Reddit AMA: The Independent’s health correspondent answers your questions on coronavirus

Independent correspondent answers questions political and medical fallout from virus

(The Independent)

It has been less than a year since the Sars-Cov-2 coronavirus was first observed in Wuhan, China - leading to one of the most disruptive pandemics in modern history as it spread across the planet.

However while science has been able to begin the task of picking apart how the coronavirus works, questions still remain when it comes to both the medical and the political response to the pandemic.

The Independent’s Health Correspondent Shaun Lintern has been covering the virus since its emergence. The following are some of the publicly submitted questions he responded to in a Reddit AMA session on 14 October.

Q. When does it look like a vaccine will be ready? Given the new information that people can be reinfected, will a vaccine even be effective?

A. This is THE question scientists and government leaders are preoccupied with. As it stands right now the activity to develop a vaccine is proceeding incredibly quickly all around the world. Just last night the Oxford vaccine developers were saying there was a possibility the rising cases in the UK might help them get across the line in their latest testing by the end of the year. Elsewhere in the US there are some really interesting trials being carried out.

So in answer to your question it looks possible we could have a vaccine by the end of 2020 - more likely that it is fully finalised early in 2020. But the issue then becomes about getting enough manufactured and distributed to vaccinate enough people. That will take time and be a logistical nightmare.

Some suggestions are it could take the first half of 2021 if not longer to ensure enough people are protected and it’s likely the vaccine will be prioritised to at risk groups first. Will it work? Frankly we just don’t know yet. The science is still emerging. The reinfection stories are a concern but we can’t say for certain just yet. A lot of the trials are showing the vaccines do generate an immune response but we will have to wait and see how long that lasts.

Q.  How damaging do you feel the misinformation and inconsistent messaging from central government in the UK has been to our efforts to minimise its impact?

A. The fact you are asking the question in a sense gives an indication of the problem. Whatever your political leaning I think people do feel confused and unsure what the rules are around coronavirus at the moment and that can’t be a good thing. Ultimately in a pandemic sitiation its vital the public have clear instructions and crucially understand why they are being asked to do this. 

On face masks for example most people understand the science and reasoning - but I don’t think that is true for the 10pm curfew. Getting the messaging right is important because government scientists have said themselves they fear the risk of fatigue among the public and people getting tired of the restriction. If we see less compliance with the rules then the virus will make hay out of that. So in short the inconsistent messaging is a problem.

Q. Government guidelines have become more about balancing the risk of contracting the virus against the countries economic abilities. Do you feel that the cost of a human life is taken into account?

A. What I will say is that being in government is about being the ones to make this decision. It is absolutely right for government to consider the economy as well as public health. But I am not sure they are opposed to each other as being suggested. For example SAGE has made clear an earlier quicker lockdown will be less economically damaging than a later lockdown which will have to last for so much longer. These issues are really complex - yes the virus is a killer but so too is a recession either via mental health and suicide as well as declining health standards and later longer term health issues. I for one am glad I am not making the decisions

Some questions and answers have been edited for clarity