Pandemic 'Over In Weeks'

Prof says life could return to normal if vax keep Indian variant cases out of hospitals

- Lizzy Buchan

THE pandemic could be declared over in the UK within weeks if the data shows jabs prevent people from being hospitalised, a vaccine expert has said.

Professor Andrew Pollard, from the Oxford Vaccine Group, said data showing whether the Covid jab is preventing hospitalisations from the new Indian strain should be available within weeks.

He said the “pandemic is over” if it’s found most people who get the virus are only falling mildly ill.

The final stage of lockdown easing on June 21 had been cast into doubt after a surge in infections from the Indian variant.

But hopes a remounting that the vaccine is holding firm against the new strain.

A study by Public Health England (PHE) found the Pfizer jab reduced the risk of catching the Indian variant by 88 per cent after two doses.