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Social distancing may be needed for ‘most of year’ Social distancing may be needed for ‘most of year’
(30 minutes later)
Social distancing would be needed for "at least half of the year" to stop intensive care units being overwhelmed, according to official scientific advice.Social distancing would be needed for "at least half of the year" to stop intensive care units being overwhelmed, according to official scientific advice.
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) recommended alternating between more and less strict measures for most of a year. The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) recommended alternating between more and less strict measures for most of a year.
Strict measures include school closures and social distancing for everyone.Strict measures include school closures and social distancing for everyone.
Less restrictive measures include isolating cases and households.Less restrictive measures include isolating cases and households.
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that the UK could "turn the tide" on the coronavirus outbreak within 12 weeks.It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that the UK could "turn the tide" on the coronavirus outbreak within 12 weeks.
Schools in England, Scotland and Wales will close on Friday until further notice - except for vulnerable children and those with a parent identified as a key worker.Schools in England, Scotland and Wales will close on Friday until further notice - except for vulnerable children and those with a parent identified as a key worker.
More than 65,000 retired doctors and nurses in England and Wales have been asked to return to work in the NHS to help tackle the outbreak.More than 65,000 retired doctors and nurses in England and Wales have been asked to return to work in the NHS to help tackle the outbreak.
And the chancellor is set to announce a wage subsidy package to try to protect millions of jobs.And the chancellor is set to announce a wage subsidy package to try to protect millions of jobs.
Documents prepared by Sage said alternating measures could "plausibly be effective at keeping the number of critical care cases within capacity".
Less strict measures would also include social distancing - but just in vulnerable groups.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, said the evidence in the documents published on Friday has "played a considerable role in shaping our recommendations".
"The UK is home to experts who are at the forefront of their chosen fields and we are making full use of their expertise to grow our understanding of Covid-19 as we work tirelessly to tackle this disease," he said.
The advice also said: