BJ: Sorry, what was the question? Should we have put India on the red list earlier? No, not really. It wasn't a variant of concern yet. Yes, it was causing concern to people in India, but not for us! We're exceptional. And nothing can affect us because of our amazing vaccines!
No, we never use the data to inform policy - that could seriously scupper our plans, but it's always good to know what's happening, even if we never change what we do. It just means that we can knowingly ignore the risks, rather than unknowingly ignore them. Much better.
We're collecting data through enhanced surveillance so we'll be able to watch any third waves, viral adaptation, and deaths in real time. We probably won't do anything to prevent this, but we definitely will surveil them closely, because our surveillance systems are excellent!
Whitty: Lots to be concerned about- lot's of uncertainty. Let's deal with uncertainty the best way possible- let's just go ahead with what we're doing anyway & hope for the best. If things get really bad, we'll know in a month or two, & we can act then - what's the rush?
Coming this Thursday (7pm UK time): We've lured @SethAndrewsTTA host of @ThinkingAtheist to join us for a confessional. Come join us. Bring friends!
For more info:
Facebook: https://t.co/OgFXdKM2kt
Website: https://t.co/OiVqAyi9ao