UCL Medicine), who has led an intensive care unit throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. (18 June 2021) Read: Times (£)

• Matt Hancock confirms Covid vaccines will be compulsory for care home workers “Encouraging vaccination is always preferable to a mandatory requirement” as people need to have trust in the vaccine and in the organisation that’s recommending it, says Professor Helen Bedford (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (17 June 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: New Scientist

• ‘Army’ of contact tracers would mean no delay to lockdown “The NHS has done a fantastic job on vaccines but why has there been such poor investment in public health infection control to supress these outbreaks?” asks Professor Anthony Costello (UCL Institute for Global Health). (15 June 2021) Read: Evening Standard

• Why is vaccine merchandise so popular? The popularity of vaccine-related merchandise is a physical way for people to express their values, “a reflection of the situation and, in this instance, even taking a pro-vaccination position,” says Dr Dimitrios Tsivrikos (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (15 June 2021) Read: Guardian

• Delay lockdown easing to suppress Covid-19 Delta variant The spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19 among unvaccinated people is “extremely worrying,” and means a delay to further lockdown easing is needed to ensure a third wave of the virus doesn’t spread out of control, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (14 June 2021) Read: Guardian, More: BBC News, Sun, Express, Mirror, Watch: BBC One’s ‘The Andrew Marr Show’ (from 16 mins 57 secs), Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Westminster Hour’ (from 5 mins 22 secs)

• NHS will be overloaded if “Government takes a gamble” on Covid Professor Anthony Costello (UCL Institute for Global Health) argues that cases could reach 100,000 a day in a month if lockdown is lifted on June 21, “like Tory backbenchers want”. Read: Mirror, More: Mail Online, Metro, Express, Scotsman, Wales Online (14 June 2021)

• How a lack of interaction during Covid could have affected the youngest generation Seeing different faces is an “important, rich source of information” for babies as they are the first building blocks of our learning about communication, relationships and other social information, says Professor Pasco Fearon (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (14 June 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• More data needed on those who have had two jabs dying from Covid We need to find out more about how long after their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine it was before those who were fully vaccinated and eventually died from the disease became unwell, says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (14 June 2021) Read: Guardian

• UCL and WHO scientists urge nations to collaborate for vaccine equity Leading academics Professor Alison Rodger and Professor Ibrahim Abubakar (both UCL Institute for Global Health) joined Dr Soumya Swaminanthan, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Chief Scientist for this year’s UCL-Lancet lecture. (11 June 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Evening Standard, UCL News

• Face masks should ‘continue forever’ Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) argues that face coverings and social distancing should be retained in the long term to help suppress other viruses and boost public health. (11 June 2021) Read: Telegraph (£), More: Mail Online, Spectator, Independent, Mirror, Metro

• We are fighting a ‘continually evolving arms race’ against Covid “We are in this constant battle of evolution between viruses and their attempts to subvert or evade or hijack the front line defences we have in the cell sensors or in immunity,” says Dr Clare Jolly (UCL Infection & Immunity). (11 June 2021) Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘Science in Action’ (from 3 mins 30 secs)

• Covid-19 spread not solely due to schools “We opened schools [in March] and, contrary to what people suggested, [Covid-19] cases continued to fall. That tells us very clearly that this isn’t just about children in schools,” says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (10 June 2021) Read: FT (£)

• Covid-19 distancing may have weakened children’s immune system Several cases of RSV, a virus that can cause serious lung infections in young children, were reported last month, which is “very unusual,” and could be evidence of weakened immune systems in children, says Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (10 June 2021) Read: Guardian

• Theatres can safely re-open if mask-wearing is mandatory Modelling by researches including Professor Laurence Lovat (UCL Surgery & Interventional Science) has found that wearing a facemask reduces the spread of droplets, meaning “If theatre-goers wear…masks and follow other rules already in place, theatres become safe places to go to.” (10 June 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Telegraph (£), Express

• Covid-19 likely to remain in circulation Covid-19 is likely to remain a threat into the future, and “we’re going to have to… live with this virus and try and minimise the amount of severe disease that it causes.” Says Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Institute for Global Health). (10 June 2021) Read: Sun

• Political benefits for Republicans probing Cobid-19 ‘lab leak’ theory An investigation into the theory that Covid-19 could have leaked from a lab in Wuhan would have political benefits for Republicans and give them “more ammunition” to portray the Covid-19 response as driven by elites with an agenda, says Dr Thomas Gift (UCL Centre on US Politics). (10 June 2021) Read: Newsweek

• Covid-19 vaccine incentives on dating apps could fuel division and mistrust From this week dating apps are allowing users to show they are vaccinated, but by “dividing the population up into the vaccinated and unvaccinated you’re basically further increasing inequality,” says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (9 June 2021) Read: i News

• Vegan and pescatarian diets may reduce Covid-19 severity Those “eating plant-based or pescatarian diets tend to be at significantly lower risk of developing severe Covid-19 symptoms upon infection,” says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute) of the US led research. (8 June 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Evening Standard, ITV News, Yahoo! News, Sun, Huffington Post, Belfast Telegraph, Telegraph (£), Express

• Could a third wave of Covid be more serious than UK’s first two? If growth rates of the Delta variant don’t go down over the coming weeks then “restrictions may have to stay in place for the time being,” says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (8 June 2021) Read: Guardian

• We “should not rush” into decision on whether children are offered the Covid vaccine “The early reports provide a warning that we should not rush into these decisions,” says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health) reflecting on the side effects seen among young male recipients of the vaccine in Israel. (7 June 2021) Read: Independent
• 21 June reopening should be delayed until August We should follow Israel’s example when it comes to easing Covid-19 restrictions and wait until August, when 75% of adults will be fully vaccinated, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (7 June 2021) Read: i News
• Fears that “robust Covid pass” backed by Blair stokes inequality A Covid pass should only be discussed after concerns around vaccination and access problems are dealt with, as otherwise “it is likely to increase social divisions between different sectors of society,” says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (7 June 2021) Read: Guardian
• This week will be “critical” for decision on 21 June This next week is going to be “absolutely critical” in gathering the data needed to decide whether it’s safe to ease all restrictions at the end of June, says Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Institute for Global Health). (7 June 2021) Read: Sun, More: i News, Sky News, Times (£), Evening Standard, Herald Scotland, Express

• “Mix and Match” Covid booster jabs may be offered in UK Giving people a different vaccine for their Covid booster is “good news” as it allows for greater “flexibility” and means we are not “limited by supply of one particular vaccine”, says Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (7 June 2021) Read: Guardian

• Why a third wave is still a risk, despite vaccines Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology and Language Sciences) cautions that a third wave is still a risk because of “higher transmission” and “more mutations” leading to “the likelihood of a variant that could undermine vaccination.” (4 June 2021) Read: The Times (£), More: Daily Mail

• People who have had Covid are “protected from reinfection for ten months,” study shows The Vivaldi study led by UCL discovered that a previously infected person is very unlikely to suffer the disease twice in one year – a revelation that lead author Dr Maria Krutikov (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) describes as “really good news.” (4 June 2021) Read: Daily Mail, More: i News, Reuters, Huffington Post, Telegraph, Evening Standard, The Sun, The Mirror, The Independent, India Today, UCL News

• Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients have lower antibody levels targeting the Delta variant Levels of antibodies in vaccinated people that are able to recognise and fight the new SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant first discovered in India (B.1.617.2) are, on average, lower than those against variants previously circulating in the UK, finds a new study involving UCL scientists. (4 June 2021) Read: Financial Times (£), More: Evening Standard, UCL News

• People with mild cases of Covid are just as likely to get neurological symptoms, as those who are severely ill A study found that patients with mild cases of Covid were just as likely to suffer fatigue, depression and loss of smell. “It appears that Covid-19 affecting mental health and the brain is the norm, rather than the exception,” says lead author, Dr Jonathan Rogers (UCL Psychiatry) (4 June 2021) Read: Daily Mail, More: New Scientist, Sky News, Yahoo! News, UCL News

• India Covid variant spreading in England’s schools, data shows New figures covering 26 April to 30 May, showed the numbers of cases in schools or other education settings are rising rapidly, proving they were now “a major source” of transmission, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (4 June 2021) Read: The Guardian

• News that 75% of adults have had one Covid vaccine should come with caveats As the Delta variant becomes dominant in England, we “really need two doses to get good protection” and shouldn’t just be focusing on adults, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (3 June 2021) Listen: BBC 2 Radio ‘8pm News’ (from 2 mins 48 secs).

• Travellers could bring new Covid variants back to UK As travel restrictions are lifted we will struggle to track the emergence of new variants and how they spread. “There are some countries where they don’t sequence at all, so we have no idea what’s going on,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (2 June 2021) Read: The Independent

• Importance of vaccination emphasised by UCL expert who discovered link between AstraZeneca and new thrombotic syndrome Professor Marie Scully (UCL Cardiovascular Science) says she was surprised to find the potential link behind rare cases of blood clots in those who have had the jab. However, she says vaccines are important to “rid ourselves of this pandemic”. (2 June 2021) Listen: BBC World Service ‘The Newsroom’ (from 11 mins 47 secs), More: BBC Radio 4 ‘PM’ (from 27 mins 14 secs).

• There should have been more focus on data not dates on Covid restrictions We suffered the consequences of not acting soon enough with lockdowns and should “learn from the past and the mistakes we made” when deciding when we should relax rules, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (2 June 2021) Read: The Guardian

• R rate doubles in a week, but third wave “unlikely” The “real time” value of R has more than doubled in the past week. However, on a national level the R rate is likely to have peaked thanks to the accelerating vaccine programme bringing figures down, says Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (2 June 2021) Read: i News

• Experts urge caution on giving vaccines to children in Britain Health experts warn that children should only be immunised in special circumstances. But after all adults have been vaccinated “we will have accumulated much more knowledge of how safe vaccines are” says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (1 June 2021) Read: The Observer

• Extending November lockdown would have saved lives If the November Covid-19 lockdown had been extended “the great majority of second-wave deaths could have been avoided,” says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (28 May 2021) Read: Guardian

• Delay lockdown easing until higher proportion vaccinated The final stage of lockdown easing should be delayed until more of the population have had both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, say Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) and Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (28 May 2021) Read: BBC News, More: i News, Times (£), Sun, Guardian, Wales Online, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 9 mins 21 secs), More: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (2) (from 2 hours 14 mins 45 secs)

• Covid-19 trajectory could go one of two ways If cases of Covid-19 don’t rapidly increase, vaccinations should prevent a big surge, but if we start to see big case increases in the next week or two, then the “we are on quite a bad trajectory,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (27 May 2021) Read: Sun

• Sage advice did not delay first lockdown Former adviser Dominic Cummings’ claim that advice from Sage delayed the first Covid-19 lockdown is not true, as Sage “were not asked whether the British people would accept a lockdown,” says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (27 May 2021) Read: Guardian, More: Telegraph (£), Mail Online, i News, Mail Online (2), Express

• Covid-19 advisory guidelines not properly thought out Advisory guidelines from the Government on restricting activity in Covid-19 hotspots don’t seem to have been properly thought out and are “a complete and utter farce,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (26 May 2021) Read: Independent, More: Independent (2)

• Moderna Covid-19 vaccine effective in teenagers News that the Moderna vaccine is effective in teenagers is encouraging, but “there are still a range of complex questions to consider,” when it comes to vaccinating healthy teenagers, says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (26 May 2021) Read: Sun

• Covid-19 vaccine: Common stroke symptoms must be ‘urgently evaluated’ Neurologists led by Professor David Werring (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) have published the first clinical observations of patients who experienced an ischaemic stroke, the most common form of stroke, following an Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. (26 May 2021) Read: Sun, More: Mail Online, Telegraph (£), ITV News, Mail Online (2), El Mundo (Spain), ABC (Spain), UCL News

• Covid-19’s impact on problem drinking The Covid-19 pandemic led to increased stress for many, while also cutting problem drinkers off from support networks and replacement activities, leading to a difficult time for recovering alcoholics and people with alcohol issues, says Dr Gautam Mehta (UCL Medicine). (26 May 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Herd immunity near impossible without tougher border restrictions Herd immunity from Covid-19 is near impossible in the UK unless new variants of the disease are prevented from coming into the country, something which current border restrictions are not doing, says Professor Judith Breuer (UCL Infection & Immunity). (25 May 2021) Read: Mirror, More: Huffington Post

• Covid-19 variant ‘can and does’ spread in schools The Indian variant of Covid-19 “can and does spread in schools,” and PHE’s decision not to publish crucial data on its spread is concerning, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (24 May 2021) Read: Guardian, More: Mirror, Sun, Mail Online

• ONS data can miss local Covid-19 spikes ONS data on Covid-19 is based on random sampling, which can miss local pockets of Covid-19, or the growth of new variants, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (24 May 2021) Read: Guardian

• Schools not amplifying Covid-19 spread Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health) says the data doesn’t support the idea that schools contribute to the spread of Covid-19 variants any more than communities generally. (24 May 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 17 mins), Read: Evening Standard, More: Mail Online

• Would support increase rates of self-isolation? Proposals to support people who need to self-isolate due to Covid-19 would increase rates of adherence as one of the top reasons for not following the isolation rules is financial hardship, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (24 May 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 2’s ‘Jeremy Vine Show’ (from 9 mins 30 secs)

• Lockdown has encouraged uptake of creative projects The Covid-19 lockdown has led to an increase in engagement with the arts as “a form of support, a form of coping, to regulate [people’s] moods," says Research Fellow Katey Warran (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (24 May 2021) Read: BBC News

• Delay Sats tests by at least another year Sats tests cause stress and take months away from valuable learning time for children, meaning there is no place for them during the Covid-19 recovery period, argues an open letter signed by Professor Gemma Moss and Dr Alice Bradbury (both UCL Institute of Education). (24 May 2021) Read: Times (£)

• New Covid-19 variants could bypass immunity As Covid-19 variants emerge, it’s possible that ‘immune escape’ lineages which can reinfect people with immunity through prior infection or vaccination, warns Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (24 May 2021) Read: Express

• Vaccine incentives could be counterproductive Offering external incentives to people to get the Covid-19 vaccine could be counterproductive, as people should understand why they need the jab, rather than only getting it for an external reward, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (24 May 2021) Read: BBC News

• Less than a third completely understand Covid-19 rules Fewer than 1 in 3 people (29.1%) say that they ‘completely’ understand the current UK Covid-19 lockdown rules, finds the Covid-19 Social Study, led by Dr Elise Paul (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (21 May 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: FT (£), UCL News

• Covid-19 has affected parents’ mental health Before Covid-19, those with children were at no greater risk of mental health issues, but during the pandemic they have struggled with higher levels of anxiety, loneliness, stress, and symptoms of depression, says Dr Elise Paul (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (21 May 2021) Read: Economist

• Indian Covid-19 variant is spreading within UK The Indian variant of Covid-19 is spreading within the UK, and rising figures are not just down to imported cases relating to travel, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (20 May 2021) Read: Sun, More: Sun (2), Mail Online, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 21 mins 10 secs)

• Tackling Covid-19 vaccine worries and misinformation Professor Jeremy Brown (UCL Medicine) answers questions around the Covid-19 vaccine, explaining why two doses are needed, and how the antibody response works. (20 May 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘PM’ (from 34 mins 20 secs)

• UK could be at the start of new Covid-19 wave The spread of the Indian variant of Covid-19 could be the start of a new wave of Covid-19 due to its increased transmissibility, warns Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (20 May 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Independent, Evening Standard, Yahoo! News, Wales Online, Sun, Evening Standard (2), Evening Standard (3), Mail Online (2), Mirror, Mirror (2), Mirror (3), Evening Standard (4), Metro, Evening Standard (5), Mail Online (3), Wales Online, Scotsman, Herald (Scotland), i News, Times (£), Mirror (4), Mirror (5), Express, Mail Online (4)

• Local strategy needed to suppress Covid-19 The recent spike in Covid-19 cases in Bolton and Blackburn show how quickly local surges can occur, and a new strategy of identifying and focussing on potential hotspots is needed, says Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (18 May 2021) Read: i News, More: i News (2)

• 96% of Britons develop antibodies after one Covid-19 vaccine dose More than 90% of Britons develop antibodies to coronavirus after having one dose of the AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccines, and almost 100% do so after their second jab, finds research from UCL’s Virus Watch study, led by Professor Rob Aldridge (UCL Institute of Health Informatics). (18 May 2021) Read: Guardian, More: Mail Online, Express, Metro, City A.M., Evening Standard, Daily Record (Scotland)

• Vaccination crucial in countries which have controlled Covid-19 Countries which controlled Covid-19 early on, including South Korea and Japan, are now struggling to ease lockdowns without mass vaccine coverage due to a lack of immunity in the population, says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (17 May 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Delay lockdown easing due to new variant The easing of the Covid-19 lockdown should be delayed “if we are following data not dates,” due to the spread of the Indian variant of the disease, say Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) and Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (17 May 2021) Read: Times (£), More: Mail Online, Mail Online (2), Evening Standard, Mail Online (3), Sun, Sun (2), Guardian, New Scientist, CNBC, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Midnight News’ (from 8 mins), More: Bloomberg Westminster 

• Delay in banning travel from India ‘didn’t make sense’ The UK Government’s decision to ban travel from India came too late, and “The general consensus among scientists I know is [that] it didn’t make sense to delay border controls given what was happening in India,” says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (17 May 2021) Read: Times (£)

• Will lockdown have affected our immune systems? A year of avoiding contact with others won’t have had a big impact on the immune systems of adults, which are fairly stable, but may have impacted children whose immunity is still developing, warns Professor Graham Rook (UCL Infection & Immunity). (17 May 2021) Read: Guardian

• Concerning amount of unknowns surround Covid-19 variant The lack of data on the transmissibility of the Indian Covid-19 variant, as well as whether it can evade the immunity offered by vaccines, is concerning and means we should slow the easing of lockdown restrictions, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (17 May 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘The World Tonight’ (from 10 mins 38 secs)

• ‘Surge vaccinations’ could raise uptake The use of surge vaccinations for Covid-19 would signal the importance of getting the vaccine and “People will realise, if the messaging is right, that what this is about is stopping transmission,” says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (14 May 2021) Read: Independent

• How Covid-19 variants evade immunity Viruses work by using a protein spike to interact with receptors on a human cell, and variants can be less recognisable to neutralising antibodies that would normally attach to the spike protein and block its entry, says Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (14 May 2021) Read: Independent

• Studying airborne Covid-19 transmission at the FA Cup Final A study to help get large-scale events back up and running, led by Dr Liora Malki-Epshtein (UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering), will be collecting and analysing data from test events in London, including this weekend’s FA Cup Final and the BRIT Awards. (14 May 2021) Read: Yahoo! News, More: Sky News, Telegraph (£), UCL News

• Vaccines cannot be treated like a commodity Massive public investment has gone into developed Covid-19 vaccines, and patents on vaccines must be waived to ensure they are not treated like a commodity, says Visiting Policy Fellow Els Torreele (UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose). (14 May 2021) Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘Business Daily’ (from 6 mins 20 secs), More: Hindustan Times (India)

• Vaccinating children against Covid-19 has major benefits Covid-19 vaccines which are safe and effective in young people should be used as children will not only gain protection from the disease, but also the more people who are vaccinated, the lower the chances of another wave of the virus, says Dr Joe Grove (UCL Infection & Immunity). (12 May 2021) Read: Mail Online

• Slowing lockdown easing would reduce Covid-19 risk Closing the UK’s borders and slowing lockdown easing until all adults are fully vaccinated would reduce the risk of Covid-19, especially as new variants emerge, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (12 May 2021) Read: BBC News, More: Guardian, Sun, Express, Star, Mail Online, Hindustan Times (India), Star, Mail Online (2), Guardian (2), Star (2), Mirror

• Study investigates immune response to Covid-19 in patients with antibody deficiency How the immune systems of patients with antibody deficiency respond to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination will be investigated as part of a new national study co-led by Professor Siobhan Burns (UCL Infection & Immunity). (11 May 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: UCL News

• Seychelles Covid spike could be due to mixing before vaccines take effect The Covid-19 spike in the Seychelles despite high rates of vaccination could be due to mixing between those yet to be vaccinated and those who have only received their first dose – and are therefore not fully protected, says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (11 May 2021) Read: New Statesman

• Important to be wary of variants as lockdown eases Emerging variants of Covid-19 are still a danger as lockdown eases, and “we still need to be following the plan and taking things step by step,” says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (11 May 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 2 News (from 20 secs)

• Caution still needed during lockdown easing Whatever the changes in restrictions, people still need to take personal responsibility and be cautious to help ensure there isn’t a resurgence in Covid-19, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (11 May 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 2 News (from 1 hour 30 secs)

• Face masks could soon be unnecessary If cases of Covid-19 continue to fall, we could soon be at a point where face masks are no longer necessary in some environments, such as secondary schools, says Professor Irene Petersen (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (11 May 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘World at One’ (from 40 mins 39 secs)

• New mothers twice as likely to have post-natal depression in lockdown Almost half (47.5%) of women with babies aged six months or younger met the threshold for postnatal depression during the first Covid-19 lockdown, more than double average rates for Europe pre-pandemic, finds research by Dr Sarah Myers and Dr Emily Emmott (both UCL Anthropology). (11 May 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: i News, i News (2), Independent, Listen: BBC Radio 4's 'All in the Mind' (from 25 mins 30 secs), UCL News

• Face-to-face medical appointments should return post-Covid While virtual consultations are necessary to protect staff and patients from Covid-19, face-to-face medical appointments are still necessary in the long term due to a lack of technical infrastructure, says Professor Martin Marshall (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (10 May 2021) Read: Express

• Mild Covid-19 infection very unlikely to cause lasting heart damage Mild Covid-19 infection is very unlikely to cause lasting damage to the structure or function of the heart, according to a study led by Dr Thomas Treibel (UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science). (10 May 2021) Read: Herald (Scotland), More: Hindustan Times (India), Gulf News, ANI News (India), UCL News

• No easy return to normality for immunocompromised people Trials are continuing to assess how effective the immune response of immunocompromised people is, but “some profoundly immunosuppressed people are likely to have only weak protection,” from Covid-19, warns Professor Jeremy Brown (UCL Medicine). (10 May 2021) Read: Times (£)

• Controversy over face masks in schools SAGE should have been consulted on The Government’s decision to make face masks compulsory in schools, as it’s not a simple issue due to the “emotional cost” to children, says Honorary Lecturer Gavin Morgan (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (7 May 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Patents not the only barrier to vaccine production Even if patents on Covid-19 vaccines were waived, there is “no evidence” that other companies would have the skills or equipment to begin manufacturing the vaccines, says Sir Robin Jacob (UCL Laws). (7 May 2021) Read: FT (£), More: NBC, FT (2) (£)

• Why waiving Covid-19 patents makes sense To control the pandemic, it is essential to suspend intellectual property rights on medical products related to Covid-19, argue Professor Mariana Mazzucato and Els Torreele (both UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose). (7 May 2021) Read: Economist

• Vaccination alone not guaranteed to stop a Covid-19 surge A surge in Covid-19 cases in the Seychelles, despite the nation fully vaccinating more of its population than any other, shows that “that high vaccination rates alone are not necessarily enough to stop a surge in cases,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (6 May 2021) Read: New Scientist

• National Covid-19 risk continues to drop It is unclear why data suggests that those commuting by public transport are less likely to catch Covid-19 than those walking or cycling, but “What is clear is that the national risk continues to drop,” says Dr Joe Grove (UCL Infection & Immunity). (6 May 2021) Read: Mail Online

• Covid-19 variant gaining foothold in London The ‘Indian’ variant of Covid-19 now makes up 10% of cases in London, and “they absolutely need to be surge testing for it because it does seem to be spreading fast in the community,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (5 May 2021) Read: Guardian, More: Metro, Sun, Mail Online

• Covid-19 bubbles protect children from stress and bullies Research led by Dr Sandra Leaton Gray (UCL Institute of Education) has found that Covid-19 bubbles in schools has caused some children to flourish because they were shielded from older pupils and did not have to move around school for lessons. (4 May 2021) Read: Times (£), More: Telegraph (£), Listen: BBC Radio 5's '5 Live Drive' (from 1 hour 48 mins)

• Single Covid-19 vaccine dose may boost protection against variants in those previously infected A single dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine may boost protection against Covid-19 variants for those who have previously had the virus, according to a new study involving Professor James Moon, Dr Charlotte Manisty (both UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science). (4 May 2021) Read: FT (£), More: Mail Online, Infobae (Argentina), The Hindu (India), O Globo (Brazil), 20 Minutos (Spain), UCL News

• End of Covid-19 restrictions means increase in personal responsibility As restrictions designed to control the spread of Covid-19 are lifted, “we need to put the tools into people’s hands and help them understand what it is that makes the virus pass from one person to another,” says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (4 May 2021) Read: Times (£)

• Covid-19 variant spread ‘concerning’ The spread of the B167 ‘Indian’ variant of Covid-19 in the UK is worrying and “it is rapidly on its way to becoming the most commonly detected variant other than the dominant ‘Kent’ variant,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (30 April 2021) Read: Guardian, More: Yahoo! News

• Dispel myths and build trust to combat vaccine hesitancy among ethnic minority health workers Addressing misinformation, using more inclusive communication, and promoting vaccination through trusted networks, could help reduce the high rates of vaccine hesitancy among ethnic minority healthcare workers, finds a new study led by Dr Katherine Woolf (UCL Medical School). (30 April 2021) Read: Guardian, More: Nursing Times, UCL News

• Date for ending UK Covid restrictions is symbolic Despite claims of following the data to safely ease Covid-19 restrictions in the UK, “to choose June 21, which is Midsummer's Day, as a symbolic releasing of everything is actually choosing dates not data,” says Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (29 April 2021) Read: Express, More: Express (2)

• One in four people in England exercised less during and after lockdown More than one in four people in England did less exercise than they would normally in the first lockdown, and didn’t increase it afterwards, finds research by Dr Feifei Bu, Professor Andrew Steptoe, Dr Karen Mak, and Dr Daisy Fancourt (all UCL Epidemiology & Health). (28 April 2021) Read: New Scientist

• Covid-19 report doesn’t consider some measures A report on preventing a third wave of Covid-19 is welcome, but doesn’t take the importance of border controls and a functioning test and trace system into account, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (28 April 2021) Read: Guardian

• Mental wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic The Covid-19 pandemic has seen increases in symptoms of anxiety, depression and loneliness, but this is not uniform across the population, and some people have even seen increases in their mental health and wellbeing, says Professor Andrew Steptoe (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (28 April 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘All in the Mind’ (from 19 mins)

• Autumn Covid-19 lockdown should have been earlier There was a majority scientific consensus that tougher measures were needed to combat Cobvid-19 in autumn last year, and “Indie Sage recommended a circuit-breaker by mid-October,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (28 April 2021) Read: Guardian

• UCL-Venturas sent to India to help with Covid-19 surge UCL has sent 100 non-invasive breathing aids to India as part of the UK Government’s shipment of emergency medical supplies. (27 April 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Evening Standard, Mail Online (2), Evening Standard (2), City A.M., Herald (Scotland), Wales Online, Mirror, Belfast Telegraph, Watch: BBC London News (from 16 mins 54 secs), UCL News

• Pandemic’s effect on Year 11 students to be tracked in major national study A new study led by Dr Jake Anders (UCL Institute of Education) is being launched today to follow the outcomes – educational, career and wellbeing – for 12,000 Year 11 students across England to find out how the pandemic has affected them. (26 April 2021) Read: Guardian, More: UCL News

• Vaccine passports could become ‘security theatre’ The potential for forged vaccine passports, coupled with the difficulty of training and equipping staff across Europe to verify them, could lead to them becoming “security theatre” which is more intrusive than practically useful, says Professor Michael Veale (UCL Laws). (26 April 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: New York Post, Insider

• Covid-19 in India Honorary Lecturer Dr Shikta Das (UCL Cardiovascular Science) and her father, who lives in India, discuss the current Covid-19 situation in the country and how people are coping amid a huge rise in cases. (26 April 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 2 hours 44 mins 48 secs)

• Mental health care inadequate during Covid-19 pandemic Many mental health patients found their conditions deteriorated during the pandemic because the NHS switched from in-person help to support by telephone, video and text messages, finds research led by Dr Brynmor Lloyd-Evans (UCL Psychiatry). (26 April 2021) Read: Guardian, More: Times of India

• People with disabilities more likely to be depressed, anxious and lonely during pandemic Older people in England with physical disabilities were more likely to have worse mental health and to feel lonelier during the Covid-19 pandemic than able bodied people finds research by Professor Andrew Steptoe and Dr Giorgio Di Gessa (both UCL Epidemiology & Health). (22 April 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Telegraph (£), Evening Standard, Telegraph (£) (2), UCL News

• Regular physical activity cuts Covid-19 risk A study involving Professor Mark Hamer (UCL Surgery & Interventional Science) has found that regular physical activity cuts the risk of dying from infectious diseases such as Covid-19 by 37 per cent, and the risk of catching them by 31 per cent. (22 April 2021) Read: Scotsman

• Green behaviour during the Covid-19 pandemic While many people have reported doing less to help the environment during the Covid-19 pandemic, “Routines are often linked to contexts,” and people are likely to move back towards old habits as life returns to normality, says Dr Jo Hale (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (21 April 2021) Read: Huffington Post

• How Covid-19 variants are imported into the UK Queues in airports are a prime location for the spread of Covid-19, the system for checking if passengers have Covid-19 is “very leaky,” and only a small sample of positive tests are checked for Covid-19 variants, says Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (21 April 2021) Read: Sun, More: Times (£), Telegraph (£), Wales Online

• Unclear how many people suffer from long Covid It is unclear how many people suffer from long-term Covid-19, partly because “no two patients have the same experience and it varies within patients," says Elizabeth Murray (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (20 April 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: US News & World Report, Toronto Star (Canada), New York Post, Mainichi (Japan)

• Under-30s less compliant with Covid-19 rules People under 30, especially those in relatively good physical shape, who rated themselves as not particularly empathetic or conscientious, were less compliant with Covid-19 rules over the past year, finds analysis led by Research Fellow Liam Wright (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (20 April 2021) Read: Guardian

• UCL academic appointed to Government-led partnership to prevent future pandemics Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Institute for Global Health) has been appointed to the Pandemic Preparedness Partnership, aimed at saving lives from future diseases and preventing another global pandemic. (20 April 2021) Read: Mail Online

• Greed is holding back the vaccine drive, not helping it Professor Mariana Mazzucato (UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose) discusses Boris Johnson's suggestion that capitalism and greed drove the UK's quick vaccine roll-out. (19 April 2021) Read: Times Higher Education (£)

• Survey on impact of self-isolation on mental health must be approached with caution A survey which found a third of people say self-isolating due to Covid-19 has had a negative effect on their mental health must be approached with caution as the figures are much higher than those found in other surveys, says Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (16 April 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Mail Online (2), Evening Standard

• How long will economic recovery from Covid-19 last? The economic bounce back from Covid-19 is due to government stimulus and pent-up savings, but the real question should be how we recover to a better economy than the one we had before the pandemic, says Professor Mariana Mazzucato (UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose). (16 April 2021) Watch: Channel 4 News

• Difficult to say which vaccines may have risk of blood clots The claim by the manufacturers of the Sputnik Covid-19 vaccine that it doesn’t have a risk of causing blood clots is difficult to verify as “the bottom line is we do not know the cause of this very rare complication,” says Dr Joe Grove (UCL Infection & Immunity). (15 April 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Sun

• Spread of Covid-19 variant shows importance of border controls The spread of the South African Covid-19 variant has been traced back to one person who arrived in the UK in February, highlighting “the paramount importance of proper border quarantine in a hotel and from all destinations,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (15 April 2021) Read: Guardian

• More research needed into mixing Covid-19 vaccine types A second dose of a different Covid-19 vaccine to the first “will probably give good antibody responses,” but human studies are needed to confirm this before any vaccine mixing, says Professor Jeremy Brown (UCL Medicine). (14 April 2021) Read: i News

• ‘Vitally important’ remaining at-risk population get Covid-19 vaccine Around 5-10% of those in the UK who are ‘most at risk’ from Covid-19 haven’t been vaccinated, and it is “vitally important we get that last few percent,” says Professor Jeremy Brown (UCL Medicine). (14 April 2021) Read: Mail Online, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 2 hours 11 mins)

• Half of children with inflammatory syndrome after Covid-19 `have neurological signs´ Half of all children who develop an inflammatory condition linked to Covid-19 have neurological symptoms or signs, such as headaches or seizures, finds research led by Dr Omar Abdel-Mannan (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (14 April 2021) Read: New York Times, More: Mail Online, Mail Online (2), Evening Standard, Fox News, Yahoo! News, UCL News

• Self-employed need support to self-isolate Self-employed people need financial support to self-isolate when they test positive for Covid-19, as otherwise they lose money not working and are unlikely to isolate, says Senior Research Fellow Oksana Pyzik (UCL School of Pharmacy). (13 April 2021) Read: Express, Listen: BBC Radio 2 News (from 1 hour 30 mins 50 secs)

• Easing Covid-19 restrictions too soon could be dangerous Easing lockdown measures prematurely could be dangerous, especially with a lack of concrete data showing how significantly vaccines stop the spread of infection. Says Professor David Alexander (UCL Institute for Risk & Disaster Reduction). (13 April 2021) Read: Mail Online

• Vaccine passports could give false sense of security The widespread adoption of vaccine certificates for Covid-19 could be discriminatory and give a false sense of security as no vaccine gives 100% protection, warns Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (13 April 2021) Read: Telegraph (£), More: Times (£), Times (£) (2), Mail Online, Listen: BBC Radio 2 News (from 1 hour 30 mins 18 secs)

• Rapid Covid-19 tests could give false reassurance The mass rollout of rapid Covid-19 tests could give false reassurance to people as “negative results… are not an accurate indicator of not having coronavirus,” says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (13 April 2021) Read: Sun, More: Times (£)

• Test and trace vital in suppressing Covid-19 A functional test & trace program is vital in stopping Covid-19 spread, and “There will be a déjà vu this summer,” as experts urge the Government to reform the current program and support those self-isolating, says Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (13 April 2021) Read: i News

• Covid-19 has radically changed the housing market Covid-19 has polarised the market between those with high purchasing power “competing hard for highly desirable homes,” and others who are suffering financially, says Professor Yolande Barnes (UCL Bartlett Real Estate Institute). (13 April 2021) Read: Times (£)

• UK Covid-19 variant does not increase disease severity in hospitalised patients The Kent variant of Covid-19 is not associated with more severe illness and death in hospitalised patients, but appears to lead to higher virus load, suggests a new study led by Dr Eleni Nastouli (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (13 April 2021) Read: Wall Street Journal (£), More: Time, Sky News, Metro, Herald (Scotland), NPR, NBC News, CNN, FT (£), Forbes, Reuters,  UCL News

• Covid-19 herd immunity could be imminent Herd immunity to Covid-19 in the UK could be achieved in the UK, due to the levels of people with protection either through vaccination or previous infection, finds modelling by Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (13 April 2021) Read: Telegraph (£), More: Sun, Mail Online, Mirror, Evening Standard, Times (£), Express, i News, City A.M., Independent, Metro, Evening Standard (2), Evening Standard (3), Metro (2), Telegraph (£) (2), Wales Online, Mail Online (2), Telegraph (£) (3), Mirror (2), Sun (2), Telegraph (£) (4), Wales Online (2), Hindustan Times (India), Independent (2), Mail Online, Telegraph (£) (5), Times (£) (2), Mail Online (3), Guardian, Toronto Star (Canada), Independent (£) (3), Mail Online (4), Mail Online (5), Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 40 mins 6 secs), More: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Broadcasting House’ (from 37 mins 18 secs), Watch: ITV’s ‘Good Morning Britain’ (from 41 mins 8 secs), More: ITV’s ‘This Morning’ (from 25 mins 45 secs), BBC’s ‘Morning Live’ (from 7 mins 25 secs), Bloomberg’s ‘Daybreak: Middle East’ (from 3 mins 37 secs), BBC’s ‘Morning Live’ (2) (from 5 mins)

• More research needed into potential Covid-19 vaccine blood clot link While the absolute risk of blood clots “remains extremely low,” after Covid-19 vaccination, more research is needed to establish whether there is a link between the clots and the vaccine, says Professor David Werring (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (13 April 2021) Read: BBC News, More: Mirror, FT (£), i News, i News (2), Times (£), Sun (Scotland), Evening Standard, Telegraph (£)

• Regular testing crucial to preventing Covid-19 spread Regular testing for Covid-19 is a step to help limit virus spread, as people are infectious before any symptoms develop, but support is needed for those self-isolating, say Professor Henry Potts (UCL Health Informatics) and Professor Irene Petersen (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (13 April 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 2 News (from 57 mins 20 secs), More: BBC Radio 2 News (2) (from 55 mins 52 secs), BBC Radio 4’s ‘News Briefing’ (from 37 secs), BBC Radio 4’s ‘World at One’ (from 14 mins 15 secs), BBC World Service’s ‘World Business Report’ (from 3 mins 30 secs), BBC World Service’s ‘Newshour’ (from 34 mins 19 secs)

• Vaccine passports could give false sense of security The widespread adoption of vaccine certificates for Covid-19 could be discriminatory and give a false sense of security as no vaccine gives 100% protection, warns Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (13 April 2021) Read: Telegraph (£), More: Times (£), Times (£) (2), Mail Online, Listen: BBC Radio 2 News (from 1 hour 30 mins 18 secs)

• Blood clot risk from Covid-19 vaccination very low The risk of a blood clot after taking the Covid-19 vaccination is very low, but must be balanced against the risks different groups have of being seriously affected by Covid-19, says Professor Jeremy Brown (UCL Medicine). (13 April 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘World at One’ (from 33 mins 49 secs)

• Covid-19 vaccines for children Professor Monica Lakhanpaul (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health) discusses Covid vaccines for children, what can be done to help parents overcome hesitancy and a new UCL-India Alliance exhibition focusing on the critical first 1,000 days of a child’s life. (1 April 2021) Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘Health Check’ (from 55 secs)

• Nearly a third of Covid-19 hospital patients readmitted within 140 days People discharged from hospital after Covid-19 appear to have increased risks of diseases across multiple organs and nearly a third are readmitted to hospital in the following months, according to a new study co-led by Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics). (1 April 2021) Read: Guardian, More: Huffington Post, Hindustan Times (India), UCL News

• Low adherence to Test, Trace, and Isolate in UK Adherence to the UK’s test, trace, and isolate system, and people’s understanding of the main symptoms of Covid-19 are low, according to analysis involving Professor Henry Potts (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) and Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (1 April 2021) Read: Independent, More: Reuters, Guardian, FT (£), Express, Express (2), Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 25 mins 40 secs), UCL News

• Teaching and classroom assistants key to keeping schools open in lockdown Just over half of teaching assistants in schools stepped-up to manage classes on their own during the winter lockdown ensuring vulnerable and key worker children could attend lessons, finds a study led by Dr Rob Webster and Professor Gemma Moss (Both UCL Institute of Education). (1 April 2021) Read: Guardian, More: UCL News

• Antibodies in population key to suppressing Covid-19 News that over half of the UK population have Covid-19 antibodies is “amazingly good news,” as this is key to reducing Covid-19 cases, but there are still millions of people without this protection, cautions Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (31 March 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 2 News (from 1 min 7 secs)

• Fewer than 1 in 10 adults sleeping well during lockdown Fewer than 1 in 10 (7.7%) people say they are currently getting ‘very good’ quality sleep during the Covid-19 lockdown, find UCL researchers led by Dr Elise Paul (UCL Epidemiology & Health) as part of the Covid-19 Social Study. (31 March 2021) Watch: BBC’s ‘The One Show’ (from 24 mins 58 secs), Read: UCL News

• Clearer messaging on mitigating Covid-19 risk needed People are currently too fixated on the rules of the Covid-19 lockdown, rather than the actual risks posed by different activities, and messaging around the best ways to mitigate risk needs to be prioritised, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (30 March 2021) Read: i News

• UK Covid-19 death toll ‘failure of public health policy’ The high Covid-19 death toll in the UK wasn’t inevitable, and “you can’t see it as anything other than a failure of public health policy,” when compared to other countries with far lower death rates, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (29 March 2021) Read: Guardian

• Dealing with Covid-19 without religion Dr John Sabapathy (UCL History) discusses the role of community and religion in times of crisis throughout history, saying “When it comes to mortality, we have relatively few social institutions that allow us to talk about it,” in modern secular society. (29 March 2021) Read: Guardian

• Difficult to predict impact of lockdown easing The easing of the Covid-19 lockdown “is likely to lead to a resurgence in cases although the speed and extent of this is difficult to predict,” warns Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (29 March 2021) Read: Mirror, More: Mirror (2)

• Confidence in government handling of Covid-19 higher in Scotland Scots have more confidence in the Scottish Government’s handling of Covid-19 than English people do in the UK Government, finds UCL’s Covid Social Study, partially due to the loss of confidence after the Dominic Cummings scandal, says Dr Elise Paul (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (29 March 2021) Read: Scottish Sun

• Compliance with Covid-19 lockdown rules remains high Adherence to the Covid-19 lockdown rules is high, with 93.9% of people saying they generally comply with the rules, finds the Covid-19 Social Study, led by Dr Elise Paul (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (29 March 2021) Read: Guardian

• Travel restrictions can’t completely stop Covid-19 transmission As some travel is needed for essentials such as freight entering the country, any travel restrictions can at best slow the transmission of Covid-19 from one country to another, but can’t prevent it completely, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (29 March 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘PM’ (from 7 mins 43 secs)

• Staying mentally healthy during Covid-19 Professor Andrew Steptoe (UCL Epidemiology & Health) discusses ways to improve mental health and wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic, saying that gardening and being active outside can both provide a boost to mental wellbeing, while fixating on the news can be harmful. (29 March 2021) Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘The Evidence’ (throughout)

• How to prevent Covid-19 rates increasing Lockdown easing is a cause for celebration, but it is important people don’t mix indoors as this drives infection rates up, and holidays abroad this year could import Covid-19 variants, says Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Institute for Global Health). (29 March 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: i News, Mail Online (2), Wales Online, Express, i News (2), Evening Standard, Express (2), Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 2 hours 13 mins 6 secs), More: BBC Radio 2 News (From 1 hour 30 mins 15 secs)

• Increase in Covid-19 cases not just due to testing An increase in cases of Covid-19 will partially be due to increased testing, but also due to the re-opening of schools and mixing that results, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (26 March 2021) Read: BBC News, More: Sun

• UK entered Covid-19 pandemic in poor shape Professor Sir Michael Marmot (UCL Epidemiology & Health) discusses his report into the health of Britain, saying “we were in terrible shape,” as a nation, even before the Covid-19 pandemic. (26 March 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘World at One’ (from 33 mins 12 secs)

• How long Covid affects children Honorary Associate Professor Amali Lokugamage (UCL Medical School) contributes to an article on how long Covid affects children and what parents and teachers need to know about the condition. (26 March 2021) Read: Conversation

• The complexities of Covid-19 modelling Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) explains the different types of modelling used for Covid-19, with ‘worst-case’ and more realistic models both having an important part to play in coordinating a response to the pandemic. (26 March 2021) Read: Wired

• Learning to live with Covid-19 Covid-19 cannot be eradicated, but it can be eliminated through a combination of public health measures and population immunity worldwide, which will suppress community transmission, says Professor Anthony Costello (UCL Institute for Global Health). (25 March 2021) Read: Wales Online, More: New York Post

• Big cities could become centres of Covid-19 infection As lockdown restrictions ease, there are still a lot of people who could get seriously ill, especially in areas of big cities where vaccine uptake rates have been lower, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (24 March 2021) Read: Times (£)

• Covid-19 vaccines will need updating over time The fight against Covid-19 is a race where “the two sides are constantly trying to gain the advantage,” meaning that vaccines will need updating as the virus continues to mutate, says Professor Greg Towers (UCL Infection & Immunity). (24 March 2021) Read: Metro

• Statement on Covid-19 vaccine ‘highly unusual’ A statement by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is “Highly unusual…'It comes close to accusing Oxford/AZ of having wilfully misrepresented some results from their recent US vaccine trial,” says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (24 March 2021) Read: Mail Online

• Over 4 in 5 people who were hesitant would now take Covid-19 vaccine More than four in five people who were unsure or said no to a Covid-19 vaccine in December 2020 would now take one or have been vaccinated, finds research by UCL’s Virus Watch study, led by Dr Parth Patel and Professor Rob Aldridge (both UCL Institute of Health Informatics). (24 March 2021) Read: Guardian, More: i News, UCL News

• Smarter public spending is key to Covid-19 recovery Rebuilding the economy and reducing inequality post-Covid will require a massive reorganisation of public spending on work, education and skills issues, according to Professor Sir Richard Blundell (UCL Economics). (23 March 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: UCL News

• Europe Covid wave largely due to Kent variant The surge of Covid-19 cases in Europe is primarily due to the Kent variant of the virus which is already commonplace in the UK, meaning any attempts to blame this third wave on a delay to the UK lockdown roadmap is a “scapegoat,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (23 March 2021) Read: Express

• Blaming vaccines for rise in Covid-19 deaths ‘ridiculous’ A paper blaming vaccines for an increase in Covid-19 deaths is “ridiculous…if you’ve been vaccinated you have around an 85 per cent lower chance of ending up in hospital,” says Professor Jeremy Brown (UCL Medicine). (23 March 2021) Read: Times (£)

• Stronger travel restrictions needed to prevent Covid-19 spread Strong border restrictions are needed to prevent the spread of new Covid-19 variants, as at the moment we are relying too much on luck to carry us through the pandemic, warns Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (22 March 2021) Read: Mirror

• Vaccine passports don’t solve problems Vaccine passports wouldn’t solve issues around travel or festivals, as the window where people would be fully vaccinated doesn’t tally with the timings of these events, says Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery (UCL Laws). (22 March 2021) Read: Express

• The psychological and social impact of Covid-19 Dr Daisy Fancourt (UCL Epidemiology & Health) discusses the psychological and social impacts of Covid-19, as well as the Covid-19 Social Study, on actor and journalist Ross Kemp’s podcast. (22 March 2021) Watch: The Kempcast

• Traffic light system for Covid could facilitate travel A system where some countries “are no-go areas…other areas where there will be more severe restrictions…and maybe there will be some low-risk countries that you can go,” could allow travel during the Covid-19 pandemic, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (22 March 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Times (£), Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 51 mins 57 secs)

• Another wave of Covid-19 is possible A surge in Covid-19 infections is possible if mistakes are made when exiting lockdown, but “will cause substantially fewer deaths and hospitalisations because of high levels of vaccination,” says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (22 March 2021) Read: Mirror, More: Evening Standard, Express, Metro, Mirror (2), Express (2), Guardian, Mirror (3), Daily Record (Scotland), Wales Online, Wales Online (2), Metro (2), Evening Standard (2), Express (3), China Daily

• Earlier lockdown would likely have saved lives of London bus drivers, reports independent review An independent review into the deaths of London bus drivers from Covid-19, led Professor Sir Michael Marmot (UCL Institute of Health Equity), finds an earlier national lockdown would likely have saved lives. (22 March 2021) Read: BBC News, More: Mail Online, Evening Standard, UCL News

• How Covid-19 is changing our sex lives People living without a partner during the Covid-19 pandemic “were more likely to report increases in sexual activity that don’t involve a partner,” including masturbation, watching more porn and using sex toys, says Professor Cath Mercer (UCL Institute for Global Health). (22 March 2021) Read: Times (£)

• CPAP breathing aid helping Covid-19 patients in over 15 countries The low-cost breathing aid developed by UCL, UCLH and Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains - the UCL-Ventura - is helping to cut deaths from COVID-19 in hospitals around the world. (19 March 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 5 live’s ‘Naga Munchetty’ (1hr 26 mins 56 secs), Read: Formula 1, More: Globo (Brazil), UCL News

• Wide variety of animal hosts carry Covid-19 virus Commenting on concerns around the number of animal species that might be able to host the virus causing Covid-19, Professor Joanne Santini (UCL Structural & Molecular Biology) says that coronaviruses typically have a “broad host range”. (18 March 2021) Read: Forbes.com

• Too soon to tell if Covid-19 will surge in winter months If the transmission risk of Covid-19 is low during the summer, herd immunity may be achieved, but if viral transmission remains high, a winter resurgence is more likely, says Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (17 March 2021) Read: Huffington Post

• Tackling Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy Hesitancy around the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine may grow, and “the way to get trust from the public is to be open and present the information on both sides,” as this will make it clear that the vaccine risk is very low, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (17 March 2021) Read: Huffington Post

• UK Covid-19 variant spread rapidly in care homes The UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 spread rapidly in care homes in England in November and December last year, broadly reflecting its spread in the general population, according to a study by Dr Maria Krutikov and Dr Laura Shallcross (Both UCL Institute of Health Informatics). (17 March 2021) Read: Mirror, More: Mail Online, Mail Online (2), Independent, Yahoo! News, Wales Online, Hindustan Times, Business Standard (India), UCL News

• ‘Difficult to place value’ on long Covid study A study which suggests children with long Covid suffer symptoms for an average of over eight months is interesting, but it is “very difficult to place value on the findings,” due to the methodology, says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (17 March 2021) Read: Metro

• Covid-19 inquiry should focus on learning for the future Any inquiry into the UK’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic should focus on “learning for the future rather than culpability,” says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (17 March 2021) Read: Guardian, More: Evening Standard

• Halting Covid-19 vaccinations increases risks Suspending use of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine not only increases the Covid risk in the population, but also could actually increase risks of thrombosis as this is one of the known complications of Covid-19, says Professor Lucy Walker (UCL Immunity & Transplantation). (17 March 2021) Read: New Scientist

• The story of Covid-19 Professor Hugh Montgomery (UCL Medicine) shares his experience of working as an ICU consultant during Covid-19, along with some of the patients he cared for including author Michael Rosen. (17 March 2021) Watch: ITV’s ‘2020: The Story of Us’

• Covid-19 death rate among people in prison three times higher than public People in prisons are at an increased risk of Covid-19 - with a death rate over three times higher than that of the general population - and should be made a vaccine priority, finds a study led by Dr Isobel Braithwaite (UCL Institute of Health Informatics). (17 March 2021) Read: Guardian, More: i News, The Independent, BBC News, Daily Mail, The Sun, Scottish Sun, UCL News

• South African Covid-19 variant likely widespread As the South African variant of Covid-19 is identified through gene sequencing, and around 5-10% of cases are sequenced, “you can immediately tell from that that we have a big under-estimation of the number of cases,” says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (16 March 2021) Read: Sun
• How to ease lockdown without deepening social divisions We must boost resources for disadvantaged areas to ensure that they can benefit from testing and vaccination and not be disadvantaged by the need to self-isolate during the Covid-19 pandemic, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (15 March 2021) Read: Guardian
• Vigilance needed on Covid-19 With children going back to schools, the level of mixing in society could lead to an increase in Covid-19 rates, meaning caution must be taken, says Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Institute for Global Health). (15 March 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 2 News (from 1 hour 1 min 30 secs)

• Covid-19 is an opportunity to change capitalism Recovery funds for Covid-19 need to be used to create stronger structures in the real economy, especially global health systems, rather than being pumped back into the financial sector, says Professor Mariana Mazzucato (UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose). (12 March 2021) Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘World Business Report’ (from 4 mins 46 secs)

• High rates of mental health disorder among all health and social care groups Almost 60% of frontline health and social care workers (HSCWs) experienced a mental health disorder during the first Covid-19 lockdown, suggests a study led by Dr Talya Greene, Dr Michael Bloomfield, and Dr Jo Billing (all UCL Psychiatry). (11 March 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Telegraph (£), UCL News

• Covid-19 has exacerbated gender inequities Women have spent longer on housework and childcare than men during the Covid-19 pandemic, and mothers were more likely than fathers to change employment schedules to care for children, finds research led by Dr Baowen Xue and Professor Anne McMunn (both UCL Epidemiology & Health). (11 March 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Sun

• Covid, ICU burnout and the NHS pay rise row Professor Hugh Montgomery (UCL Medicine) speaks about Covid-19’s toll on the NHS frontline, and why more support is desperately needed. (11 March 2021) Read: Times (£)

• NHS Covid-19 vaccine algorithm may be flawed The algorithm used to decide vaccine priority may be flawed as it will assign somebody the highest BMI possible if no weight is recorded, and younger, healthier people are less likely to have these measurements recorded, says Professor Irene Petersen (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (10 March 2021) Read: Guardian

• BAME groups don’t all face same Covid-19 risk BAME communities are often grouped together when it comes to Covid-19, but the risks are radically different within the individual communities that fall under this grouping, says Professor Monica Lakhanpaul (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (10 March 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Inside Health’ (from 15 mins 13 secs)

• Will people break lockdown rules as vaccine rollout continues? It makes sense for the UK to exit lockdown “together,” rather than bringing in different rules for the vaccinated and unvaccinated, and polls show that most people think the relaxing of restrictions is proceeding at a good pace, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (10 March 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘The World Tonight’ (from 10 mins)

• Do vaccinated people relax on other Covid-19 prevention measures? Professor Andrew Steptoe (UCL Epidemiology & Health) discusses the prospect of relaxing Covid-19 restrictions for those who have been vaccinated, saying that so far there hasn’t been any evidence of vaccinated people flouting the current lockdown measures. (10 March 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘PM’ (from 24 mins 35 secs), More: BBC Radio 2 News (from 1 hour 1 min 20 secs)

• How Covid-19 jumped from animals to humans Professor Kate Jones (UCL Biosciences) speaks to Dr Chris Van Tulleken (UCL Infection & Immunity) about Covid-19’s origins, saying many viruses jump from animals to humans, often driven by human behaviours such as habitat destruction. (10 March 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Jump’

• We must remain cautious on Covid-19 Covid-19 vaccines will help to reduce deaths from the virus but will not eliminate it completely, and we it isn’t “time to return to a more risky approach,” warns Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). Read: Sun, More: Mail Online, Times (£), Mirror, Sun (2), Sun (3), Mail Online (2), Mail Online (3), Sun (4), Sun (5), Listen: Times Radio’s ‘Matt Chorley Show’ (from 12 mins 45 secs) (10 March 2021)

• School openings won’t increase Covid spread The re-opening of schools won’t have an impact on Covid-19 rates, writes Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute), saying “I’m personally not convinced any school would have been closed if we had been ‘following the science.” (9 March 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Schools are vital for child development Reopening schools is important both for teaching and “incidental aspects of education [which are] so important for children’s development, such as play and developing social skills,” says Honorary Lecturer Gavin Morgan (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (8 March 2021) Read: Mail Online

• Discharged Covid-19 patients to be treated via digital technology Project lead Professor Elizabeth Murray (UCL Epidemiology & Health) explains the value of an innovative digital app which was developed by UCL researchers with Barts Health NHS Trust and UCL Partners, to treat the lasting effects of Covid-19 infection. (8 March 2021) Read: i News

• More cautious approach to school returns needed With concern around new Covid-19 variants and the possibility of localised outbreaks, a more cautious approach to school returns “starting off with the primary schoolchildren,” should have been taken, says Professor Irene Petersen (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (8 March 2021) Read: Guardian

• Overcrowded households have much higher Covid-19 risk The UCL Virus Watch study has found that overcrowded households have twice the risk of coronavirus infection compared to people living in undercrowded households, says Dr Rob Aldridge (UCL Institute of Health Informatics). (8 March 2021) Watch: BBC’s ‘Newsnight’ (from 16 mins 30 secs)

• The women leading the way on Covid-19 research Professor Judith Breuer (UCL Infection & Immunity) is included in a list of women conducting ground-breaking research for her work looking at the spread of Covid in hospitals to understand how NHS staff and patients get infected. (5 March 2021) Read: Times (£)

• Key driver of Covid-19 risk for minority ethnic groups unclear “A high proportion of ethnic minority people live in deprived areas. But you can’t tease out…the key driver of not only getting the coronavirus but also feeling the worst effects of it,” says Professor Nishi Chaturvedi (UCL MRC Unit for Lifelong Health & Ageing). (5 March 2021) Read: FT

• Society must learn to live with Covid-19 The worst levels of Covid-19 mortality are probably over, but we must learnt to live with the virus in much the same way as we do the winter flu, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (5 March 2021) Read: Independent, More: Mirror, Mail Online, Telegraph (£), BBC News, Times (£), Evening Standard, MSN News, Sky News, Guardian, Wales Online, Mail Online (2), Mail Online (3), Listen: Times Radio Breakfast (from 1 hour 9 mins 57 secs)

• Why do people break Covid-19 lockdown rules? While it is easy to condemn those who break Covid-19 lockdown rules as selfish and dangerous, the sheer number of people flouting restrictions implies there may be deeper issues behind the breach, says Professor Sophie Scott (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (5 March 2021) Read: Huffington Post

• FDA issues emergency authorisation for Covid-19 vaccine Senior Research Fellow Oksana Pyzik (UCL School of Pharmacy) is interviewed about the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the US. (3 March 2021) Watch: CNN

• Reduction in Covid-19 deaths is good news The downward trend in Covid-19 cases and deaths is good news, but it is essential to remain cautious when easing lockdown restrictions and ensure that the numbers don’t rise, says Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Institute for Global Health). (3 March 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘PM’ (from 8 mins 25 secs), More: BBC Radio 2 News (from 1 hour 24 secs)

• Long Covid must be taken into account when easing lockdown Despite a lack of hard evidence, children do suffer from long Covid, and this must be taken into account when discussing reopening schools and easing lockdown, say Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) and Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (2 March 2021) Read: Telegraph (£), More: Guardian, Scotsman, Independent, Irish Times

• Single dose of vaccine acts as ‘booster’ in those with prior Covid-19 infection Those who have had Covid-19 have an enhanced response with a single dose of RNA vaccine, finds research led by Professor James Moon, Professor Charlotte Manisty (both UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science) and Professor Mahdad Noursadeghi (UCL Division of Infection & Immunity). (1 March 2021) Read: Mirror, More: Telegraph (£), Sun, CNN, New York Times, Mirror (2), US News & World Report, Deccan Herald (India), UCL News

• Lockdown easing could lead to rule-bending The easing of lockdown measures could lead to people not fully understanding what they’re allowed to do, or bending rules in advance of dates when easing takes place, warn Dr Daisy Fancourt and Professor Robert West (both UCL Epidemiology & Health). (1 March 2021) Read: Guardian

• School closures risk 'permanent scarring' to children Keeping children away from the classroom does "serious harm" not only to their education but also to their mental and physical health, finds research led by Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (1 March 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• New vaccine approval ‘exciting’ The approval of a single-dose Covid-19 vaccine which can be stored easily is “exciting” and should help with vaccine rollout worldwide, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (1 March 2021) Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘Weekend’ (from 8 mins 45 secs)

• Covid-19 infection levels still too high to ignore guidelines People need to obey stay-at-home orders despite the warm weather and vaccination rollout, as Covid-19 infection rates are still far too high to relax, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (1 March 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Midnight News’ (from 7 mins 13 secs), More: BBC Radio 4 News (from 8 mins), BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 11 mins 12 secs), BBC Radio 2 News (from 1 min 18 secs)

• Herd immunity threshold could be reached by mid-May Modelling by Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) suggests herd immunity to Covid-19 could be reached by mid-May, although Friston stresses that all forecasts must be taken “with a pinch of salt”. (26 February 2021) Read: i News

• Covid could become ‘disease of poverty’ if government does not raise sick pay A refusal by the Government to address issues associated with deprivation could lead to Covid-19 becoming a “disease of poverty”, as diseases such as TB have been in the past, says Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (26 February 2021) Read: Independent

• Most Covid-19 mutations ‘not of particular concern’ Viruses are constantly mutating, and the majority of Covid-19 mutations aren’t concerning, but "Noticing them early, flagging them, raising concern is useful," says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (26 February 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: US News & World Report, Independent

• How can you tell when a patient has long Covid? It can be hard to diagnose long Covid, and sufferers seem to experience a cluster of different symptoms rather than a single issue, explains Professor Nishi Chaturvedi (UCL MRC Unit for Lifelong Health & Ageing). (25 February 2021) Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘Health Check’ (from 9 mins 8 secs)

• Schools awarding GCSEs and A-levels puts teachers in ‘ridiculous’ position The announcement that schools will be awarding GCSEs and A-levels directly puts teachers under pressure as any student who feels they’ve been under-predicted is likely to appeal, which could lead to major grade inflation, says Dr Jake Anders (UCL Institute of Education). (25 February 2021) Read: Times (£)

• 'People's Covid Inquiry' to include UCL academic A group of experts including Professor Sir Michael Marmot (UCL Epidemiology & Health) have formed a ‘People’s Covid Inquiry’ to examine the UK response to the Covid-19 pandemic. (25 February 2021) Read: Huffington Post

• Should the UK roll out vaccine passports? Professor Jonathan Montgomery (UCL Laws) comments on concerns about 'vaccine passports', such as a lack of strong evidence that vaccinated people will not transmit Covid-19, and possible civil liberties issues. (24 February 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 5 live 'Your Call' (from 53 mins 19 secs), Read: Times (£)

• Lockdown shows that flu season may be avoidable Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) says that, while no one would advocate a return to lockdowns, the reduction of flu deaths this season shows there may be measures, such as hand sanitiser in shops, that could continue to protect the NHS. (24 February 2021) Read: Independent

• Schools can safely reopen if lockdown is maintained elsewhere School reopening needs to be our highest priority and can be done safely as long as wider restrictions remain in place in march to keep the Covid-19 spread to a minimum, says Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (23 February 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Wales Online, Express

• Studies on vaccine effectiveness are ‘promising’ While new studies on Covid-19 vaccine effectiveness weren’t large enough to be completely conclusive, they are “very promising and in line with what we hoped for from the trials,” says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (23 February 2021) Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘Newshour’ (from 3 mins 13 secs), More: BBC Radio 4’s ‘World at One’ (from 16 mins 59 secs)

• Lockdown easing must be cautious The roadmap out of the Covid-19 lockdown is welcome, but any unlocking must be cautious and entirely dependent on the progressing situation, says Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Institute for Global Health). (23 February 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘PM’ (from 39 mins 56 secs)

• Lockdown roadmap raises expectations A gradual return to normality has been announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, but the inclusion of specific dates will raise people’s expectations and make it more difficult to shift the timeframe if needed, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (23 February 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘The World Tonight’ (from 17 mins 37 secs)

• Can ‘Covid status certificates’ help the UK return to normal life? Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery (UCL Laws) discusses the proposed “Covid status certificates”, a type of vaccine passport, saying they raise problems ranging from privacy to inequalities created by exclusions. (23 February 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 52 mins 59 secs), Read: Mail Online

• Prematurely ending lockdown could increase rates of long Covid If people are not adequately protected as the Covid-19 lockdown eases, “we would expect to see higher rates of long Covid,” says Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics). (23 February 2021) Read: Sun

• New Covid-19 strains possible in US if lockdown not put in place While cases of an older variant could fall rapidly enough that it looks like Covid-19 is fading, a new variant could be growing at the same time if the US doesn’t enact cautionary measures, warns Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (22 February 2021) Read: USA Today

• How and when to safely lift Covid-19 lockdown Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) and Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) give their views on when the Covid-19 lockdown can be lifted, both stressing the importance of not picking an arbitrary date to lift measures. (19 February 2021) Read: Guardian

• UCL researchers lead £11m projects to investigate Long Covid Professor Nishi Chaturvedi (MRC Unit for Lifelong Health & Ageing at UCL) and Professor Sir Terence Stephenson (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health) are leading two new studies on Long Covid announced by the UK Government today. (18 February 2021) Read: Metro, More: Guardian, UCL News

• Two possible reasons why a Covid-19 variant is more transmissible Research suggests that Covid-19 variants are more transmissible either due to a higher viral load or due to the virus being transmissible for a longer period of time, explains Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (18 February 2021) Read: Independent

• Heart damage in half of Covid-19 patients with raised protein levels More than 50% of patients hospitalised with Covid-19, who had raised levels of a protein called troponin, have some heart damage, finds a new magnetic resonance imaging study led by Professor Marianna Fontana (UCL Medicine). (18 February 2021) Read: Irish Times, More: Mirror, Wales Online, Herald (Scotland), Wales Online (2), US News & World Report, UCL News

• Could people be infected with two strains of Covid-19? While there doesn’t seem to have been a significant number of Covid-19 cases which have resulted from multiple strains of the virus, it would not be surprising if they started to occur, say Dr Lucy Van Dorp and Professor Francois Balloux (Both UCL Genetics Institute). (17 February 2021) Read: Sun, More: New Scientist

• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports are ‘excellent’ A report on mask wearing during Covid-19 by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is another example of their “evidence-based, cautious, balanced…technical and yet approachable [reports],” says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (17 February 2021) Read: Mail Online

• Covid-19 shielding update is based on more sophisticated system The new Covid-19 shielding list takes national data and calculates risk in a more sophisticated way, incorporating age, illness, and ethnicity, among other factors, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (17 February 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 17 mins 50 secs), Watch: BBC's 'Newsnight' (from 6 mins 39 secs)

• Covid-19 illustrates why Canada needs more - and better - public banks The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that Canada’s public banks need to be strong, democratic and accountable to tackle issues in the future, argues an article co-written by Dr Thomas Marois (UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose). (17 February 2021) Read: Conversation

• Covid cases must be lower before easing lockdown rules Cases of Covid-19 cannot be allowed to rise again, not just due to the danger from the virus itself, but also due to the impact cases have on hospital capacity and delaying other operations, warns Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics). (17 February 2021) Read: i News

• UK hits target for vaccinating most vulnerable – but who should be prioritised next? After those most at risk of dying or becoming seriously ill from Covid-19 have been vaccinated, there are differing views on which groups should be prioritised next, say Dr Vageesh Jain (UCL Institute for Global Health) and Professor Paula Lorgelly (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (16 February 2021) Read: Conversation, More: Wales Online, UCL News

• School closures harm children’s health and well-being School closures during Covid-19 lockdowns have led to a marked decrease in children’s health and well-being, finds a review authored by Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (16 February 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• How to avoid lockdown eye strain Taking regular breaks from looking at a screen is essential for preventing eye strain during lockdown, as “it gives your eyes a chance to look into the distance and blink," says Mariya Moosajee (UCL Ophthalmology). (16 February 2021) Read: BBC News

• Rapid detection of new Covid-19 variants is vital Detecting Covid-19 variants of potential concern while they are at a low frequency is vital in reducing their impact and prevalence, says Dr Lucy Van Dorp (UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment). (16 February 2021) Read: Guardian, More: Irish Times

• The problem with a ‘Zero Covid’ approach Eliminating Covid-19 completely would require a huge economic and social cost, and would not be “compatible with the individual rights and freedoms that characterise post-war democracies," says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (16 February 2021) Read: BBC News

• No guarantee UK Covid-19 variant will outcompete variants from abroad Claims that new Covid-19 variants will not spread in the UK due to the existing Kent variant ignore the fact that “there are actually more unknowns than some may think, or the government communication could suggest,” says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (15 February 2021) Read: Times (£)

• Reusable masks needed to reduce plastic waste ​​Mass adoption of reusable face masks is needed to reduce the environmental impact of disposable masks, which have a higher carbon footprint and are very difficult to recycle, says Professor Mark Miodownik (UCL Mechanical Engineering). (15 February 2021) Read Times (£)

• Covid-19 shows we should put policy ahead of cost Our Covid-19 strategy should be based on the principle of determining policy goals first, then doing what is necessary to achieve them, rather than beginning with the idea of potential costs, says Professor James Wilson (UCL Philosophy). (15 February 2021) Read: Guardian

• Worldwide immunity and more time needed to halt Covid-19 Without worldwide immunity to Covid-19, new strains will be a danger, says Professor Anthony Costello (UCL Institute for Global Health), while Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) warns that “there are still more people in hospital than during the first peak.” (15 February 2021) Read: Mirror, More: Mirror (2), Express, Watch: BBC's 'Newsnight' (from 9 mins)

• UK vaccine rollout aimed at equal access The UK’s vaccine rollout programme has worked on the principle of equal access, which contrasts with countries such as Germany, where individuals need to book an appointment, favouring more “tech-savvy” citizens, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (15 February 2021) Read: FT (£)

• Covid-19 vaccination programme must reach marginalised people The UK’s Covid-19 vaccination rollout needs to reach excluded and marginalised people such as refugees, asylum seekers and the homeless, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (15 February 2021) Read: Huffington Post

• The parallels between AIDS and Covid-19 AIDS and Covid-19, while very different diseases, both expose the groups in society which are deemed to deserve rapid protection, and "Covid is a genocide of the clinically vulnerable and disabled by neglect," says PhD Student Ben Weil (UCL Science & Technology Studies). (12 February 2021) Read: CNN

• Why we need a People’s Vaccine for Covid-19 The world will not emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic without a People's Vaccine that can be produced rapidly and made available for all people free of charge, argues an article co-authored by Professor Mariana Mazzucato (UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose). (12 February 2021) Read: Newsweek

• UCL medical volunteers at a Covid ICU – photo essay A photo essay documenting the lives of medical volunteers working shifts on ICU during Covid-19 features UCL students Seyi Adeleye and Theo Reback (Both UCL Medical School). (12 February 2021) Read: Guardian

• Kent Covid-19 variant could 'sweep the world' Professor Greg Towers (UCL Infection & Immunity) warns that the more transmissible variant of Covid-19 first identified in Kent could become the dominant strain worldwide. (12 February 2021) Read: LBC, More: Express

• Hotel quarantine scheme is too little, too late Introducing a quarantine for arrivals into the UK to prevent new variants entering the country is unlikely to be effective, as the variants in question have already been imported into the UK, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (10 February 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 2 News (from 1 hour 27 secs)

• Wider lockdown key to preventing Covid-19 surge if schools reopen Wider restrictions must remain in place if schools reopen in March to keep the epidemic’s R number below 1 in the UK, finds a study led by Dr Jasmina Panovska-Griffiths (UCL Epidemiology & Health) and Professor Russell Viner (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health). (10 February 2021) Read: BBC News, More: Evening Standard, UCL News

• Wearing two facemasks is 'common sense' but not backed by strong evidence Two face masks are likely to reduce Covid-19 spread, but there is a lack of research into the topic and the increased discomfort may mean people are put off, “fiddle with the mask more, or they don’t wear it properly,” says Dr Ben Killingley (UCL Institute for Global Health). (9 February 2021) Read: Telegraph (£), More: Mail Online, MSN News

• How has lockdown affected light pollution? Professor Lucie Green (UCL Mullard Space Science Laboratory) explains how to spot the constellation Orion, as people are being asked to count the stars they can see from their home to measure how levels of light pollution have been affected by lockdown. (8 February 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 9 mins 35 secs)

• Hotel quarantine scheme ‘misguided’ A scheme to prevent the spread of Covid-19 variants by requiring arrivals into the UK to quarantine in hotels is “misguided”, as we should instead be focussing on controlling the spread of the virus more generally, says Professor David Alexander (UCL Risk & Disaster Reduction). (8 February 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 2 News (from 1 min 20 secs)

• Are Covid-19 vaccine passports a good idea? Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery (UCL Laws) discusses the idea of Covid-19 vaccine passports, as well as their possible downsides and impact on peoples’ behaviour, a topic which he is currently chairing an expert deliberation on. (8 February 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘World at One’ (from 16 mins), More: BBC Radio 2's 'Stephen Nolan Show' (from 8 mins 15 secs)

• Covid-19 vaccination is cutting cases and death rates The Covid-19 R rate is below 1 and by July, vaccination, natural immunity and social distancing could have produced some form of “herd immunity”, finds modelling led by Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (5 February 2021) Read: Sun, More: i News, Telegraph (£), Mirror, Star, Mail Online, Telegraph (£) (2), Mail Online (2), Sun (2), Telegraph (£) (3), i News (2), i News (3), i News (4), Telegraph (£) (4), Sun (3), Express, Telegraph (£) (5), Express (2), Metro

• Covid-19 pandemic the result of multiple factors Research which claims climate change played a key role in the Covid-19 pandemic is interesting, but viral transmission from animals to humans “is a complex interplay of not only ecological hazard but human exposure and vulnerability," says Professor Kate Jones (UCL Biosciences). (5 February 2021) Read: Independent, More: France24, Bangkok Post, Telegraph (£), RTÉ (Ireland), Hindustan Times (India)

• How worrying are Covid-19 mutations? Covid-19 variants must be controlled and prevented from spreading where possible, as although none of the current mutations are vaccine-resistant, further mutations could have an impact on vaccine efficacy, warns Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (5 February 2021) Read: Guardian

• The impact of reduced social interaction on health Due to Covid-19, many of the daily social interactions people took for granted are no longer possible, and the lack of spontaneity and minor gestures are an issue as they can have a major impact on our wellbeing, says Professor Sophie Scott (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (5 February 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 2 hours 56 mins 31 secs)

• Covid-19 restrictions could be loosened significantly by summer The seasonality of Covid-19, coupled with the vaccine rollout, mean that a “significant return to normality,” should be possible by the summer, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (4 February 2021) Read: Independent, More: Times (£), Times (£) (2), Mirror, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 33 mins)

• Chinese Covid-19 vaccines could be ‘a very useful tool’ A Chinese-developed Covid-19 vaccine which has low rates of preventing the disease, but can prevent serious illness, could still be ‘a very useful tool’ as preventing serious illness is the top priority, says Senior Research Fellow Oksana Pyzik (UCL School of Pharmacy). (3 February 2021) Watch: BBC News, Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘Newsday’ (from 33 mins 36 secs)

• Strengthen UK border controls to help contain Covid-19 A co-ordinated approach by the UK to control borders and prevent transmission of Covid-19 variants is necessary to control the spread of the virus, says Senior Research Fellow Oksana Pyzik (UCL School of Pharmacy). (3 February 2021) Read: Express, Watch: LBC News

• Can schools reopen safely in March? Amid concern around the government’s plans to reopen schools in March, Professor Anthony Costello (UCL Institute for Global Health) comments on the possible effects for children’s health, education and coronavirus transmission in the community. (3 February 2021) Read: BBC News, More: Mail Online, Mail Online (2)

• Reducing infection rate vital to minimising Covid-19 variants As scientists come to grips with how the coronavirus continues to mutate, Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity) says current efforts to contain an outbreak of the South African variant in the UK will likely contain rather than eliminate it. (3 February 2021) Read: Guardian

• AstraZeneca publishes EU contract amid vaccine row Professor Ronan McCrea (UCL Laws) discusses what the publication of the EU contract means for the vaccine row with AstraZeneca. (3 February 2021) Listen: RTE’s Radio 1 ‘Drivetime' (Ireland)

• Indonesia’s prioritisation of Covid-19 vaccine to those aged 18-59 years old ‘questionable’ The Indonesian government policy to exclude the elderly in the first phase of the free Covid-19 vaccination program could hinder the vaccine’s impact in lowering mortality rates, argues an article co-authored by PhD Student Fiona Verisqa (UCL Eastman Dental Institute). (2 February 2021) Read: Conversation

• Socialising in childhood provides foundation for good mental health Lockdown loneliness for children could leave a long legacy, as “keeping relationships with others during this period provides the foundation for good mental health in adulthood,” says Professor Eamon McCrory (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (2 February 2021) Read: Mail Online

• ‘Sustainable strategy’ needed to tackle Covid-19 mutations New variants of Covid-19 will continue to pose a risk, and the UK cannot keep borders shut forever, meaning a “sustainable strategy” is needed to deal with future mutations, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (2 February 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Metro, Wales Online, Mail Online (2), Times (£), Evening Standard, Mail Online (3), Mail Online (4), Mail Online (5), US News & World Report, Mainichi (Japan), Mirror, Evening Standard (2)

• The importance of public health Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Institute for Global Health) talks about her work on HIV and AIDS, her involvement in Flu Watch, a community survey which ran during the swine flu pandemic, and why it’s important to focus on prevention as well as cure. (2 February 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Life Scientific’

• Covid deaths likely to exceed those in first wave Deaths from Covid-19 in the current wave of the pandemic are "likely to far exceed the number seen during the first wave," as it will be more protracted than the first, warns Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (1 February 2021) Read: Guardian, More: Metro, Express

• Covid-19 pandemic not an unexpected threat The Covid-19 pandemic was predictable, and pandemics are “thousands of times more likely than a volcanic super-eruption or asteroid impact,” says Professor Bill McGuire (UCL Earth Sciences). (1 February 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• China's plan for anal swabs to test for COVID-19 is 'obvious thing to do' Professor Joanne Santini (UCL Structural & Molecular Biology) comments that the use of anal swabs to test for COVID-19 is not nice, but makes sense based on the evidence available. (1 February 2021) Read: Business Insider

• Giving forests back to communities could halt the next pandemic Reducing deforestation is key to breaking the chain of disease emergence, and “When humans change the landscape, there are definite changes that could influence a spillover,” says PhD Student Rory Gibb (UCL Biosciences). (1 February 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• How to ensure rapid Covid-19 vaccine rollout Supply of vaccines is only one facet of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, with attitudes towards vaccines and logistical issues in administering vaccines also incredibly important, says Senior Research Fellow Oksana Pyzik (UCL School of Pharmacy). (1 February 2021) Watch: France24

• Failure to act behind high UK death toll Adding to criticism over the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) says that the UK’s high death toll could have been reduced with tighter lockdowns and border controls early on. (29 January 2021) Read: i News

• EU lab inspection part of ongoing dispute over vaccine supply Amid a contractual dispute over Covid-19 vaccine supply to the EU, Professor David Taylor (UCL School of Pharmacy) says an EU lab inspection is a tactic used to make a political problem publicly visible and AstraZeneca has done well to supply the world with a vaccine. (29 January 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘World at One’ (from 11 mins 25 secs) More: BBC Radio 2’s ‘Steve Wright in the Afternoon’ (from 1 hour 58 mins)

• Lack of support to prevent addictions during pandemic Professor Val Curran (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) and Dr Adam Winstock (UCL Epidemiology & Health) comment on the declining use of party drugs such as ecstasy in favour of depressants such as cannabis and ketamine during lockdowns. (29 January 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• People exercising less and watching more TV than in first lockdown Two fifths (40%) of people report exercising less in the current Covid-19 lockdown than in the first, with just 13% saying they exercise more, finds the Covid-19 Social Study, led by Dr Daisy Fancourt (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (29 January 2021) Read: BBC News, More: Sky News, Mail Online, Telegraph (£), Wales Online, Herald (Scotland), Evening Standard, Listen: BBC Radio 2 News (from 59 mins 43 secs), UCL News

• UK entered Covid-19 pandemic ‘in a bad state’ The UK’s rising health inequality, slowdown in life expectancy improvements and lack of investment in the public sector before the Covid-19 pandemic meant we entered the crisis “in a bad state,” says Professor Sir Michael Marmot (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (28 January 2021) Read: BBC News, More: Washington Post, Evening Standard, MSN News, Listen: BBC Radio 4's 'Today Programme' (from 1 hour 36 mins)

• UK travel policy not strict enough UK border restrictions meant to control Covid-19 will be “enough to damage the economy but not nearly enough to be effective against Covid,” warns Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (28 January 2021) Read: Guardian

• The risks of international travel during a pandemic The main risk with international travel during the Covid-19 pandemic is that arrivals may bring different strains of the virus into the country, which could be more infectious or deadly than the dominant variants, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (28 January 2021) Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘World Business Report’ (from 8 mins 45 secs), Read: Telegraph (£), Yahoo! News

• Viruses, vaccines, and Covid-19 Senior Research Fellow Oksana Pyzik (UCL School of Pharmacy) discusses Covid-19, including how the virus works, why mutations matter, and methods of controlling its spread, on actor and journalist Ross Kemp’s podcast. (28 January 2021) Watch: The Kempcast

• Government should have done more to halt Covid-19 The Covid-19 pandemic has been mishandled by the UK Government, and “at every stage there were things we could have done and could still be doing, and we haven’t,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (27 January 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 2 News (from 19 secs)

• Novel antiviral drug significantly more potent against SARS-CoV-2 The antiviral drug plitidepsin could be between 10 and 100 times more effective against SARS-CoV-2, including the new UK variant, than remdesivir, finds new preclinical research involving Professor Greg Towers and Dr Clare Jolly (both UCL Infection & Immunity). (27 January 2021) Read: i News, More: UCL News

• People better than expected at complying with Covid-19 lockdown rules The high rates of adherence to Covid-19 lockdown rules this far into the pandemic are surprising, and “Humans have actually been much better at responding as a collective,” than expected, says Dr Daisy Fancourt (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (27 January 2021) Read: Mail Online

• UK must cooperate on global vaccine supply The UK must not hoard large amounts of Covid-19 vaccines, and should instead fund vaccine distribution in lower-income countries to ensure a global Covid-19 vaccine programme, argues an open letter signed by Professor Michael Walls (UCL Bartlett Development Planning Unit). (26 January 2021) Read: Guardian

• Covid-19 risk to children underestimated Because of the low Covid-19 mortality rate in children, it has been assumed that the disease is not harmful to children, which is “not necessarily the case,” says Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics). (26 January 2021) Read: Metro

• UCL Professor receives vaccine he helped make possible Almost 50 years ago Emeritus Professor Gregory Gregoriadis (UCL School of Pharmacy) discovered that encasing vaccines in fat droplets could help their efficacy, a technique used by the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine which he received this month. (25 January 2021) Read: Independent, More: Times (£), Mail Online

• Tighten lockdown rules instead of blaming public Government Covid-19 messaging assumes people aren’t following the existing rules, but data shows this isn’t the case, and the real issue is that the lockdown is not nearly strict enough, argues Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (25 January 2021) Read: Mirror, More: Metro, Mail Online, Mail Online (2), New Scientist, New Scientist (2)

• Reasons why Covid-19 variant could kill more people are uncertain It’s not yet clear why new Covid-19 variants may have a higher lethality, but “there is no new way to deal with it,” and we need to adhere to existing measures in order to control its spread, says Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (25 January 2021) Read: Guardian

• We must learn to live with the coronavirus We are unlikely to ever completely eradicate Covid-19, and will have to ease lockdown restrictions before we push deaths from the virus to zero, argues Visiting Professor Paul Ormerod (UCL Centre for Decision Making Uncertainty). (25 January 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• No definite dates for end of Covid-19 restrictions We need to stop thinking of a definite date for the ‘end’ of Covid-19 and instead be patient, continue to observe distancing measures and anticipate a slow easing of lockdown measures when it is safe to do so, says Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Institute for Global Health). (25 January 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Broadcasting House’ (from 11 mins 38 secs)

• World Health Organization must help poorer countries deploy vaccines The WHO needs to do more to prepare poorer countries for the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, “with tangible support for local structures, mechanisms and systems to be able to deliver vaccines,” says Dr Julius Mugwagwa (UCL STEaPP). (22 January 2021) Read: Newsweek

• Important to maintain trust in Covid-19 vaccinations Reports of Covid-19 infections after receiving the vaccine need cautious interpretation, especially with “extraordinarily high” levels of infection in the country, and trust must be maintained in the vaccination programme, says Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (22 January 2021) Watch: Channel 4 News

• Test & trace is a "key part of the jigsaw" in fighting Covid-19 Making it financially possible for people with Covid-19 to self-isolate is key to boosting quarantine rates and increasing the effectiveness of test & trace, say Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) and Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (22 January 2021) Read: BBC News, More: Times (£), Guardian, Times (£) (2), Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 13 mins)

• More children admitted to hospital for mental health reasons than physical ailments Social distancing has led to a reduction in the virus transmissions which usually lead to children requiring hospital treatment, with a shift towards more mental health problems among hospitalised children, says Professor Russell Viner (UCL GOS Institute of Child Health). (20 January 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Covid-19 vaccine must not lead to complacency The optimism and confidence around Covid-19 vaccines may lead to people “becoming more lax in their behaviours, in a way that entirely undermines the benefits of the programme,” warns Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (20 January 2021) Read: Telegraph (£), Listen: BBC Radio 2’s ‘Jeremy Vine Show’ (from 15 mins)

• Covid-19 rates continue to climb Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health) discusses the climbing rates of Covid-19 in the UK, the potential danger of new mutations, and reports from Israel which claim the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine doesn’t give as much protection as initially thought. (20 January 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘PM’ (from 31 mins 56 secs), More: BBC Radio 2’s ‘Jo Whiley Show’ (from 30 mins 24 secs), Read: Independent

• Lateral flow tests important tool in fighting Covid-19 The use of repeated lateral flow tests could be a game changer as “the current test strategy has failed & there are so many people who don't know they are actively infectious,” says Professor Irene Petersen (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (20 January 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Inside Health’ (from 15 mins 12 secs)

• Too early to know when Covid-19 lockdown can be eased We don’t yet know what impact vaccinations will have on Covid-19 rates or hospitalisations, meaning that we can’t currently predict when the lockdown measures can be eased, says Dr Jasmina Panovska-Griffiths (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (19 January 2021) Read: Guardian

• Ending Covid-19 lockdown prematurely could lead to more virus mutations We must look beyond death and vaccination rates when thinking about easing Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, as premature easing would give the virus more chances to mutate, warns Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (18 January 2021) Read: Times (£), More: Mail Online, Mail Online (2), Mail Online (3),Watch: Channel 4 News

• Covid-19 impact extends beyond fatalities A study which looks at the long-term impacts of Covid-19 is important because “Covid is about so much more than death,” and many people suffer from long-term effects of the virus, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (18 January 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Telegraph (£), Mirror, Metro, Wales Online

• Lifting Covid-19 restrictions after vaccinating priority groups ‘very dangerous’ Lifting Covid-19 restrictions once priority groups have been vaccinated is dangerous as 75% of patients in critical care are 70 or under, and high levels of circulating virus could lead to vaccine-resistant mutations, argues an open letter signed by UCL academics. (18 January 2021) Read: Times (£)

• Covid-19 could cause permanent lung damage Lung damage caused by Covid-19 could be permanent, potentially due to “inflammation that’s causing the scarring, but we just don’t know,” says Professor John Hurst (UCL Medicine). (18 January 2021) Read: Mail Online

• Our children are in crisis and need help During Covid-19, young people are suffering from increased poverty and illness, a situation which could be averted by an independent commission, argues an open letter signed by Dr Lee Hudson (UCL GOS Institute of Child Health) and Dr Bonamy Oliver (UCL Institute of Education). (18 January 2021) Read: Guardian

• Will there be enough Covid-19 vaccines? While manufacturing enough Covid-19 vaccines will be a challenge, “It’s an advantage that they’re all using different technologies so they’re not competing for the same reagents and other supplies of materials,” says Dr Stephen Morris (UCL Biochemical Engineering). (18 January 2021) Read: Huffington Post

• The impact of Covid-19 on intensive care wards Professor Hugh Montgomery (UCL Medicine) gives an overview of intensive care wards, warning that the levels of sickness are far in excess of what is normal for this time of year, with a huge psychological strain on hospital workers. (18 January 2021) Listen: BBC World Service Radio’s ‘Weekend’ (from 13 mins)

• New Covid-19 cases may have peaked in UK Despite difficulty in interpreting the data due to fluctuations in testing and sampling, “when you model the underlying incidence and prevalence, then it looks as if new cases [of Covid-19] have now peaked,” says Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (15 January 2021) Read: Guardian

• Lockdown has ‘split the population in two’ Financial support is needed for those who currently can’t afford to stay home, or Covid-19 will continue to spread, warns Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (15 January 2021) Read: Mail Online

• Vaccine distribution must prioritise high-incidence regions London and the South-East should be receiving a larger proportion of the Covid-19 vaccine based on their high rates of the virus, but this is not happening as “people are so sensitive about London. You can imagine the outcry,” says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (14 January 2021) Read: Evening Standard

• Covid-19 mortality risk increases by 20% when ICUs are full Patients admitted to very full hospitals have an increased chance of dying which is equivalent to being up to 11 years older, according to a new study co-led by Dr Bilal Mateen (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) and Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (14 January 2021) Read: BBC News, More: Mail Online, Mail Online (2), UCL News

• Lockdown compliance improving but low take up of Covid tests ‘worrying’ Less than half (43%) of people who developed Covid-19 symptoms say they’ve requested a test, but ‘Majority’ compliance with the lockdown rules is being reported by 96% of people, finds the Covid-19 Social Study, led by Dr Daisy Fancourt (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (13 January 2021) Read: Sky News, More: Metro, Telegraph (£), Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘World at One’ (from 15 mins 30 secs), Watch: BBC Breakfast (from 45 mins), UCL News

• Altering timing of Covid-19 vaccine doses is “a massive experiment” The Covid-19 vaccines currently licensed in Britain require two doses to work properly, and the Government’s decision to alter the timing of these doses is “a massive experiment” which is “potentially putting lives at risk,” says Professor Peter Taylor (UCL School of Pharmacy). (12 January 2021) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Healthy gut bacteria could help prevent severe cases of Covid-19 A study suggesting healthy gut bacteria may help prevent severe Covid-19 could be a reason for higher Covid-19 rates in individuals of low socioeconomic status, “who for numerous reasons…have suboptimal gut bacteria,” says Professor Graham Rook (UCL Infection & Immunity). (12 January 2021) Read: i News

• Majority complying with lockdown rules Despite emphasis on people breaking the current Covid-19 lockdown rules, more than 80 per cent of people say they are abiding by them, say Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) and Dr Daisy Fancourt (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (12 January 2021) Read: i News

• Current Covid-19 lockdown rules not stringent enough With a new variant of Covid-19 and the increased transmission rates associated with winter, we need a stricter Covid-19 lockdown to control the virus, argue Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) and Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (11 January 2021) Read: Guardian, More: i News, BBC News, Sun, Telegraph (£), Mirror, Star, Express, Mail Online, Evening Standard, Sun (2), Mail Online (2), Mirror (2), Express (2), Guardian (2), Express (3), Sun (3), Express (3), Evening Standard (2), Mail Online (3), Sun (4), Wales Online, FT (£), Independent, Mail Online (4), Mirror (3), Mail Online (5), Guardian (3), Mail Online (6), Sun (5), Evening Standard (3), Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 36 mins 12 secs), More: BBC Radio 2 News (from 19 secs)

• How will Covid-19 impact the City of London? While the Covid-19 pandemic has led many people to predict the death knell for huge offices like the ones in the City of London, Professor Peter Rees (UCL Bartlett School of Planning) says this is unlikely, and that “The City has always been adapting…its only constant is change.” (11 January 2021) Read: Guardian

• Total lockdown needed to prevent Covid-19 transmission Lockdown rules must be tightened to prevent the spread of Covid-19, with “no nurseries open, no synagogues, no churches, no mosques. We should have compulsory masks, two-metre distancing,” argues Professor Anthony Costello (UCL Institute for Global Health). (11 January 2021) Read: Mirror, More: Sun, Mail Online, Metro, Star, Star (2), Sun (2), Express, Mail Online (2), US News & World Report, The Mainichi (Japan), Sun (3), Sun (4), Sun (5), Watch: BBC One’s ‘The Andrew Marr Show’ (from 5 mins 52 secs)

• Mandatory isolation needed to slow Covid-19 spread With the rules allowing for a lot more mixing than in the March Covid-19 lockdown, mandatory isolation is needed, with empty hotels providing a perfect space, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (11 January 2021) Read: Mirror, More: Sun, Star, Mirror (2), Listen: BBC Radio 2 News (from 22 secs)

• Plan now to minimise Covid-19 risk next winter “What happens in autumn will depend on our success in keeping the virus down over the summer,” says Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Institute for Global Health), adding that we need to analyse how much virus there is in the community and antibody levels in the population. (11 January 2021) Read: Guardian, Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘Newshour’ (from 18 mins 55 secs)

• UK Covid-19 variant was flagged quickly Due to ongoing efforts to track mutations to Covid-19 and assess their impact, the recently discovered UK variant was quickly flagged as a potential cause of concern, says Dr Lucy Van Dorp (UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment). (11 January 2021) Read: BBC News

• Algorithm used to set vaccine priority order missed key vulnerable groups The QCovid algorithm used to set the vaccine priority is likely to underestimate Covid-19 risk as people who are suffering from rare illnesses and have been shielding successfully are unlikely to show up in the data, says Professor Jeremy Brown (UCL Medicine). (11 January 2021) Read: Telegraph (£), More: Telegraph (£) (2)

• Vaccines not Covid-19 ‘silver bullet’ The public must be informed that vaccination will not end the Covid-19 pandemic, and that once vaccinated people will need to continue with other measures, say Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) and Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (8 January 2021) Read: i News

• Covid-19 hospital strain affects all patients The strain on hospitals caused by Covid-19 affects all patients, and vaccine rollouts must be accompanied by effective testing and tracing to ensure that the virus can be suppressed in the longer term, says Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics). (8 January 2021) Read: i News, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 2 hours 37 mins 5 secs)

• Mass testing needed to find asymptomatic Covid-19 cases Mass testing is crucial to identify asymptomatic cases of Covid-19, as "We have underestimated the impact of mixing and not knowing you might have the virus," says Professor Irene Petersen (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (8 January 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 39 mins 45 secs)

• Ensuring the whole world gets a Covid-19 vaccine In order to permanently suppress Covid-19, vaccines must be administered worldwide, a logistical and financial challenge which urgently needs to be tackled, says Professor Anthony Costello (UCL Institute for Global Health). (8 January 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 2’s ‘Jeremy Vine Show’ (from 39 mins 40 secs)

• Will people abide by tougher Covid-19 restrictions? When people feel the situation is serious, the vast majority will abide by Covid-19 restrictions, even those which impact massively on their daily lives, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (7 January 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘You and Yours’ (from 12 mins 27 secs)

• Why Zoom isn’t a replacement for real interaction Zoom’s face to face set-up is not how you would normally be positioned in a social situation, and also removes subtle cues which we use in conversations, such as breathing and eye contact, says Professor Sophie Scott (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (7 January 2021) Read: Huffington Post

• Is safe singing possible during Covid-19? A study led by Professor Laurence Lovat (UCL Surgery & Interventional Science) has found that singing while wearing a surgical face mask results in almost no droplets being spread, potentially paving the way for safe communal singing during the Covid-19 pandemic. (7 January 2021) Watch: BBC News, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘PM’ (from 30 mins 32 secs)

• Going outside can help reduce feelings of isolation Getting outside, even if only to walk around the block, is "one of the best things you can do for your brain and your mood,” especially during Covid-19 restrictions, says Professor Sophie Scott (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (7 January 2021) Read: BBC News, Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘The Newsroom’ (from 20 mins 56 secs), More: BBC Radio 4’s ‘PM’ (from 51 mins 36 secs)

• Hospital pressure due to Covid-19 still rising Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) warns that "pressure on hospitals and the NHS is yet to peak” due to rising Covid-19 cases. (7 January 2021) Read: Independent

• Covid-19 mutation has made virus more transmissible Increased Covid-19 transmission is due to recent mutations in the virus, but behaviour is still an important way of limiting its spread, says Professor Judith Breuer (UCL Infection & Immunity). (7 January 2021) Read: BBC News

• How to decide on the fairest student grades during Covid-19 Due to uneven learning loss throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, there is no fair way to award student grades, but a combination of testing with coursework and moderated teacher judgement would be the fairest possible system, argues Dr Tina Isaacs (UCL Institute of Education). (7 January 2021) Read: Evening Standard, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 36 mins 38 secs)

• Reconsider Christmas plans to halt Covid-19 spread People must think carefully about the risks and consider cancelling their Christmas plans to help halt the spread of Covid-19, says Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Institute for Global Health). (7 January 2021) Listen: BBC News (from 1 min 53 secs), More: BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme (from 2 hours 14 mins 20 secs)

• Covid-19 variant not expected to reduce vaccine efficacy While the ‘South African variant’ of Covid-19 has a mutation which reduces antibody recognition, it is not anticipated that this mutation will be enough for the variant to bypass vaccine protection, says Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (7 January 2021) Read: BBC News, More: Mail Online, Telegraph (£), Telegraph (£) (2), Newsweek, Express, Sun, Irish Times

• Delaying second Covid-19 vaccine dose not risk-free Even with the potential benefits of doing so, there is a “theoretical possibility” that delaying the second dose of a Covid-19 vaccine could encourage new mutations in the virus, warns Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (7 January 2021) Read: Mail Online

• How we can learn our way out of the pandemic Randomised trials are needed to ascertain the most effective non-medical measures at slowing the spread of viruses, including wearing face masks, hand washing and social distancing, argues an article co-authored by Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (7 January 2021) Read: Los Angeles Times, More: Yahoo! News

• Covid-19 hospital admissions continue to rise The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 is rising, with intensive care wards approaching a similar level of crisis to that reached during the peak of the first wave, warns Professor Hugh Montgomery (UCL Medicine). (7 January 2021) Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘Newshour’ (from 18 mins 6 secs)

• More understanding of Covid-19 vaccines needed Vaccines are the most important tool in overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic, but more research is needed into how long the immunising effects of the existing vaccines lasts, among other things, says Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Institute for Global Health). (7 January 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Six O’Clock News (from 9 mins 54 secs)

• Virus mutations and Covid-19 Most mutations have little impact on viruses, but occasionally a mutation will positively affect the ability of a virus to survive and reproduce, as in the new faster spreading strain of Covid-19, explains Dr Lucy Van Dorp (UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment). (7 January 2021) Read: BBC News, More: Business Insider, BBC Afrique (French), Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘Newshour’ (from 31 mins 16 secs)

• A year with Covid-19 A programme looking back over the course of Covid-19’s discovery and spread includes an interview with Dr Jennifer Rohn (UCL Medicine) from the start of the pandemic, in which she explains the virus’ similarity to seasonal flu. (7 January 2021) Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘Science in Action’ (from 2 mins)

• Covid-19 hospital admissions not just due to new virus variant Professor Hugh Montgomery (UCL Medicine) warns that increased rates of Covid-19 are not just due to a new variant of the virus, but are also caused by people not wearing face masks and improperly washing their hands, both of which aid the spread of the virus. (7 January 2021) Read: BBC News, More: Sun, i News, Evening Standard, Sun (2), Times (£)

• “Wise to be cautious” about Covid-19 variant While there are alternatives to the new variant of Covid-19 being inherently more transmissible than the initial strain, it is “wise to be cautious” to limit further transmission, says Dr Jennifer Rohn (UCL Medicine). (7 January 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 2’s ‘Steve Wright in the Afternoon’ (from 1 hour 58 mins 9 secs)

• Will people abide by tougher Covid-19 restrictions? When people feel the situation is serious, the vast majority will abide by Covid-19 restrictions, even those which impact massively on their daily lives, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (7 January 2021) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘You and Yours’ (from 12 mins 27 secs)

• New national lockdown needed to control Covid-19 spread The tier system’s mixed results in containing Covid-19 and the more infectious variant mean that a strict national lockdown may be necessary, warn Professor Andrew Hayward, Professor Robert West (both UCL Epidemiology & Health) and Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (7 January 2021) Read: Sun, More: Evening Standard, Mail Online, Express, Mirror, Yahoo! News, Guardian, Metro, Yahoo! News (2), FT (£), Star, BBC News, Express (2), i News, Guardian (2), Mirror (2), Sun (2), Yahoo! News (3), Sun (3), City A.M., Mirror (3), Mail Online (2), Sun (4), Mail Online (3), Mail Online (4), Guardian (3), BBC News (2), US News & World Report, India Today, Star (2), Mirror (4), Wales Online, Yahoo! News (4), Guardian (4), Mail Online (5), Times (£), Mirror (5), Evening Standard (2), Star (3), Mirror (6), Mail Online (6), Express (3), Mirror (7), Huffington Post, Washington Post, Sun (5), Star (4), Telegraph (£), Wales Online (2), Huffington Post (2), Mail Online (7), Huffington Post (3), Evening Standard (3), Sun (6), RTÉ (Ireland), Times of India, Huffington Post (4), Mail Online (8), Evening Standard (4), Evening Standard (5), Times (£) (2), Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 41 mins 15 secs), More: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (2) (from 2 hours 14 mins 35 secs), BBC Radio 4’s ‘World at One’ (from 7 mins 30 secs), BBC Radio 4’s ‘The World Tonight’ (from 15 mins 27 secs), BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme (3) (from 1 hour 9 mins 33 secs)

• Covid-19 lockdown will take time to have an impact Deaths from Covid-19 will keep increasing in the short term despite new lockdown restrictions, as there is a lag of two to three weeks between measures coming into effect and them having an impact on the number of cases, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (7 January 2021) Read: Star, More: Mail Online, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘PM’ (from 32 mins 32 secs)

• Tier system no longer stopping Covid-19 spread The tiered approach to Covid-19 restrictions did work to suppress the virus in October and early November, but the stricter tiers now in place don’t seem to be having nearly the same impact, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (6 January 2021) Read: Mail Online, More: Mirror

• Loosening Covid-19 restrictions will lead to increase in deaths Any proposed loosening of Covid-19 restrictions will increase deaths, and many of those who die would have been eligible for the vaccine over the coming weeks, warns Professor Anthony Costello (UCL Institute for Global Health). (6 January 2021) Read: i News, More: Mirror, Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘Newsday’ (from 14 mins 15 secs)

• New Covid-19 variant likely developed in patient with suppressed immune system The new variant of the Covid-19 virus likely infected a patient with a severely suppressed immune system and evolved rapidly before jumping back to the general population, explains Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute). (6 January 2021) Read: FT (£)

• Tougher restrictions needed to halt Covid-19 spread The speed with which London and the South-east saw an increase in Covid-19 cases shows that tougher restrictions will be needed to halt the spread of the virus, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (6 January 2021) Read: Guardian, More: Yahoo! News, i News, Guardian, Times (£)

• The rise of Covid-19 scientist merchandise The popularity of merchandise featuring Professor Chris Whitty is unsurprising as "We are always struggling to find something to explain things, so...they have become brand ambassadors," says Dr Dimitrios Tsivrikos (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (6 January 2021) Read: BBC News

• Social solidarity needs rebuilding Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) warns that with existing inequalities worsening due to the Covid-19 pandemic, “The government needs to think about how to rebuild social solidarity.” (18 December 2020) Read: FT (£)
• Digital equipment and internet access needed for all during Covid-19 pandemic Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) warns that many UK households do not have access to the internet, an issue which needs to be addressed both for quality of life and to mitigate disparities in children’s education during the Covid-19 pandemic. (18 December 2020) Read: Guardian
• Tier system isn’t working to contain Covid-19 Areas in tier two have seen increases in Covid-19 cases, while tier three is at best holding cases steady, but there are “aren’t any easy answers, just difficult questions,” on what form new restrictions would need to take, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (18 December 2020) Watch: BBC Two’s ‘Newsnight’ (from 6 mins 30 secs)

• Long Covid prevention and treatment ‘essential’ The prevalence of long Covid and the risk factors it carries mean it is essential to plan how to prevent and treat it, says Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics). (17 December 2020) Read: Sun

• Testing vital to halt Covid-19 spread Up to 500,000 people a day present with coronavirus-like symptoms every winter, with or without a pandemic, meaning getting tested is absolutely vital to ensure minimal Covid-19 spread, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (17 December 2020) Read: Metro

• Mixed messages on Christmas easing In trying to strike a balance between competing priorities, the UK Government is sending out mixed messages, and the danger is that the lack of clarity may add to people’s stress as they feel it’s up to them to decide, warns Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (17 December 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘PM’ (from 32 mins 22 secs)

• Covid-19 narrative should focus on support, not punishment A supportive approach based around offering more public holidays next Christmas would be more effective at gaining public support for Covid-19 restrictions than emphasising punishments for rule-breaking this year, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (17 December 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘World at One’ (from 16 mins 45 secs), More: BBC Radio 2’s ‘Steve Wright in the Afternoon’ (from 1 hour 26 secs)

• Should you visit your family this Christmas? Dr Lena Ciric (UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering) warns against visiting family members over Christmas, saying Covid-19 cases are rising and it will be very hard to take adequate precautionary measures to protect vulnerable relatives over the festive period. (17 December 2020) Read: Conversation

• More data needed on new Covid-19 variant Current knowledge of the new variant of Covid-19 is limited, but there is no data to suggest it is evading immunity in population or behaving differently to the other variants, says Professor Judith Breuer (UCL Infection & Immunity). (16 December 2020) Read: Mail Online

• Covid-19: UK must ‘Build Back Fairer’ warns new Marmot Review A generation of children and young people risk worsening health and having shorter lives post the Covid-19 pandemic, warns Professor Sir Michael Marmot (UCL Epidemiology & Health) in his new landmark report. (15 December 2020) Read: BBC News, More: Times (£), Guardian, Independent, Mail Online, Mail Online (2), Listen: Times Radio’s ‘Aasmah Mir and Stig Abell with Times Radio Breakfast’ (from 1 hour 35 mins 42 secs), More: BBC Radio 4’s ‘World at One’ (from 32 mins 20 secs), LBC’s ‘Shelagh Fogarty Show’ (from 1 hour 34 mins 45 secs), Watch: Channel 4 News, UCL News

• Not enough information given on new Covid-19 variant Claims of a new Covid-19 variant by the UK Government without the associated evidence being made available are “frustrating”, says Dr Lucy van Dorp (UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment). (15 December 2020) Read: FT (£), More: Wales Online, Sun, Express, New Scientist

• Covid-19 cases rise sharply in London Boroughs dense with housing being busier than usual due to people working from home, coupled with a move into tier 2 in December, created conditions which could “supercharge the spread” of Covid-19, explains Professor James Cheshire (UCL Geography). (15 December 2020) Read: Guardian

• Avoid gatherings over Christmas to prevent Covid-19 spread While Covid-19 restrictions will be relaxed over the Christmas period, the surest way to protect loved ones from contracting the virus is not to see them, warns Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (14 December 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: Star, Mail Online (2), Sun, Sun (2)

• Some common cold antibodies could work against Covid-19 The s2 subunit, which lets Covid-19 into cells, is sufficiently similar to the same subunit in common cold coronaviruses for some antibodies to work against both, finds research co-authored by Honorary Reader Dr George Kassiotis (UCL Infection & Immunity). (14 December 2020) Read: Mirror

• Closing ‘wet markets’ wouldn’t solve problem of virus transmission People get illnesses from livestock all of the world and wet markets aren’t the only, or even the largest, source of virus transmission, explains Dr David Redding (UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment). (14 December 2020) Read: Business Insider

• Having a safe Christmas during the Covid-19 pandemic Mixing with fewer people over Christmas is the safest option to prevent the spread of the virus, and people should think carefully about the best way to protect vulnerable family members says Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Institute for Global Health). (14 December 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘PM’ (from 18 mins 55 secs)

• No association between Covid-19 and Guillain-Barré syndrome There is no significant association between Covid-19 and the potentially paralysing and sometimes fatal neurological condition Guillain-Barré syndrome, finds research by Dr Stephen Keddie and Professor Michael Lunn (both UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (14 December 2020) Read: i News, More: Mail Online, National Post (Canada), UCL News

• Christmas family gatherings risky for older relatives With families facing ‘heart breaking’ choices over spending time with elderly relatives at Christmas, Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) says there is a big risk for older people mixing with younger relatives who have not self-isolated. (11 December 2020) Read: Metro

• Men significantly more likely to need intensive care treatment for Covid-19 Men have almost three times the odds of needing intensive care and 40% higher odds of dying from Covid-19 than women, finds research co-senior authored by Dr Claire Deakin (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health) and Dr Lizzy Rosser (UCL Division of Medicine). (10 December 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: New York Post, UCL News

• Rise in London Covid cases not just due to increase in testing A rising Covid-19 positivity count in London and an increase in hospital admissions shows that the rising cases in the city are not just due to an increase in numbers being tested, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (9 December 2020) Read: Guardian

• Vaccine news not leading to flouting of lockdown restrictions Despite news of the Covid Vaccine, people seem to still be abiding by lockdown rules, an encouraging trend that could be derailed by the easing over Christmas, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (9 December 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 2 hours 47 mins 20 secs)

• Christmas plans could lead to a third Covid-19 wave Plans to allow household mixing over Christmas risk increased transmission and pressure on the NHS, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Public Health). (8 December 2020) Read: Express, More: New Scientist 

• Boasting about vaccine approval speed risks vaccine hesitancy “Inappropriate comments about the brilliance of the UK” from government ministers following the Covid-19 vaccine approval risk adding to vaccine hesitancy among the public and are “snatching chaos from the jaws of sanity,” warns Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (7 December 2020) Read: Independent

• Vaccines must not lead to complacency about Covid-19 While the approval of the Pfizer vaccine is good news, it is just one more thing which can help reduce deaths and “it is essential that we don’t fall into complacency,” cautions Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (7 December 2020) Read: Wall Street Journal (£), More: The Australian

• Choosing between the economy and Covid-19 is a false dichotomy There is no way you can have a thriving economy with confident people when Covid-19 cases are soaring and hospitals are filling up, meaning attempts to prioritise the economy without getting the pandemic under control are futile, argues Professor Andrea Sella (UCL Chemistry). (7 December 2020) Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘Weekend’ (from 9 mins 30 secs)

• Transparency is key in increasing vaccine uptake More than gimmickry such as role models taking the vaccine live on TV, a transparent approach to how the vaccine is developed and how it works will be crucial in fostering trust among the general public, says Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (7 December 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 48 mins 53 secs)

• Secondary school students should be pulled out before term ends Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health) says that allowing parents to take their children out of school before terms ends would allow them to isolate before seeing elderly relatives at Christmas. (7 December 2020) Read: Mirror, More: Mail Online, Star, Daily Record (Scotland), Star (2)

• Majority feel they comply with Covid-19 rules better than others More than nine in ten (92%) people grade their own compliance with Covid-19 lockdown restrictions as better than what they think the population average is, finds the Covid-19 Social Study, led by Dr Daisy Fancourt (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (4 December 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: UCL News

• Vaccine approval not about UK “coming first” The statements which frame the UK approval of the first Covid-19 vaccine as “the UK coming ‘first in some race’” are unwise, and downplay the diligence with which the approvals process works, says Professor Derek Hill (UCL Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering). (3 December 2020) Read: i News

• Redesigning our cities and lives post-pandemic Commenting on the potential of the Covid-19 pandemic to transform our much-loved metropolises into greener, quieter spaces, Dr Manos Chaniotakis (UCL Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources) says it has forced us to reshape the way we live. (2 December 2020) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Are “vaccine passports” a good idea? With exceptions for medical reasons, vaccine passports for Covid-19 could work in the same way that proof of inoculation against yellow fever or polio is a requirement to enter some countries, says Professor Ilan Kelman (UCL Institute of Risk & Disaster Reduction). (1 December 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: Guardian, Times (£)

• Debunking Covid-19 vaccine myths Dr Jennifer Rohn (UCL Medicine) debunks the false theories surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine, including spurious claims that it alters DNA or has been rushed to market. (1 December 2020) Read: Huffington Post

• How to sleep well in a pandemic The Covid-19 pandemic means that some usual rules of good-quality sleep may not apply, for example clutter may make people feel safer and lead to better quality sleep even though the usual advice is to declutter bedrooms, says Dr Dagmara Dimitriou (UCL Institute of Education). (30 November 2020) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Christmas in the time of Covid-19 Mixing with fewer people over Christmas is the safest option to prevent the spread of the virus, and Christmas carollers should keep their distance from front doors, says Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Institute for Global Health) in an article on having a Covid-safe Christmas. (30 November 2020) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Concern over risk of Covid-19 moving into wild animals The risk of escaped Danish mink spreading Covid-19 to wild populations is concerning as “it will become extremely difficult to control its further spread” if this were to happen, warns Professor Joanne Santini (UCL Biosciences). (30 November 2020) Read: Guardian, More: Newsweek

• Why stronger restrictions are needed post-lockdown Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) argues that England needs stronger restrictions following lockdown, as the pre-lockdown restrictions were not sufficient to slow the spread of the virus, and points out that effective suppression of Covid-19 also benefited the economy. (28 November 2020) Watch: BBC2’s ‘Newsnight’ (from 16 min 32 secs), More: Channel 4 News

• The stages of vaccine development Senior Research Fellow Oksana Pyzik (UCL School of Pharmacy) explains the different stages of vaccine development, as well as how the Covid-19 vaccine was developed in record-breaking time. (27 November 2020) Read: ITV News, Watch: Al Jazeera News

• What went wrong with the first Covid-19 lockdown Senior Research Fellow Oksana Pyzik (UCL School of Pharmacy) warns that the new tier system in the UK must learn from the mistakes of the rush back to normality that followed the initial Covid-19 lockdown to avoid driving the R number back up. (27 November 2020) Watch: Sky News

• Rich countries must help vaccinate poorer nations against Covid-19 vaccinating everyone is a global responsibility and if rich countries buy up vaccines, leaving Covid-19 to “run rampant” in less well-off parts of the world it will lead to the virus spreading back across borders, says Senior Research Fellow Oksana Pyzik (UCL School of Pharmacy). (27 November 2020) Read: CGTN

• An ‘electrifying’ economist’s guide to the recovery Professor Mariana Mazzucato (UCL institute for Innovation & Public Purpose) envisions a post-pandemic world that redefines what is valued, as well as looking at how Covid-19 has exposed the fact that today’s capitalism doesn’t work for the majority of the population. (27 November 2020) Read: New York Times

• Contextualising the worst fall in economic output for 300 years Dr Judy Stephenson (UCL Bartlett School of Construction & Project Management) explains that the economic slump of 1706 and 1709 were due to arctic temperatures across Europe, as well as discussing the parallels with the current drop in output due to Covid-19. (26 November 2020) BBC World Service’s ‘Newshour’ (from 19 mins 17 secs)

• SARS-CoV-2 mutations do not appear to increase transmissibility None of the mutations currently documented in the SARS-CoV-2 virus appear to increase its transmissibility in humans, according to a study led by Dr Lucy van Dorp and Professor Francois Balloux (both UCL Genetics Institute). (26 November 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: CNN, Reuters, Telegraph (£), CNBC, Independent, Forbes, New Scientist, Yahoo! News, NDTV (India), Mail Online (2), US News & World Report, Times of India, Mail Online (3), Mail Online (4), Sun (Scotland), UCL News

• Efforts to normalise pandemic exam grades “foolish” The UK Government’s attempts to normalise the exam grades of students during a worldwide pandemic were foolish as it was “a completely abnormal situation,” argues Dr Mary Richardson (UCL Institute of Education). (26 November 2020) Read: Economist

• ‘Drinks on the pavement’: gathering for a Covid-19 Christmas As the government announces plans to ease household mixing restrictions over Christmas, Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology and Language Sciences) and Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) comment on how they plan to reduce social contact during the festive season. (25 November 2020) Read: Guardian

• Coughs and sneezes don’t “get rid of viruses” The belief that coughing or sneezing is a way of ejecting viruses is conjecture, and “it seems more likely that respiratory viruses… have evolved to make us cough and sneeze to transmit the virus in an effective way,” says Professor Greg Towers (UCL Infection & Immunity). (24 November 2020) Read: Mail Online

• Mask-wearing in schools must be handled well Schools would “need to educate, they would need to tell children, they would need to reassure children as to what is going on and why it is happening,” with regards to mask-wearing to help prevent Covid spread in schools, says Dr Gavin Morgan (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (24 November 2020) Read: BBC News

• Transparent criteria needed for Covid-19 tier system Transparency is key in ensuring people follow the Covid-19 lockdown rules, with clear information on why different activities are allowed, as well as why each area is in a specific tier, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (24 November 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘The World Tonight’ (from 13 mins 48 secs)

• Should face masks be worn during exercise? “It would be expected that people should be socially distanced during exercise," and face masks should therefore not be necessary to prevent the spread of Covid-19, says Dr Ben Killingley (UCL Institute for Global Health). (23 November 2020) Read: Telegraph (£)

• London bus ventilation helps reduce Covid-19 spread Dr Liora Malki-Epshtein (UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering), part of a team of UCL experts who advised Transport for London on ventilation in buses, says that ventilation can be "one more layer of protection" in reducing Covid-19 transmission risk. (23 November 2020) Read: Evening Standard, More: UCL News, Watch: BBC London News (from 1 min 42 secs)

• Vaccine rules just as stringent for Covid-19 Professor Judith Breuer (UCL Infection & Immunity) explains the process of vaccine approval, saying the regulations will be just as stringent for a Covid-19 vaccine, with more hours worked to speed the process up, rather than any corners being cut. (23 November 2020)  Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 38 mins)

• Financial inequalities widen due to Covid-19 Existing financial inequalities within society are widening as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, finds the Covid-19 Social Study, led by Dr Daisy Fancourt (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (20 November 2020) Read: Independent, More: Yahoo! News, UCL News

• Second Covid-19 lockdown appears to be working Commenting on England’s second lockdown, Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) says the Covid-19 infection rate’s current decline is due to measures in the north-west and impact in the south-east should be seen in the next few days. (20 November 2020) Read: Guardian

• Arthritis drug may help critically ill Covid-19 patients recover faster Early findings that Arthritis drug tocilizumab may improve the recovery of Covid-19 patients could make it valuable among possible treatments if the results stand up to full analysis, says Professor Derek Hill (UCL Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering). (20 November 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: Mail Online (2), Times (£)

• How to improve NHS test-and-trace Commenting on why the NHS’s test-and-trace system is struggling to be effective, Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health) says those asked by the app to self-isolate need to be offered more support. (20 November 2020) Read: BBC News, Listen: BBC Radio 4's 'Today Programme' (from 1 hour 5 mins 19 secs), More: BBC Radio 4's 'News Briefing' (from 1 min 36 secs), BBC Radio 2's 'Zoe Ball Breakfast Show' (from 33 mins 15 secs)

• Covid-19 vaccine promising immune response in elderly Commenting on reports that Oxford University’s Covid-19 vaccine is showing promising immune responses in at-risk age groups, Dr Jennifer Rohn (UCL Medicine) says the vaccine is already in production and may be ready as early as the end of winter. (20 November 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 2’s ‘Steve Wright in the Afternoon’ (from 1 hour 57 minutes)

• Covid-19 highlights racial inequalities in health Research into how discrimination affects the health experiences of minority groups shows that living in a racist environment can be harmful to all black people’s health even without direct experience, says Dr Delan Devakumar (UCL Institute of Global Health). (20 November 2020) Read: Economist (£)

• “Substantial risks” if mixing allowed at Christmas Allowing people to mix over Christmas would lead to increased Covid-19 risk, particularly for older people, and it would be “tragic” to throw away gains in suppressing the virus just as a vaccine is on the horizon, argues Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (19 November 2020) Read: Guardian, More: Mirror, BBC News, Evening Standard, Metro, Mail Online, Telegraph (£), Mail Online (2), Sun, Telegraph (£) (2), Telegraph (£) (3), Wales Online, Mirror (2), Mirror (3), Mirror (4), Wales Online (2), Herald (Scotland), Star, Mail Online (3), Mirror (5), i News, Telegraph (£) (4), Metro (2), Express, Evening Standard (2), New Scientist, Sun (2), Sun (3), Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 32 min 1 sec), More: BBC Radio 2’s ‘Jeremy Vine Show’ (from 17 secs), BBC Radio 4's 'PM' (from 2 mins 40 secs)

• Defining and researching long Covid fatigue As long Covid is a new phenomenon, it’s not yet known whether it’s similar to chronic fatigue syndrome, or more similar to the fatigue of multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, says Professor Elizabeth Murray (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (19 November 2020) Read: Guardian

• Is mandatory vaccination a moral imperative? Vaccination is crucial, but measures to improve vaccine access are far more important than making vaccination mandatory, as the social norm in the UK already leads to very high uptake of vaccines, argues Professor Helen Bedford (UCL GOS Institute of Child Health). (19 November 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Moral Maze’ (from 26 mins 11 secs)

• Making sure the public abides by Covid-19 restrictions Public understanding of why measures are put into place and belief that adhering to them will make a difference are crucial in ensuring people obey any restrictions over the Christmas period, explains Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (19 November 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘The World Tonight’ (from 12 mins 57 secs)

• Londoners urged to do ‘pretend commute’ during Covid-19 lockdown to protect health A study led by Professor Anna Cox (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) found that a ‘pretend commute’, such as a walk or a cycle ride, can separate work from non-work while people work from home during lockdown, as well as building physical activity into their routine. (19 November 2020) Read: Evening Standard

• Supply chains are next big Covid-19 vaccine hurdle Once a Covid-19 vaccine is approved, it will face the logistical challenges of fragile supply chains in some parts of the world, coupled with potential shortages of even basic equipment such as syringes, warns Senior Research Fellow Oksana Pyzik (UCL School of Pharmacy). (18 November 2020) Watch: Al Jazeera’s ‘Inside Story’ (from 8 mins 5 secs)

• Keeping Christmas presents free of Covid-19 Sending gifts early and quarantining them before Christmas or wiping down packaging when it arrives are both good ways to ensure that parcels are Covid-free, but the chances of infection are “really low”, says Dr Lena Ciric (UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering). (17 November 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: Mirror, Evening Standard, i News, Daily Record (Scotland)

• How to tackle Covid-19 vaccine misinformation Some people feel Covid-19 vaccines are being rushed or improperly tested, and it’s important the public is reassured that “there’s a strict regime of how vaccines are trialled and then approved,” says Professor Helen Bedford (UCL GOS Institute of Child Health). (17 November 2020) Read: i News

• Damage to multiple organs recorded in 'long Covid' cases Almost 70% of patients who suffer with ‘long Covid’ show signs of damage in one or more organs four months after the initial infection, a study involving Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) has found. (16 November 2020) Read: Guardian, More: Mail Online, Sun, Telegraph (£), Express, This is Money, Mail Online (2), Yahoo! News, MSN News, Al Khaleej Today (Saudia Arabia), Al Khaleej Today (Saudi Arabia) (2)  

• Covid-19 solutions must not widen existing inequalities Technology and treatments which combat Covid-19 must be available for all people who need them, or they may exacerbate existing inequalities, both within the UK and worldwide, argues Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics). (16 November 2020) Read: Independent, More: Yahoo! News, MSN News

• Covid-19 risk for minority ethnic groups “an imprecise proxy” Responding to a study which shows Black and Asian people are at greater risk of Covid-19, Professor Nishi Chaturvedi (UCL MRC Unit for Lifelong Health & Ageing) says it’s important to investigate risks in more closely defined populations rather than grouping ethnicities together. (12 November 2020) Read: Guardian

• We’re making our own rules this lockdown Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) says she has seen few signs of 'compliance fatigue' from lockdown restrictions, but that people are likely to improvise when the rules are too complicated or seem unfair. (11 November 2020) Read: The Times (£)

• Majority have ‘long Covid’ symptoms seven weeks after discharge More than two-thirds of patients hospitalised due to Covid-19 continue to suffer from 'long Covid' symptoms more than seven weeks after being discharged, finds a new study led by Dr Swapna Mandal and Professor John Hurst (both UCL Medicine and the Royal Free London) with UCLH. (11 November 2020)  Read: Sky News, More: Mirror, FT, Metro, Yahoo News, Daily Telegraph, Wales Online, Mail Online, The Independent, Forbes, Mail Online (2), BBC Science Focus, UCL News

• Covid 'raises new psychiatric disorders risk' Dr Michael Bloomfield (UCL Psychiatry) and Honorary Professor David Curtis (UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment) provide external comment on a study about mental health consequences from Covid-19 and mental illness as a risk factor for the illness. (11 November 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: BBC News, Reuters, Guardian, Metro, Mirror, CNN, Independent

• Could a Covid vaccine bring back normality? In a feature report highlighting global attempts to combat Covid-19, the FLARE trial led by Professor David Lowe (UCL Institute of Immunity & Transplantation), which aims to see if favipiravir and lopinavir/ritonavir can inhibit viral replication in early infection, is mentioned. (9 November 2020) Read: The Observer

• Covid pressure on health visitors puts generation of babies at risk A generation of babies born during the Covid-19 pandemic may be at risk because they and their parents are not being fully supported by health visitors, as many health visitors are being deployed found a survey by Dr Gabriella Conti (UCL Economics). (9 November 2020) Read: Guardian

• GCHQ tackling Russian anti-vaccine propaganda online Commenting on claims that the Government’s chief cyber security body GCHQ is fighting the spread of anti-vaccine propaganda by Russia online, Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Biosciences) says the soviet vaccine, Sputnik V, is “improperly tested”. (9 November 2020) Read: Scottish Sun

• Covid-19 mutations require risk mitigation Mutations in the Covid-19 virus found in minks would not render all potential vaccines ineffective, but shows that surveillance and precautionary risk mitigation are needed to ensure the pandemic can be brought under control, says Professor Joanne Santini (UCL Biosciences). (6 November 2020) Read: Wall Street Journal (£)

• Women and ethnic minorities have found the pandemic psychologically more challenging Women have found the Covid-19 pandemic more challenging than men psychologically, reporting higher levels of depression, anxiety and loneliness, and lower levels of life satisfaction and happiness, finds research led by Dr Daisy Fancourt (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (6 November 2020) Read: ITV News, More: Mail Online, UCL News

• Covid-19 linked to worse stroke outcomes People who experience strokes while infected with Covid-19 appear to be left with greater disability after the stroke, according to a study led by Dr Richard Perry (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH). (6 November 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: Mail Online (2), Yahoo! News, UCL News

• No alternative to a national lockdown The Covid-19 infection rates within the UK are so high that there is currently no alternative to a national lockdown, but the test & trace system must be improved during the time gained by locking down, says Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (3 November 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 5’s ‘5 Live Breakfast’ (from 6 mins 45 secs)

• National lockdown was ‘inevitable’ due to rate of Covid-19 spread The total lockdown announced by the government was ‘inevitable’ as cases are currently rising too quickly for lesser measures to have the impact needed, says Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (2 November 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: Times (£), BBC News, Yahoo! News, Sun, BBC Afrique (French), Mirror

• Testing capacity less important than actual number of Covid-19 tests Discussing the UK’s testing capacity is “sleight of hand”, as it gives a more impressive figure than the amount of tests which are actually being carried out, a far more important figure, argues Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity). (2 November 2020) Read: Independent

• Covid-19 polarisation undermines scientific inquiry The politicisation of the Covid-19 debate risks undermining the science, with polarised viewpoints ignoring any science which doesn’t bolster their position, say Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Biosciences) and Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics). (2 November 2020) Read: New Statesman

• Support for Covid-19 lockdown remains high The public support for the upcoming lockdown remains high, but confidence in the government to do the right thing is low, which may affect adherence to the rules, warns Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (2 November 2020) Listen: Times Radio’s ‘Kait Borsay Show’ (from 22 mins 53 secs), More: Times Radio’s ‘Jenny Kleeman and Luke Jones with Times Radio Breakfast’ (from 17 mins 2 secs)

• Month long lockdown ‘can work’ The Month long Covid-19 lockdown can work as long as people across society adhere to the rules and do everything they can to avoid contact and potentially spreading the virus, says Professor Ilan Kelman (UCL Institute for Risk & Disaster Reduction). (2 November 2020) Listen: Times Radio’s ‘Ayesha Hazarika Show’ (from 1 hour 56 mins 25 secs)

• Why are we facing another national lockdown? With lockdowns an option of last resort, Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health) explains why one is necessary now, saying that it was initially suggested at the end of September and the delay has caused a much higher death rate and more damage to the economy. (2 November 2020) Read: Guardian, More: Mirror, Mail Online, Mail Online (2), Sun, Evening Standard, Mirror (2), Metro, Sun (2), Evening Standard (2), New Scientist, TES, Sun (Scotland), Times of India, Sky News, Mail Online (3), Huffington Post, Huffington Post (2), Listen: Times Radio’s ‘Alexis Conran Show’ (from 1 hour 9 mins 6 secs), More: BBC Radio 4's 'Today Programme' (from 1 hour 9 mins 15 secs), BBC Radio 4's 'World at One' (from 13 mins 45 secs)

• Minimising human-animal contact cheaper than paying for pandemics Commenting on a report that found reducing human contact with animals would be less costly than absorbing the economic expense of future pandemics, Professor Kate Jones (UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment) says this pandemic has been “pretty mild” considering what’s possible. (30 October 2020) Read: BBC News, More: Yahoo! News, BBC News (Indonesia)

• Covid-19 infection rate doubling every nine days – report As West Yorkshire becomes the latest area to face tighter regional restrictions, Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) says the accelerating infection rate is “the last thing we need” and that it needs not only to come down, but reverse. (30 October 2020) Listen: BBC Radio Two’s ‘OJ Borg’ (from 2 hours 1 minute and 35 seconds), More: BBC News at Ten (from 16 minutes and 3 seconds)

• Antiviral drugs trialled in the early stages of Covid-19 Two antiviral drugs are being given to Covid-19 positive adults to establish if they stop the virus replicating, as part of a trial led Dr David Lowe (UCL Institute of Immunity & Transplantation and The Royal Free Hospital). (29 October 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: Yahoo! News, UCL News

• More funding for medical research urgently needed A letter signed by Professor Nishi Chaturvedi (UCL MRC Unit for Lifelong Health & Ageing) urges the government to fund medical research and help make up the shortfall caused by the 40% cut to research funding provided by UK medical research charities this year due to Covid-19. (28 October 2020) Read: Times (£)

• New Covid-19 dashboard highlights gaps in data needed to address pandemic A public health data visualisation dashboard for Covid-19, developed by researchers at UCL-led interdisciplinary research collaboration i-sense, has revealed issues regarding the quality, consistency and availability of reliable data needed to manage the Coronavirus pandemic. (28 October 2020) Read: Guardian, More: Mail Online, Mail Online (2), Mail Online (3), Mail Online (4), Telegraph (£), Mail Online (5), Evening Standard, MSN News, Sky News, Reuters, The Conversation, UCL News

• People are more likely to break inconsistent Covid-19 rules Rules which seem inconsistent carry less weight with people, and a shift towards a risk assessment and management system is needed to ensure people obey lockdown rules over the Christmas period, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (28 October 2020) Read: Wales Online, More: Mail Online, Watch: ITV’s ‘Good Morning Britain’ (from 1 hour 54 mins 25 secs), Listen: BBC Radio 4's 'Today Programme' (from 1 hour 53 mins 42 secs)

• Study on Covid-19 brain impact “intriguing but inconclusive” A study which claims that some Covid-19 patients’ brains age 10 years is intriguing, but does not compare results before and after the illness, and includes those who self-reported but weren’t tested, cautions Professor Derek Hill (UCL Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering). (27 October 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: Mail Online (2)

• Home UV sterilisers may not combat Covid-19 UV lights marketed as sterilisers for mobile phones won’t abide by the strict regulations of those used in hospitals and it would be difficult to know if they’re actually doing anything of note, warns Dr Lena Ciric (UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering). (27 October 2020) Read: i News

• Czech Republic sees Covid-19 cases soar Professor Hynek Pikhart (UCL Epidemiology & Health) explains that Covid-19 cases are rising in the Czech Republic as restrictions were relaxed too quickly due to opinion polls which showed the public were strongly against lockdown measures. (27 October 2020) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Treating healthcare workers as heroes is unhelpful The narrative of health workers as ‘heroes’ or ‘angels’ during Covid-19 is unhelpful, as it paints a picture of people doing things because they’re special, rather than workers doing a job that needs adequate pay and protection, argues Dr Jo Billings (UCL Psychiatry). (26 October 2020) Read: BBC News

• ‘Long Covid’ should not be overestimated Long-term symptoms of Covid-19 may exist, but are likely no more prevalent than with other illnesses, and less panic around the issue is needed, argues Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Biosciences). (26 October 2020) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Neurological complications after a pandemic not unprecedented In the years after the Spanish flu pandemic, a small proportion of survivors of the virus developed tremors and loss of motor control, showing that it isn’t impossible that Covid-19 may lead to similar complications, says Dr Jonathan Rogers (UCL Psychiatry). (26 October 2020) Read: Telegraph (£)

• How can we learn to live with Covid-19? In the long term, we are likely to reach a similar situation with Covid-19 to that we currently have with the common cold, with short-term immunity and reinfections which are either weaker or held at bay with recurring vaccinations, says Dr Jennifer Rohn (UCL Medicine). (26 October 2020) Read: Times (£)

• Any human contact will increase Covid-19 transmission rate The best way to protect people and the economy from Covid-19 transmission is to hold a two to three week ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown where the whole country locks down temporarily to halt the spread of the virus, says Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). (26 October 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 5’s ‘Stephen Nolan Show’ (from 10 mins 40 secs)

• Smoking cessation and high-risk drinking increased in lockdown The percentage of people who reported stopping smoking more than doubled after the Covid-19 lockdown was implemented in March, according to a new study led by Dr Sarah Jackson (UCL Epidemiology & Health) and Professor Jamie Brown (UCL Behavioural Science & Health). (23 October 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: UCL News

• Half of public don’t ‘fully understand’ current Covid-19 lockdown rules Just 13% of people in England feel they ‘fully understand’ the current Covid-19 lockdown rules, with half of adults (51%) in the country saying they understand ‘the majority’ of them, finds research led by Dr Daisy Fancourt (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (23 October 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: Telegraph (£), Huffpost, Mail Online (2), Metro, Independent, This is Money, Wales Online, MSN News, Sun (Scotland), Express, Telegraph (£) (2), Sun (Scotland) (2), Sun (Scotland) (3), Sun (Scotland) (4), Listen: Times Radio News (from 2 mins), UCL News

• Lethal cytokine storm often follows symptom recovery in Covid-19 victims The flurry of immune molecules responsible for causing the damaging tissue inflammation that kills many Covid-19 patients often occurs after their symptoms appear to be improving, says Professor David Isenbery (UCL Medicine). (23 October 2020) Read: Mail Online

• Why optimism bias may not be helpful during a pandemic Professor Tali Sharot (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) explains optimism bias, saying that her research has found most people believe themselves to be less at risk from Covid-19 than the average person. (22 October 2020) Read: CNBC, More: CNBC (2)

• Public are “tired and also confused” about Covid-19 restrictions Confusion around what is and isn’t allowed under current Covid-19 restrictions, coupled with fatigue from months of lockdown, are leading to a shift in public mood with regards to the virus, explains Dr Dimitrios Tsivrikos (UCL Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology). (21 October 2020) Read: Times (£), Listen: Times Radio’s ‘Phil Williams Show’ (from 49 mins 30 secs)

• Backlog of patient appointments will see unnecessary deaths, experts say In a look at how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected hospital admissions and patients in the UK, a study from Professor Harry Hemingway (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) is mentioned for findings that up to 6000 patients may die due to postponed patient appointments. (20 October 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: Mail Online (2), Mail Online (3)  

• Gentler ventilation techniques can help Covid-19 patients Professor Derek Hill (UCL Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering) explains that CPAP machines can help Covid-19 patients suffering from respiratory problems to breathe easier and replace the need for medical respirators. (20 October 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: Mail Online (2)  

• Should England go for a ‘circuit breaker’? Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) urges England to hold a circuit breaker lockdown for two weeks, arguing that it could save hundreds of lives, but that delaying such preventative measures could be disastrous. (20 October 2020) Watch: Channel 4 News 

• Staying active can help kids through pandemic depression As a professional boxer shares classes to help kids stay positive during the pandemic, a study is mentioned from PhD student Aaron Kandola, Dr Gemma Lewis, and Professor David Osborn (all UCL Psychiatry), which found that staying active was linked to better mental health in kids. (19 October 2020) Read: Huffington Post 

• Blood test to identify Covid-19 patients at risk of pneumonia ‘could soon be available’ A new study from Dr Rajeev Gupta (UCL Cancer Institute) has found that patients infected with Covid-19 who have high levels of CR3 protein also face risk of pneumonia, and adds, “tracking CR3 levels in patients with COVID-19 could help us assess disease severity." (19 October 2020) Read: i News 

• Experts call for ‘circuit breaker’ to halt coronavirus spread Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) explains that a circuit breaker would help lower the transmission of the coronavirus, as the current situation of mixed messaging “undermines trust, a sense of national purpose and motivation to adhere to restrictions.” (19 October 2020) Read: Telegraph (£), More: FT (£), Mail Online, Listen: LBC Radio’s ‘James O’Brien Show’ (from 2 hours 10 mins 14 secs) 

• Should the police be given NHS contact tracing data? Amidst concerns over personal privacy should the police receive data from the NHS contact tracing app, Dr Michael Veale (UCL Laws) comments how people may feel hesitant to report symptoms of Covid-19. (19 October 2020) Listen: LBC Radio’s ‘News programme’ (from 8 mins 16 secs), More: LBC Radio’s ‘Nick Ferrari Show’ (from 23 mins 50 secs)  

• Data shows the UK was the ‘sick man’ of Europe even before Covid-19 As new research finds that before Covid-19 people in the UK were sicker than in neighbouring countries, research from Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) is mentioned for finding that people with greater susceptibility to the virus had health issues. (19 October 2020) Read: Guardian 

• Why is the coronavirus killing more men than women? Professor Sarah Hawkes (UCL Institute of Global Health) adds to a debate on why more men have died from Covid-19, discusses behaviour differences between genders, and adds that “the more you have women participating in the workforce, the smaller your sex difference becomes.” (19 October 2020) Read: Washington Post, More: Seattle Times 

• Would a ‘circuit breaker’ work to stop Covid-19? Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity) and Professor Anthony Costello (UCL Institute for Global Health) explain how the circuit breaker measure would reduce Covid-19 transmission but stress it must happen quickly and requires an improved test, track and trace system. (19 October 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 5 Live’s ‘Sunday Breakfast Show’ (from 2 hours 7 mins 38 secs), More: LBC Radio’s ‘Matt Frei Show’ (from 37 mins 44 secs)  

• Covid-19 battle to intensify as winter sets in Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Infection & Immunity) explains more testing is needed as the winter will see additional cases of seasonal flu, whose symptoms strongly resemble that of Covid-19. (16 October 2020) Read: Wall Street Journal (£)

• The UK faces huge challenges with tiered lockdown measures, experts say Professor Ilan Kelman (UCL Institute for Risk & Disaster Reduction) explains how with areas going into Tier-2 lockdown restrictions, there are major challenges to face, adding “London is especially hard due to its size and large rate of mobility via public transport.” (16 October 2020) Read: Mail Online

• ‘Backward’ contact tracing will give more data on coronavirus Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Infection & Immunity) explains how the contact tracing programme is now doing ‘backward’ contact tracing to analyse the settings where people might have caught Covid-19. (16 October 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Briefing Room’ (from 6 mins 49 secs) 

• Small window to create contact tracing that works Commenting on reports that Serco will make £165m profit despite its creation of a ‘shambolic’ Covid contact tracing system, Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) says we must not waste the small amount of time we have to create a functioning system. (16 October 2020) Read: Mirror, More: Independent 

• NHS Track and Trace overwhelmed by infections surge With coronavirus cases surging, and health and safety breaches reported in a testing lab, Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity) comments on the effectiveness and operations of the NHS’s contact tracing programme. (16 October 2020) Read: Independent, More: Independent (2)

• Can London avoid an infection rate like the North’s? Professor David Alexander (UCL Risk & Disaster Reduction) and Professor James Cheshire (UCL Geography) discuss some of the reasons why London’s coronavirus infection rate, though on the rise, is well behind the North’s. (16 October 2020) Read: Guardian

• Covid-19 battle to intensify as winter sets in Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Infection & Immunity) explains more testing is needed as the winter will see additional cases of seasonal flu, whose symptoms strongly resemble that of Covid-19. (16 October 2020) Read: Wall Street Journal (£)

• Experts criticise herd immunity in letter Eighty experts including Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology), Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) and Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity) have criticised the herd immunity strategy for handling Covid-19 in a letter. (15 October 2020) Read: Mail Online 

• Is a ‘circuit-break’ in the UK’s national interest? Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health) stresses how implementing a ‘circuit-break’ lockdown strategy would buy time, but “has to be used to create a test, trace and isolate system that is functioning and the [UK] government has to do that.” (15 October 2020) Read: Express, More: Express (2), Express (3), Listen: LBC Radio’s ‘Eddie Mair Show’ (from 21 mins 35 secs), More: LBC Radio’s ‘Nick Abbot Show’ (from 2 mins 12 secs), LBC Radio’s ‘David Lammy Show’ (from 2 hours 4 mins 52 secs)  

• New toolkit to help understand how Covid-19 affects crime A research team led by Dr Herve Borrion (UCL Security & Crime Science) has developed a new range of tools, based on “resilience theory”, which can help assess the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on patterns of criminal activity. (15 October 2020) Read: Phys.org

• Excess Covid-19 deaths curtailed by responsive and well-prepared nations Commenting on a comparative study which found that countries with early lockdowns and well-prepared health systems minimised additional deaths, Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) says population health measures are important to reducing virus spread. (15 October 2020) Read: AP News, More: Mail Online

• A 'circuit breaker' in England will work only if test and trace is urgently reformed Professor Anthony Costello (UCL Institute for Global Health) calls for urgent reforms to the test, trace and isolate system if England is to avoid a second national lockdown. (14 October 2020) Read: Guardian, More: UCL News

• ‘Long Covid’ impact must be considered for students Long-term complications from Covid-19 need to be considered with regards to student infections at universities, argues Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (14 October 2020) Read: THE (£)

• Effective track and trace system vital for controlling Covid-19 infection rate Even if vaccines and treatments are developed for Covid-19, the best ways to minimise excess deaths from the virus are measures such as lockdowns and an adequate test, trace and isolate system, says Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics). (14 October 2020) Read: Evening Standard

• By focusing on numbers we can lose sight of people Dr Hannah Fry (UCL Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis) praises New Zealand’s approach to Covid-19 and says more intellectual humility would benefit world leaders, adding “if you are totally focused on the numbers, you can lose sight of what’s best for people.” (13 October 2020) Read: Telegraph (£) 

• Do people want governments to lessen Covid-19 restrictions for sake of economy? Dr Tim Colbourn (UCL Institute for Global Health) explains that in contrast to other countries, there is a growing Anglo-American desire for government officials to “give up restrictions and let it [Covid-19] spread" to save local economies. (13 October 2020) Read: CNN News  

• What can mathematical modelling tell us about Covid-19? Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) explains how mathematical modelling works in relation to studying viruses and explains these study the spread of transmission, and can project on how it will affect the population, adding mathematical models will show what could happen. (12 October 2020) Listen: BBC World Service Radio’s ‘Newshour’ (from 45 mins 44 secs) 

• Don’t delay new Covid-19 procedures, experts warn Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) discusses the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the Northern regions of England and calls for the UK Government not to delay in instituting stricter measures to protect the population. (12 October 2020) Read: FT (£), Watch: Channel 4 News (from 6 mins 36 secs) 

• Chinese experts proud of China’s Covid-19 measures Professor Dabo Guan (UCL Bartlett School of Construction & Project Management) explains that many Chinese people are proud of how the Chinese Government has handled the Covid-19 pandemic, adding “Many of my friends who are professors say we did well, we set an example.” (12 October 2020) Read: Guardian 

• Resistance to lockdown rules is not just ‘fatigue’  In a letter to the Guardian, Professor Nigel Harvey (UCL Brain Sciences) says the World Health Organisation’s references to ‘pandemic fatigue’ are misleading, adding, “Pandemic fatigue is no more a real phenomenon now than behavioural fatigue was in March.” (12 October 2020) Read: Guardian 

• Four in 10 extra deaths in Lombardy not linked to Covid-19 About 24,000 more people died in Lombardy than expected between January and April, and only 14,000 of these deaths were confirmed as being related to Covid-19, according to a new study led by Professor Gianluca Baio (UCL Statistical Science) and his colleagues. (12 October 2020) Read: La Repubblica, More: RAI News, Il Giorno, Focus (magazine), Yahoo! News, UCL News 

• More women freezing eggs as Covid-19 puts dating on hold Professor Joyce Harper (UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health) explains why many women are freezing their eggs, saying “When they've been asked, most of them want to have children now, they just haven't met Mr Right or haven't got a partner who is happy to have children.” (12 October 2020) Read: Telegraph (£), More: Scotsman  

• Over 65s exercising more than before lockdown Using data from an activity-tracking smartphone app, Dr Abi Fisher (UCL Epidemiology & Health) found that people aged 65 and older are exercising more than they did before lockdown. (12 October 2020) Read: Telegraph (£), More: Telegraph (£) (2), Times of India 

• Scotland needs more than Boris Johnson's pick n' mix sweeteners As experts debate Boris Johnson’s proposals for projects in the UK, Professor John Tomaney (The Bartlett School of Planning, UCL) states that Freeports would be a bad idea, as the jobs they create are often “low quality, low paid, poorly protected and quite unstable.” (12 October 2020) Read: Scotsman 

• Local authorities must be part of the Covid-19 decision making Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) explains that the UK Government must include local authorities in their decision making “because the government must take the whole population with them if this is going to be a successful strategy.” (12 October 2020) Listen: LBC Radio’s ‘Rachel Johnson Show’ (from 1 hour 1 min 5 secs) 

• Lose weight to lower Covid-19 risk, experts say Professor Mark Hamer (UCL Surgery & Interventional Science) explains how being clinically obese may increase a person’s risk of catching Covid-19, and says, “Socially distanced physical activity may be a good intervention.” (12 October 2020) Read: Deccan Herald (India)

• ‘Brain fog’ emerging symptom following Covid-19 infection Up to 20% of coronavirus sufferers could be experiencing cognitive problems, such as difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating, as a long-term symptom of the virus, says Professor Michael Zandi (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology). (9 October 2020) Read: Guardian

• Experts urge Boris Johnson to make critical changes to deal with pandemic Explaining Independent Sage’s recommendation to enhance COVID-19 restrictions, including a ban on households mixing, Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) says “the window of opportunity for enhanced contact tracing has passed.” (9 October 2020) Read: Express 

• Are pubs and bars to blame for Covid spread? Commenting on data suggesting that 41% of under-30s with coronavirus, caught it in a pub or bar, Dr David Alexander and Dr Ilan Kelman (both UCL Risk & Disaster Reduction) say the venues’ actual contribution to virus spread is unknown and largely depends on people’s behaviour. (9 October 2020) Read: Mail Online

• Boris Johnson's 95% mortgages will put Britain back on course for a house price crash Dr Josh Ryan-Collins (UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose) doubts Boris Johnson’s plan to lower housing prices by making it easier for first time buyers to purchase homes and explains “renters must be given much stronger rights and landlords given tougher rules." (9 October 2020) Read: Guardian, More: UCL News

• Covid-19 deaths 3.4 times higher than flu and pneumonia Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health) explains the latest ONS data and adds “You cannot necessarily [see] it from these data, because they do not show the number of infections, but Covid-19 has a much higher case fatality rate than influenza." (9 October 2020) Read: Guardian 

• What should the government do to support the economy? Professor Wendy Carlin (UCL Economics) calls for a UK Government strategy to eliminate fear and inaction on behalf of companies and recommends businesses should start thinking about long-term strategies to function while the coronavirus is present. (9 October 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Bottom Line’ (from 6 mins 40 secs) 

• UCL and London partners bolster UK’s COVID-19 testing capacity Up to 10,000 COVID-19 tests a day will be carried out by UCL in partnership with Health Services Laboratories; the initiative will significantly boost the UK’s community testing capacity and continues our efforts in support of the national pandemic response. (8 October 2020) Read: UCL News

• Virus and NHS tests hit by delay in Roche supply chain As thousands of NHS tests are delayed due to Roche being unable to supply the testing chemicals to hospitals, Professor Derek Hill (UCL Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering) comments how this could be due to the company’s Brexit preparations. (8 October 2020) Read: Independent  

• Covid-19 lockdowns easier at campus universities Highly localised lockdowns at universities to stem the spread of Covid-19 are far easier at campus-based universities, rather than those in London which tend to have buildings dispersed throughout the city, argues Professor Claire Callender (UCL Institute of Education). (8 October 2020) Read: Evening Standard

• Scientists dash hopes of ‘one-shot wonder' Covid-19 vaccine Professor Deenan Pillay explains that contrary to hopes for a single one-shot coronavirus vaccine, this will be one component in a patient’s treatment and says “the expectation needs to be tempered really that this is not going to be the thing that gets rid of the virus.” (7 October 2020) Read: Evening Standard, More: MSN News 

• Here's how likely you are to catch Covid-19 if your housemate tests positive Senior Research Fellow Oksana Pyzik (UCL Pharmacy) explains more Covid-19 infections happen indoors and due of their close proximity, “a significant number of super spreader events are linked to contact within households when widespread community control measures are in place. (7 October 2020) Read: Huffington Post 

• Spread of Covid-19 mapped in hospitals to ‘break the chain’ of transmission A first-of-its kind clinical trial, led by Professor Judith Breuer (UCL Infection & Immunity), will evaluate the use of ‘real time’ viral genomic data to reduce the spread of Covid-19 within hospitals. (7 October 2020) Read: BBC News, More: Mail Online, i News, UCL News 

• Covid-19 computer error raises other concerns, experts say Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) criticises the UK Government for its lack of oversight regarding Covid-19 cases and points out that the people who should have been contacted and told to isolate could possibly have infected other people. (6 October 2020) Listen: Times Radio’s ‘John Pienaar with Times Radio Drive’ (from 43 mins 42 secs) 

• Dozens of mammals could be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 Numerous animals may be vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, according to a large study modelling how the virus might infect animals’ cells, led by Professor Christine Orengo, Su Datt Lam and Professor Joanne Santini (all UCL Structural & Molecular Biology). (5 October 2020) Read: Metro, More: Daily Star, Yahoo! News, Wales Online, Daily Hunt India, i News, Mail Online, Sun, Sky News, Independent, Times of India, UCL News

• High-risk people could be moved to hotels to protect them from Covid People at high-risk of contracting severe coronavirus could be offered accommodation outside of their homes to protect them from family members who may be infected, says Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (5 October 2020) Read: Scottish Sun, Express 

• Have we lost control of the virus? Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) warns we are in danger of Covid-19 getting out of control, and says the focus should be on keeping schools open rather than pubs and restaurants, which can increase the spread of the virus. (5 October 2020) Listen: LBC Radio’s ‘Tom Swarbrick Show’ (from 1 hour 7 minutes 20 secs) 

• Singing and worship the focus of new Covid-19 study Religious and faith followers are being invited to take part in a new study, led by Professor Laurence Lovat (UCL Surgery & Interventional Sciences), which aims to understand how the practice of worship has changed during Covid-19. (5 October 2020) Read: BBC News, Jerusalem Post,  More: UCL News

• Understanding the limitations of the UK’s Covid-19 figures Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity) explains that the R rate is a composite of the whole of the UK and doesn’t take regional variations into account and that per head of population, London is being under-tested compared to other parts of the country. (5 October 2020) LBC Radio’s ‘Eddie Mair Show’ (from 5 mins 40 secs)

• Are people becoming complacent about the lockdown restrictions? Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Languages Sciences) disagrees with Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s assertion that the public has become complacent about UK Government guidance and says it’s clear people are obeying the rules and many want more restrictions to be safe. (5 October 2020) Listen: Times Radio’s ‘Ayesha Hazarika Show’ (from 2 hours 24 mins 35 secs) 

• What drugs are being used to treat President Trump? Commenting on some of the drugs President Trump is trialling to treat his case of Coronavirus, Professor Derek Hill (UCL Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering) says the President’s use of Remdesivir is not an indication of the severity of his condition. (5 October 2020) Read: Times (£)

• Trump’s diagnosis ‘unprecedented’ for US election history Dr Julie Norman (UCL Political Science) explains how Trump’s Covid-19 diagnosis has raised serious questions for his re-election campaign and has forced both political parties to re-evaluate their campaign strategies. (5 October 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 5 Live’s ‘Saturday Breakfast Show’ (from 1 hour 9 mins 4 secs), More: LBC Radio’s ‘Andrew Castle Show’ (from 1 hour 29 mins 20 secs) 

• Trump’s dismissive attitude to health no great surprise Dr Thomas Gift (UCL Centre on US Politics) explains President Trump’s ‘cavalier attitude’ to his contracting Covid-19 is political posturing and should come as no surprise to the American public. (5 October 2020) Listen: LBC Radio’s ‘James O’Brien Show’ (from 1 hour 2 mins 44 secs) 

• Computer glitch will affect public trust, experts say Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health) says the UK Government should have better supported a working track, test and trace system and redirected efforts toward local testing centres, as a lack of communication can lead to errors. (5 October 2020) Listen: LBC Radio’s ‘Lisa Aziz Show’ (from 2 hours 48 mins 46 secs) 

• Scientists study whether immune response wards off or worsens Covid A joint study co-authored by Dr Dan Davis (UCL MRC Unit for Lifelong Health & Ageing) analysed patient samples from before the Covid-19 pandemic and found that a large number already had antibodies which would recognise the virus. (5 October 2020) Read: Guardian 

• Will Trump’s obesity affect his chances of overcoming Covid-19? Professor Rachel Batterham (UCL Medicine and UCLH) comments on how being obese affects the body’s chances of fighting off disease, and says President Trump’s weight and BMI place him in the ‘at risk’ category for Covid-19 patients. (5 October 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 5 Live’s ‘Steve Nolan Show’ (from 1 hour 17 mins 20 secs) 

• Earlier monitoring has made a difference in Covid-19 cases, experts say Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) says that while there are two promising treatments for hospitalised patients infected with Covid-19, “most of the advances that have been made in the last few months have been because of earlier monitoring.” (5 October 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 1Xtra’s ‘Seanie B Show’ (1 hour 30 mins 25 secs), More: BBC Radio 6’s ‘Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour’ (from 30 mins 26 secs) 

• The importance of hugs during a pandemic In a discussion on human touch during the Covid-19 pandemic, The Touch Test, an online survey developed by researchers including Professor Katerina Fotopoulou (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) is mentioned for finding links between touching and higher levels of well-being. (5 October 2020) Read: BBC News, More: Times (£), Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Inside Health: Touch in Health Care’ (from 21 mins 35 secs)   

• Covid-19: are we still following the rules? Dr Daisy Fancourt (UCL Epidemiology & Health) explains the Covid-19 Social Study results and says that whilst the majority of people are complying with the national restrictions for Covid-19 safety, “people have gotten very confused as to what the rules are.” (2 October 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Briefing Room’ (from 5 mins 6 secs), More: BBC Radio 5 Live’s ‘5 Live Breakfast’ (from 26 mins 14 secs)  

• Donald Trump´s Covid-19 diagnosis `throws wrench´ into campaign Dr Julie Norman (UCL Political Science) comments on the impact US President Donald Trump’s positive Covid-19 diagnosis will have on his re-election campaign, adding, “this really does throw a wrench in everything, it’s unclear how the future of the campaign will look for Trump.” (2 October 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: Yahoo! News 

• Loss of smell a ‘highly reliable’ indicator of Covid-19 infection Four out of five people with sudden loss of smell or taste tested positive for Covid-19 antibodies, finds a new study led by Professor Rachel Batterham (UCL Medicine and UCLH). (2 October 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: Mail Online (2), BBC News, Sky News, BBC Science Focus, LBC News, Wales Online, Yahoo! News, Mail Online (2), MSN, Listen: BBC Radio London’s ‘Paul Carrack Show’ (from 3 hours 40 secs), More: BBC Radio London’s ‘Vanessa Feltz Show’ (from 2 hours 57 secs), UCL News

• Men overwhelmingly dominate the decision-making on Covid-19 A global health tracker run by UCL researchers including Professor Sarah Hawkes (UCL Institute of Global Health) has found that out of 115 advisory bodies from 87 countries, only 11% included women. The authors said the results reinforce unequal power structures. (2 October 2020) Read: CNN  

• How to end the pandemic this year Professor Mariana Mazzucato (UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose) discusses ways countries could redirect funding to support local testing centres for Covid-19, in addition to vaccine research and development, and recommends nations adopt long-term plans. (2 October 2020) Read: Project Syndicate, More: UCL News 

• Experts warn “a fine line between fear and complacency” for crisis handling Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health) explains that the UK Government has acted against the advice of its scientific advisors and says public health structures need to be improved for the test, trace and isolate system to succeed. (1 October 2020) Listen: LBC Radio’s ‘Nick Ferrari Show’ (from 12 mins 30 secs)

• Prime Minister’s press conference leaves experts speculating In response to Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s press briefing, Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Languages Sciences) and Senior Research Fellow Oksana Pyzik (UCL Pharmacy) share their concerns about the national messaging and the rise of coronavirus cases. (1 October 2020) Read: Guardian, Listen: LBC News (from 6 mins 18 secs), More: LBC Radio’s ‘Eddie Mair Show’ (from 2 hours 10 mins 45 secs) 

• ‘We’ve managed the pandemic very badly’ Professor Sir Michael Marmot (UCL Epidemiology & Health) expresses his concern on the UK Government’s efforts to manage the coronavirus and says that despite the British population carefully following the rules, the country entered lockdown too late and reopened too soon. (1 October 2020) Listen: Times Radio’s ‘Carole Walker Show’ (from 23 mins 20 secs) 

• Experts warn against ‘oversimplifying’ Neanderthal DNA Covid-19 theory Professor Mark Maslin (UCL Geography) warns against oversimplifying research, as a study suggests a Neanderthal DNA strand could leave some at higher risk of catching Covid-19, adding that many have been affected who “do not have any Neanderthal genes.” (1 October 2020) Read: Guardian 

• Is there any evidence that closing bars at 10pm will stem the spread of coronavirus? Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health) asks whether the 10pm curfew has made an impact on the number of Covid-19 cases and says: “Unless policymakers engage with numbers as concrete statements of what can be expected, there is no basis for rational decision making.” (1 October 2020) Read: Guardian, More: UCL News 

• Coronavirus: the three types of vaccine hesitancy authorities need to combat Honorary Research Associate Annamaria Carusi (UCL Science & Technology Studies) examines the three types of vaccine hesitancy facing authorities’ efforts to build public trust in a coronavirus vaccine, including fears over civil liberties, animal welfare and testing. (1 October 2020) Read: Conversation, More: UCL News

• Scientific advisors “not scaremongering” Recent worst-case scenario estimates of Covid-19 infections by Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance weren’t a prediction of the course of the virus and were “not scaremongering” says Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (1 October 2020) Read: FT (£)

• Inconsistent messaging led to behaviour change during Covid-19 lockdown Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) argues that fatigue with lockdown rules isn’t to blame for people’s behaviour change, but rather inconsistent health messaging and a loosening of restrictions which led to people feeling the risk had reduced. (1 October 2020) Read: CBC (Canada), Listen: BBC Radio London’s ‘Vanessa Feltz Show’ (from 1 hours 53 mins 4 secs) 

• Experts debate UK’s Covid-19 shielding strategy Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Languages Sciences) debates with experts on the UK Government’s shielding strategy, explains why herd immunity would not work, and compares the rules to other countries where the strategies are working. (30 September 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 2 hours 53 mins 57 secs) 

• Depression and anxiety twice as common among older people who were shielding Older people who were instructed to shield and self-isolate at the beginning of the pandemic experienced higher levels of depression, anxiety and loneliness compared with those who were not shielding, finds to a study led by Professor Andrew Steptoe (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (30 September 2020) Read: Mail Online, Listen: LBC Radio’s ‘Darren Adam Show’ (from 1 hour 40 mins 20 secs), UCL News 

• Which Covid-19 restrictions are having an effect? Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) answers questions about the latest Office of National Statistics figures and explains that the rise in cases amongst younger people may be a sign that the ban on mixing within households is working. (30 September 2020) Watch: BBC 2’s ‘Newsnight’ (from 26 mins 21 secs) 

• Explaining ‘immunological dark matter’ Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) explains the concept of ‘immunological dark matter’ in the context of Covid-19, saying it refers to people who are “have a different kind of susceptibility to acquiring the infection.” (30 September 2020) Listen: BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘John Beattie Show’ (from 1 hour 37 mins 10 secs) 

• Ventilators: NHS stocked for serious Covid cases over winter The NHS’s buy-up of 30,000 ventilators, means it is well equipped to treat serious coronavirus cases during winter, and was a reasonable spend in the context of the pandemic, says Professor Derek Hill (UCL Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering). (30 September 2020) Read: BBC News

• Why do some people break Covid quarantine rules? Gavin Morgan (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) says inconsistent and unclear messages and policies around coronavirus restrictions are making people less inclined to comply with self-isolation following possible exposure. (30 September 2020) Read: BBC News, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 35 mins 46 secs), Watch: BBC News Scotland’s ‘Politics Scotland’ (from 22 mins 5 secs)

• Coronavirus: how the pharma industry is changing to produce a vaccine on time Research Fellow Beatrice Melinek and Dr Stephen Morris (both UCL Biochemical Engineering) write how medical developments accelerate during crises, and share hopes for the production of a successful vaccine for Covid-19. (30 September 2020) Read: Conversation, More: UCL News

• Local lockdowns appear to be working Local lockdown measures are “unfortunate” but appear to be curbing the spread of Covid-19 across north-east England, says Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health). (30 September 2020) Read: The Scotsman, More: Mirror 

• Expect more ‘testing chaos’ this winter Dr Amitava Banerjee (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) explains that due to the similar symptoms Covid-19 shares with the common flu, health officials can expect to see an increase in the number of patients reporting what they think may be the coronavirus. (30 September 2020) Read: Express 

• Prime Minister apologises for misunderstanding Covid-19 rules Dr Daisy Fancourt (UCL Epidemiology & Health) explains Prime Minster Boris Johnson’s misunderstanding of the latest Covid-19 restrictions adds to public confusion and his statements “not only exacerbate this problem but also highlight problems with the rules themselves.” (30 September 2020) Read: Metro 

• Experts call for more press briefings on Covid-19 Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) explains that many are confused by the UK Government’s recent restrictions on pubs and suggests more press briefings would be useful to help the public understand what is happening with national efforts to combat the coronavirus. (29 September 2020) Listen: LBC Radio’s ‘Eddie Mair Show’ (from 2 hours 9 mins 58 secs) 

• Controlling Covid-19 during the winter months Dr Jennifer Rohn (UCL Medicine) discusses rising Covid-19 infection rates, expectations for the virus in the colder weather, and experiments with guidelines to control the coronavirus as the global death toll passes one million. (29 September 2020) Watch: Bloomberg

• Global coronavirus deaths pass one million with no sign rate is slowing Following data which indicates the death toll from Covid-19 worldwide has surpassed one million, experts debate the true mortality figures, with Dr Gianluca Baio (UCL Statistical Science) saying, “To some extent the quest for the true number of Covid-19 deaths is impossible.” (29 September 2020) Read: Guardian 

• Supply problems deter drug dealers in lockdown Dr Adam Winstock (UCL Epidemiology & Health) comments on the recent Global Drug Survey which found that the availability of drugs had decreased during the pandemic, saying lockdown restrictions may have changed the behaviour of some drug users. (29 September 2020) Read: Times (£) 

• The truth behind false negative Covid-19 results Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity) explains that false negative results for the coronavirus could appear due to the quality of the swab that is taken, and adds that not thoroughly swabbing patients for the virus could contribute to the issue. (28 September 2020) Read: Huffington Post 

• Covid-19 “not a simple pneumonia” Professor Sir Jonathon Montgomery (UCL Laws) comments on the pros and cons of drugs used to combat Covid-19, and adds that many people have gotten the wrong message that the coronavirus is less infectious and less lethal. (28 September 2020) Listen: Times Radio’s ‘Jenny Kleeman and Luke Jones with Times Radio Breakfast’ (from 1 hour 49 mins 20 secs) 

• Neighbours urged to call police on Covid self-isolation cheats Following guidance encouraging reporting of those not self-isolating who should, research from Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Languages Sciences) and Dr Henry Potts (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) is referenced, for its findings that people aren't obeying rules. (28 September 2020) Read: Telegraph (£), More: Yahoo! News, Mirror, Listen: BBC Radio 5 Live’s ‘Stephen Nolan Show’ (from 38 mins 57 secs) 

• Do people want tougher restrictions for Covid-19? Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity) shares his opinion that the lockdown in England came too late, and adds that with infections of the coronavirus rising, “we do need to strengthen things now.” (28 September 2020) Listen: LBC Radio’s ‘Andrew Castle Show’ (from 12 mins 42 secs) 

• Covid-19’s second coming: how did Britain get back in this mess? Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Infection & Immunity) and Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) comment that the Covid-19 outbreaks are the result of people having returned “to normal behaviours too quickly” and stress the need for a competent test and trace system. (28 September 2020) Read: Guardian 

• What do scientists think of the PM's Covid-19 plan? Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Infection & Immunity) comments on the Prime Minister’s new rules which allow businesses to stay open and households to socialise, saying that swifter action may need to be taken to control the coronavirus. (28 September 2020) Read: BBC News 

• NHS contact tracing app depends on public trust Professor Sir Jonathon Montgomery (UCL Laws) comments on the new test and trace app, adding how the app’s effectiveness depends on the public’s trust and their willingness to use it. (28 September 2020) Listen: LBC News Radio’s ‘David Lammy Show’ (from 1 hour 49 secs), More: Times Radio’s ‘Alexis Conran Show’ (from 2 hours 31 mins 14 secs)  

• The impact of Covid-19 on the housing market Professor Yolande Barnes (UCL Bartlett Real Estate Institute) says that detached homes in good areas are likely to increase in value during the Covid-19 pandemic, whilst poorly built flats in tower blocks are not only losing value, but are also proving harder to sell in general. (25 September 2020) Read: Times (£)

• Unclear if global leaders are learning the lessons of Covid-19 It’s not clear that governments are structuring their response to the Covid-19 pandemic in a constructive way, especially with regards to building a more resilient economy and healthcare system, says Professor Mariana Mazzucato (UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose). (25 September 2020) Watch: Bloomberg

• A fifth of people say they’re unlikely to get vaccinated against Covid-19 A fifth of people have said that when a Covid-19 vaccine is approved, they’re unlikely to get it, with 10% of people saying they were ‘very unlikely’ to get vaccinated, finds research led by Dr Daisy Fancourt (UCL Epidemiology & Health). (24 September 2020) Read: Times (£), More: Metro, Mail Online, Herald (Scotland), Sun, Telegraph (£), Wales Online, Guardian, Times Radio’s ‘Westminster and beyond’ (from 2 hours 40 mins 56 secs), UCL News

• Frosty response for plan to keep classroom windows open Commenting on the response to a Walsall school’s plan to keep classroom windows open during winter, to avoid spreading coronavirus, Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) says students will need to adapt to the situation and wear warmer clothing. (24 September 2020) Read: Mirror, More: Scottish Sun

• NHS launches its new coronavirus contact tracing app Commenting, Dr Michael Veale (UCL Laws) and Dr Isobel Braithwaite (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) on data safety and the benefits of the new NHS coronavirus contact tracing app. (24 September 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 6’s ‘Lauren Laverne’ (from 7 secs) More: BBC Radio 2’s ‘Zoe Ball Breakfast Show (from 30 mins 30 secs), BBC Radio 4’s ‘News Briefing’ (from 2 mins 39 secs), LBC’s ‘Nick Ferrari at Breakfast’ (from 9 mins 5 secs)

• Why do we panic-buy loo roll? Commenting on the psychology of the coronavirus panic-buying phenomenon, Dr Dimitrios Tsivrikos (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) says people are returning to protective and nesting behaviours as winter looms and the disease spreads. (23 September 2020) Read: Telegraph (£)

• Bolstering the US’s response to coronavirus “war” As America’s coronavirus death toll surpasses 200,000, Dr Thomas Gift (UCL Centre on US Politics) suggests ways President Trump could strengthen his “wartime” response to the pandemic. (23 September 2020) Read: Newsweek

• New coronavirus measures “halfway house” Commenting on the Government’s new restrictions to tackle the increasing coronavirus infection rate, Senior Research Fellow Oksana Pyzik (UCL Pharmacy) says the measures are a “halfway house” but could still have significant impact. (23 September 2020) Listen: LBC’s ‘Iain Dale Show’ (from 12 mins 35 secs)

• New measures won’t stop Covid increase Commenting on criticism from the British Medical Association that new measures to curb a rise in the coronavirus infection rate were not enough, Professor Robert West (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health) says they should help but won’t stop the increase. (23 September 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: Times, FT (£), Scottish Sun, Scottish Sun (2), Mail Online (2), Sun, Business Insider

• Animals could act as Covid-19 reservoirs Farmed minks in Norway have tested positive for Covid-19, meaning that even if the disease is wiped out in humans it could potentially be dormant within animals and reinfect people that way, explains Professor Joanne Santini (UCL Biosciences). (23 September 2020) Listen: ABC (Australia) (from 4 mins 55 secs)

• Targeted measures, not national lockdowns, needed to fight Covid-19 A letter signed by Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Biosciences) and Visiting Professor Paul Ormerod (UCL Centre for Decision Making Uncertainty) urges the UK Government to consider more targeted measures to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, rather than blanket restrictions. (22 September 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: Mail Online (2)

• Teachers’ wellbeing largely unaffected by lockdown Teachers’ wellbeing stayed largely the same during lockdown, with the proportion of teachers reporting high levels of work anxiety slightly falling, according to research co-authored by Professor John Jerrim (UCL Institute of Education). (22 September 2020) Read: Schoolsweek, More: UCL News

• How are maths departments responding to the challenge of blended learning? Low attainers and those from disadvantaged backgrounds have faced significantly greater restrictions in their opportunity to learn maths during lockdown, finds research co-led by Dr Becky Taylor (UCL Institute of Education). (22 September 2020) Read: SchoolsWeek

• Gender responsive interventions needed during pandemic Governments faced with a second wave of Covid-19 must plan gender responsive interventions, such as ensuring women and children at risk of violence in their homes are adequately protected, says Professor Sarah Hawkes (UCL Institute of Global Health). (22 September 2020) Read: NBC News, More: Yahoo! News

• The UK should learn from the mistakes of the March lockdown Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Languages Sciences) warns that the government needs to learn lessons from the March lockdown and not delay in implementing necessary restrictions to stem the Covid-19 pandemic. (21 September 2020) Read: Telegraph (£), More: Telegraph (£) (2), New Zealand Herald, Yahoo! News, Listen: BBC Radio 5’s ‘Stephen Nolan Show’ (from 1 hour 2 mins 20 secs), More: BBC Radio 2’s ‘Around the Piano with Tom Odell’ (from 16 secs)

• Refocus Test and Trace to save lives Modelling by Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) finds that shifting the focus of Test and Trace towards local health teams would be more effective, as Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) warns immediate action is needed to halt a second wave. (21 September 2020) Read: Mirror, More: Express, City A.M., Irish Times

• Covid unemployment: a new crisis? Honorary Professor Steve Keen (UCL Economics) takes part in a panel discussion on Covid-19’s impact on the economy and potential ways to solve the employment crisis that is resulting from the pandemic. (21 September 2020) Listen: BBC World Service Radio’s ‘The Real Story’ (from 4 mins 25 secs)

• Interview: Professor Susan Michie Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) discusses the flaws in the Conservative government’s response to Covid-19 and its failure to build trust through honest communication, in an interview for The Observer. (21 September 2020) Read: Guardian

• Current Covid restrictions are inadequate Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) says that the rule of six is not sufficient to halt the spread of Covid-19, and that people should be able to socialise with one or two other households, rather than mixing with multiple different groups over time. (21 September 2020) Read: BBC News, Listen: BBC Radio 5’s ‘Stephen Nolan Show’ (from 2 hours 1 min 7 secs), More: BBC Radio 2’s ‘Craig Charles House Party’ (from 1 min 10 secs), BBC Radio 5’s ‘Stephen Nolan Show’ (2) (from 7 mins 30 secs)

• Covid-19 infections increasing faster than expected, experts say Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Infection & Immunity) comments on the speed at which Covid-19 cases are being reported and explains this is likely because “the higher the number of contacts we have, the greater the probability of transmission.” (18 September 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Show’ (from 2 hours 2 mins)

• Importance of international solidarity during Covid-19 UCL Medical School (UCLMS) has a number of highly valued international collaborations, enabling cross-country learning and expertise, in support of medical education. Professor Deborah Gill (Director of UCLMS), explains why these partnerships are as important as ever. (18 September 2020) Read: Clinical Teacher, More: UCL News

• The Covid-19 pandemic didn’t solve climate change Professor Ilan Kelman (UCL Institute for Risk & Disaster Reduction) contributes to a debate on whether the lockdowns begun by the coronavirus pandemic have affected climate change’s impact on the environment and adds “Climate change is not stopping because of lockdowns.” (18 September 2020) Read: CNN

• UK two weeks from losing control of virus Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) explains that the most recent mathematical modelling has shown the UK has two to three weeks to get the testing system under control and calls for specialised health teams to be tasked with monitoring infections. (18 September 2020) Read: City A.M., More: Express

• How to lift an economy in a post-Covid world? Professor Steve Keen (UCL Office of the Vice-Provost: Research) joins a discussion on unemployment and global economies after the coronavirus pandemic ends, and gives examples of countries whose economies he expects will be affected by their early efforts to stop the virus. (18 September 2020) Listen: BBC World Service Radio’s ‘The Real Story’ (from 4 mins 25 secs)

• Debunking a Covid-19 ‘miracle cure’ Emeritus Professor David Colquhoun (UCL Biosciences) debunks claims by a group of Bolivian doctors that Chlorine Dioxide can help cure Covid-19, saying “Whatever actions it has at cellular level have nothing to do with whether or not it helps Covid…That needs trials in humans.” (17 September 2020) Read: Business Insider

• Will there be a spike in Covid-19 deaths? With Covid-19 cases on the rise, Dr Jasmina Panovska-Griffiths (UCL Epidemiology & Health) shares her concerns that “the number of hospitalisations and deaths may be lagging behind [the recent spike in cases] and we just don’t know at the moment.” (17 September 2020) Read: Huffington Post 

• Will Europe emerge from the pandemic as a stronger union? Next Generation E.U., the €750 billion coronavirus aid package for European countries, has led many to hope that EU countries will form a closer bond, but Professor Rainer Kattel (UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose) cautions that this solidarity may be short-lived. (17 September 2020) Read: New York Magazine 

• Workers bring Covid-19 into care homes, not visitors With care homes going into lockdown to protect elderly residents, Dr Aida Suarez-Gonzalez (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) warns that “Covid does not enter care homes through visitors, but workers instead. This is what we’ve learned during the first wave.” (17 September 2020) Read: i News 

• ‘Lives are going to be lost unnecessarily’ Independent Sage member Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Science) explains the UK Government’s test, trace and isolate system is vital as it allows experts to identify where outbreaks are, but without a working system ‘lives are going to be lost unnecessarily.” (16 September 2020) Listen: Talk Radio’s ‘The Julia Hartley-Brewer Breakfast Show’ (from 1 hour 36 mins 55 secs) 

• People’s lives ‘on hold’ due to lack of Covid-19 tests Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) sympathises with the people who cannot get tested for Covid-19 as many who may be infected won’t know, and “the danger is that when we do get a hold on it, whenever testing is fixed in a few weeks, we’ll already be at 20,000 cases." (16 September 2020) Watch: BBC News (from 9 mins)

• 'Not enough tests for five months due to winter coughs' With the number of winter colds and flu expected to spike, new research from a team including Dr Rob Aldridge (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) indicates that people with colds who request Covid-19 tests will further lower the limited supply of coronavirus tests for months. (16 September 2020) Read: BBC News 

• 500,000 people a day will show Covid-19 symptoms this winter With more Covid-19 cases on the rise, Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health) highlights the importance of the testing system in the UK’s fight to control the coronavirus, and adds the demand and capacity would “need to rise quite rapidly over the autumn and winter.” (16 September 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: Guardian, Wales Online, Mirror, Guardian, Mail Online, Mail Online (2), Mail Online (3), Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 1 hour 9 mins 36 secs) 

• Fears Covid-19 may leave thousands in UK with severe kidney disease While experts debate whether long-term kidney problems may be an after-effect Covid-19, Professor Sebastian Brandner (UCL Institute of Neurology) explains more research must be done to determine the coronavirus’s impact on the human body. (16 September 2020)

• Coronavirus fatality rates are way down – why has the government not taken this on board? Visiting Professor Paul Ormerod (UCL Centre for Decision Making Uncertainty) calls the UK health officials’ belief that a second wave of the coronavirus will be as lethal as the first ‘irrational’ and adds that despite the rising Covid-19 cases, fewer people are dying from it. (16 September 2020) Read: City A.M. 

• The rise and fall of the immunity passport In a look at the merits of immunity passports during the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Michael Veale (UCL Laws) criticises a report from the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation, stating it doesn’t consider the full implications of who could use the data, for how long or its purpose. (15 September 2020) Read: New Statesman 

• Rule of six doesn’t make sense, says experts Independent Sage member Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Science) criticises the rule of six, asserting that the public health measure’s messaging is unclear and that there has been no evidence provided for it. (15 September 2020) Listen: Talk Radio’s ‘Drivetime with Dan Wootton’ (from 22 mins 16 secs) 

• Tests run out in England’s top Covid-19 hotspots Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) comments on the lack of Covid-19 diagnostic tests in the areas where they are most needed, tweeting, “People with COVID but no test confirmation will not necessarily be isolating and their contacts certainly won't.” (15 September 2020) Read: Yahoo! News 

• Explaining the rule of six Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health) explains the reasoning behind the new Covid-19 regulations and how “sticking to the rule of six outside of school will reduce opportunities for transmission.” (14 September 2020) Read: Guardian 

• The end of commuterland? With London’s lure for business entrepreneurs dwindling in light of the coronavirus pandemic, Professor Yolande Barnes (UCL Bartlett Real Estate Institute) comments on the fewer commuters travelling to London for work and how “great cities breathe in and breathe out” populations. (14 September 2020) Read: Economist (£) 

• How was the rule of six decided? Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health) discusses the ‘rule of six’ and questions whether the science backs up the UK Government’s new public health measure. (14 September 2020) Listen: LBC Radio’s ‘Liza Aziz Show’ (from 2 hours 6 mins 20 secs) 

• England 'on knife-edge' as Covid-19 cases rise With many expressing concern over the increase in Covid-19 cases in the UK, Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity) says the latest data shows that out of those people being asked to self-isolate, less than half were properly doing so. (14 September 2020) Read: Guardian 

• Experts say stop blaming young people for Covid-19 Dr Daisy Fancourt (UCL Epidemiology & Health Care) and Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) say we shouldn’t blame young people for socialising during the pandemic and that doing so “could have [the] opposite effect on compliance.” (14 September 2020) Read: Yahoo! News 

• Britain has done more than any other to meet the challenge of coronavirus In a look at innovations sparked by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices manufactured by a team led by Professor Rebecca Shipley (UCL Mechanical Engineering), Mercedes-AMG HPP and UCLH in partnership with Mercedes F1 are mentioned. (14 September 2020) Read: ThisIsMoney, More: MSN News, FT (£) 

• Working from home could be keeping Covid-19 at bay – for proof, look at London Professor James Cheshire (UCL Geography) and his colleague discuss why London’s highly dense population reports low numbers of Covid-19, asserting that it may be because many London jobs can be done remotely. (14 September 2020) Read: Guardian, More: UCL News

• Does Trump’s Covid-19 audio recording spell the end to his election hopes? Dr Brian Klaas (UCL European Languages, Culture and Society) comments on the recording of President Trump admitting to downplaying the Covid-19’s impact, adding that Trump’s handling of the pandemic will just be one of many contentious issues for voters in the upcoming election. (14 September 2020) Listen: Times Radio’s ‘Ayesha Hazarika Show’ (from 2 hours 43 mins 58 secs) 

• Could the anti-vaccination movement hinder a potential coronavirus vaccine? Professor Helen Bedford (UCL GOS Institute of Child Health) explains that the drop in UK vaccination rates isn’t solely from anti-vaxxers but also comes from confusion following NHS reforms moving vaccination services to local authorities, which mean many do not know where to go. (14 September 2020) Read: Times (£) 

• How Covid-19 attacks the brain Dr Michael Zandi (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) explains the findings of a study on the effects of Covid-19 on the human brain, adding that patients can be affected in different ways with some suffering from neurological effects of the coronavirus and others not. (11 September 2020) Read: Evening Standard, More: New York Post, Nature

• Does the technology for rapid Covid-19 testing exist? Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Infection & Immunity) comments how even with the right technology, the tests must work properly to avoid false positive or negative results, the laboratories need to have capacity to run the tests, and “people have got to want to comply." (11 September 2020) Listen: BBC Radio London’s ‘Salma El-Wardany and Lionheart Show’ (from 2 hours 20 secs), More: BBC Radio 4’s ‘The World at One’ (from 24 mins 45 secs) 

• Over a quarter of people say their lives are very different now compared to before Covid-19 Despite the easing of lockdown measures, 28% of adults have reported that their lives are currently ‘completely different’ or have ‘lots of differences’ compared to prior to Covid-19, finds Dr Daisy Fancourt (UCL Epidemiology & Health Care) as part of the Covid-19 Social Study. (11 September 2020) Read: Evening Standard, More: MSN News, Wales Online, CNN, Listen: LBC News’ ‘Darren Adam Show’ (from 1 hour 51 mins), More: BBC Radio 4’s ‘A Short History of Solitude’ (from 20 mins 55 secs), UCL News

• Experts unsurprised Covid-19 cases are increasing Professor Anthony Costello (UCL Institute for Global Health) says the rise of Covid-19 cases is unsurprising and promotes the mathematical modelling of Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) which predicted there will be a second wave of the coronavirus. (9 September 2020) Listen: LBC Radio’s ‘Eddie Mair Show’ (from 20 mins 26 secs) 

• On coronavirus, governments have been the most irrational of us all Visiting Professor Paul Ormerod (UCL Centre for Decision Making Uncertainty) writes how policy makers have reacted to the Covid-19 pandemic without complete or accurate information, and how governments are most guilty of this. (9 September 2020) Read: City A.M. 

• Labs told to run some Covid-19 tests twice amid concerns of false-positives Professor Deenan Pillay (UCL Infection & Immunity) comments on new PHE guidance for laboratories to run patients’ Covid-19 tests twice if the positive result is vague, saying false positive results in the lab are not unusual or unique to the virus. (9 September 2020) Read: Telegraph (£) 

• Group sizes to be restricted due to Covid-19 Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health) comments on the confusion surrounding the UK Government decision to restrict social gatherings to a maximum of six people both indoors and outdoors. (9 September 2020) Listen: LBC Radio’s ‘Darren Adams’ Show’ (from 6 mins 18 secs) 

• The plight of domestic workers in lockdown Professor Virginia Mantouvalou (UCL Laws), explains the legal complications facing unemployed migrant workers in the UK, adding “there is absolutely no guarantee that someone who has been ill-treated and possibly trafficked will manage to be recognised as a victim of trafficking. (8 September 2020) Read: Al Jazeera News 

• Why are the new coronavirus cases in younger people? With new statistics revealing that the new outbreaks of Covid-19 cases are in younger people in their 20s, experts including Honorary Lecturer Dr Gavin Morgan (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) and Senior Teaching Fellow Oksana Pyzik (UCL School of Pharmacy) debate the causes. (8 September 2020) Read: Telegraph (£), Watch: BBC News 

• Coronavirus showed the way cities fund public transport is broken – here’s how it needs to change Dr Jenny McArthur (UCL STEaPP) writes how the coronavirus has affected public transport in cities, and calls for sustainable and affordable funding for passengers once the Covid-19 pandemic ends. (8 September 2020) Read: Conversation 

• What is the significance of the jump in infection numbers? Dr Jennifer Rohn (UCL Medicine) explains there are unknown variables regarding the new data of Covid-19 cases in the UK, adding “we still don’t know the longer-term effects of mild or asymptomatic infections, let alone the longer-term disabilities of hospitalised survivors.” (8 September 2020) Read: Times (£) 

• UK case rises are 'concerning' Independent Sage members Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Science) and Professor Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health) criticise the UK Government’s confusing messaging and express concern at the “very worrying increases in cases” of Covid-19 in England. (8 September 2020) Read: BBC News, Yahoo! News, China Daily, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Six O’Clock News’ (from 7 mins 12 secs), More: Times Radio’s ‘John Pienaar with Times Radio Drive’ (from 1 hour 19 mins 55 secs), BBC Radio 4’s ‘PM’ (from 11 mins 40 secs), BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’ (from 2 hours 15 mins 53 secs), Watch: ITV News  

• How the ageing immune system makes older people vulnerable to COVID-19 A study by Professor Arne Akbar (UCL Infection & Immunity) is mentioned in a look at how older patients face a higher risk of dying from Covid-19, as they are more likely to have underlying health conditions that make them more vulnerable to the virus. (8 September 2020) Read: New York Times (£) More: Times of India, Chicago Tribune   

• Young people must know Covid-19 risks Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Infection & Immunity) comments how it is essential younger people are warned about Covid-19, as new positive cases are rising among people aged 20-29 and up to age 45. (7 September 2020) Read: BBC News, More: Mail Online, Mail Online (2), Mail Online (3), Express, Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’, More: BBC Radio 5 Live’s ‘5 Live Breakfast Show’ (from 1 hour 21 mins 17 secs)    

• Is Covid-19 a seasonal virus? Professor David Alexander (UCL Institute of Risk & Disaster Reduction) dismisses the seasonality theory of the coronavirus, adding that it is not so much the virus worsens over the winter months, but that immunity generally falls in the population during this time. (7 September 2020) Read: Huffington Post 

• Europe races to reopen schools amid Covid-19 resurgence In a discussion on schools reopening despite increasing Covid-19 cases, Senior Teaching Fellow Oksana Pyzik (UCL School of Pharmacy) explains how viral transmission rates are higher amongst teachers, and adds we must "think about how we can protect teachers as well as pupils.” (7 September 2020) Read: VOA News 

• Why isn’t London having a second wave of Covid-19 While other European cities go back into lockdown amid fresh cases of the coronavirus, Professor David Alexander (UCL Institute of Risk & Disaster Reduction) says the lack of a second spike in London is an enigma, “given that London very definitely led during the initial peak.” (7 September 2020) Read: Guardian 

• Could the MMR vaccine help prevent Covid-19? As the MMR vaccine is trialled to determine its skill at protecting healthcare workers from Covid-19, Professor Laurence Lovat (UCL Surgery & Interventional Science) adds “it may enhance the effectiveness of vaccines currently in development to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection." (7 September 2020) Read: US News & World Report  

• Fears UK government has lost control as Covid-19 cases soar With over 2500 new cases of the coronavirus reported in a single day, Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) warns that “There is no way you can look at these figures and feel confident”. (7 September 2020) Read: Guardian, Listen: Times Radio’s ‘Aasmah Mir and Stig Abell with Times Radio Breakfast’ (from 2 hours 31 mins 38 secs), More: Times Radio’s ‘John Pienaar with Times Radio Drive’ (from 20 mins 6 secs, LBC Radio’s ‘Shelagh Fogarty Show’ (from 2 hours 36 mins 43 secs), Watch: Sky News, More: ITV 's Good Morning Britiain (from 1 hour 38 mins 35 secs)   

• Do the experts understand the Covid-19 rules? Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Science) explains that the changing regulations for remaining safe during the Covid-19 pandemic has caused confusion and adds “it’s thoroughly confusing, in terms of just people’s brains being able to absorb and keep up with it.” (7 September 2020) Listen: BBC Radio London’s ‘Vanessa Feltz Show’ (from 2 hours 54 mins 9 secs)

• Leeds faces potential lockdown as new Covid-19 cases emerge In response to new cases of the coronavirus emerging in Leeds, Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Health) states how England should have followed other countries’ strategies in lowering infection rates and adds “the problem is that this remains a very infectious virus." (4 September 2020) Read: Daily Star

• Coronavirus: what researchers know about the risk of reopening schools – and how best to limit it Professor Sir Michael Marmot (UCL Epidemiology & Health) co-writes a piece on how best to protect pupils in schools from Covid-19. (4 September 2020) Read: Conversation, More: UCL News

• Remote-work visas will shape the future of work, travel and citizenship As Bermuda is the first country to issue 12-month remote work visas, PhD researcher Dave Cook (UCL Anthropology) asserts this will change the future of work and our views on citizenship. (3 September 2020) Read: Conversation, More: UCL News

• Preparing children to return to school in a pandemic Dr Bettina Hohnen and Dr Jane Gilmour (both UCL GOS Institute of Child Health) offers tips and tricks for parents to help their children adjust to returning to schools, including staying calm, sticking to a routine and tailoring advice to children’s communication styles. (1 September 2020) Read: Guardian  

• Quarter of Covid victims in England and Wales have dementia People with dementia account for 25% of Covid-related deaths in England and Wales, and form the large majority of linked care home deaths globally, finds a cross-country report co-led by UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and UCL Psychiatry academics. (1 September 2020) Read: Guardian

• Little room for manoeuvre as UK Covid cases rise Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics) comments how we could see more cases of Covid-19 in this autumn as more people are staying inside and working in close quarters. (1 September 2020) Read: Guardian, More: Guardian (2) 

• The curious saga of the deceased Herman Cain’s living Twitter account Following the tweets sent from Herman Cain’s twitter account which downplayed Covid-19, Dr Brian Klaas (UCL European Languages, Culture and Society) calls the tweet ‘a tragedy’, as the former GOP presidential candidate Cain died of the coronavirus. (1 September 2020) Read: Washington Post (£) 

• Covid-19 pandemic has changed our working environment As countries like Bermuda are offering remote working visas for visitors, PhD Researcher Dave Cook (UCL Anthropology) comments how the Covid-19 pandemic has forced employers to allow flexible working hours and remote working options for employees. (1 September 2020) Read: BBC News (Spanish) 

• Why pandemics aren’t the worst thing that could happen In a discussion on solar storms, Professor Ilan Kelman (UCL Institute for Risk & Disaster Reduction) explains the devastating impact these could have on our communications if one hit the earth, saying “the possible consequences are immense”. (1 September 2020) Read: Times (£) 

• Herd behaviour is helping keep London offices empty Professor Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) comments how in the UK people feel comfortable shopping at the same shops as everyone else, yet during the pandemic it is this same herd behaviour which keeps people working at home. (1 September 2020) Read: Mail Online, More: MSN News  

• Experts say we are returning to work too early Amidst criticism of the UK Government’s push for remote workers to return to offices, Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) calls this move premature, saying there was “concern about the timing about encouraging a return to work." (1 September 2020) Read: Independent, More: MSN News 

• Far right using coronavirus as excuse to attack Asians In a look at the increased numbers of hate crimes against Asian people, Dr Lu Gram (UCL Institute for Global Health) explains how President Trump’s calling Covid-19 the ‘China virus’ has helped spread a wrong message and contribute to hate crimes. (1 September 2020) Read: Guardian, More: MSN News, Fr24 News, Yahoo! News 

• Has lockdown stolen our humour? In a look at how one comedian has struggled with keeping a positive outlook during the lockdown, Professor Sophie Scott (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) explains that during times of stress and when we are uncomfortable, finding something laughable is much harder. (1 September 2020) Read: Times (£) 

• Government and teachers’ realities are increasingly worlds apart Dr Alice Bradbury (UCL Institute of Education) comments on the A-levels exam results controversy and how this has served to increase distrust in the UK Government from parents and the teaching sector. (28 August 2020) Read: Schools Week, More: UCL News

• Experts point out flaws in Government’s return to work scheme Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) criticises the UK Government’s encouragement for people to return to the workplace, explaining how long commutes negatively impacts people’s health, whereas working from home allows for greater productivity. (28 August 2020) Listen: BBC Radio 5 Live’s ‘Dotun Adebayo Show’ (from 3 hours 1 min 21 secs)

• Scientists target coronavirus immunity puzzle With the new UK Coronavirus Immunology Consortium (UK-CIC) dedicated to learning how immunity affects a patient’s response to Covid-19, Professor Mala Maini (UCL Infection & Immunity) explains “The immune system is underlying everything that's key to the response to this virus.” (28 August 2020) Read: BBC News 

• Fuller care homes with fewer staff had more Covid-19 cases In a study of care homes, a UCL study led by Dr Laura Shallcross (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) found that higher numbers of residents and fewer staff were linked to higher numbers of Covid-19 cases. (28 August 2020) Read: Guardian, More: Yahoo! News 

• Covid-19 and law and order key issues for US election Dr Thomas Gift (UCL Centre for US Politics) comments on the upcoming American presidential election, adding how the Republican Party is seeking to control their messaging by depicting the Democratic Party as a “fundamentally dangerous enterprise”. (27 August 2020) Listen: LBC Radio’s ‘Lisa Aziz Show’ (from 3 hours 28 mins 7 secs)  

• How worried should we be about the coronavirus resurgence in Europe? Three experts weigh in Dr Jasmina Panovska-Griffiths (UCL Epidemiology & Health) and her colleagues discuss the possibility of a second wave of Covid-19 in Europe, and calls for increased track and tracing and testing as the world awaits a working vaccine. (27 August 2020) Read: Conversation, More: UCL News

• The cases for and against wearing masks in schools Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) and Professor Russell Viner (UCL GOS Institute of Child Health) debate the science supporting and rebutting the UK Government’s decision to require children to wear face masks in communal areas at school from 31 August. (26 August 2020) Read: Guardian  

• Sweden shows us whether lockdown was worth the economic cost Researcher Rickard Nyman and Visiting Professor Paul Ormerod (both UCL Centre for Decision Making Uncertainty) compared the trajectory of deaths from Covid-19 between the UK and Sweden and found that 20,000 lives had been saved from the lockdown versus an estimate of 500,000. (26 August 2020) Read: City A.M. 

• Has England learned any lessons from the first wave of coronavirus? Discussing a potential second wave of Covid-19, Professor Susan Michie (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) comments how there is a lack of data available on how many people with symptoms have been contacted and are self-isolating. (25 August 2020) Read: Guardian 

• New patient contracts Covid-19 twice As a patient in Hong Kong is found to have had two different strains of Covid-19, Professor Mala Maini (UCL Infection & Immunity) comments that “we can’t assume someone who has had Covid-19 can’t get it again just because they initially became antibody-positive.” (25 August 2020) Read: Yahoo! News 

• Exploring Covid-19’s impact on BAME communities Ahead of a documentary on Covid-19's impact on BAME communities, a study led by Dr Rob Aldridge (UCL Institute of Health Informatics) and Dr Delan Devakumar (UCL Institute for Global Health) is mentioned for looking into why BAME people are 2.3 times more likely to die from it. (25 August 2020) Read: Yahoo! News, More: AOL News 

• Loosening restrictions could trigger a second wave of Covid-19 As schools reopen and more people are meeting in groups and using public transport, Professor Dame Anne Johnson (UCL Infection & Immunity) warns that these could all contribute to an autumn spike in Covid-19 cases and calls for a public information campaign to keep cases down. (24 August 2020) Read: Guardian, More: Yahoo! News 

• UK's R value may be above 1 for first time on record In a discussion on Covid-19 and the R value, Dr Jasmina Panovska-Griffiths (UCL Epidemiology & Health) explains how when the infection rates decline, the transmission of the virus varies across the population, making the R value a less useful tool for scientists. (24 August 2020) Read: Guardian 

• Sovereign funds rethink once-reliable real estate With many retailers like Harrods projecting losses, Professor Yolande Barnes (UCL Bartlett Real Estate Institute) explains how the Covid-19 pandemic has posed major issues for many commercial properties, requiring some retailers to attempt to renegotiate rental agreements. (24 August 2020) Read: Reuters, More: Straits Times 

• Will Covid-19 kill off the teaching-research employment model? As the Covid-19 pandemic strains the traditional teaching model in higher education, Professor Graeme Reid (UCL Office of the Vice Provost: Research) explains how this is a good time for universities to align with the UK Government’s wish for more research into science. (24 August 2020) Read: THE (£)