Future pandemics can be more deadly than the current COVID-19 crisis, so more funding will be needed to prepare, according to Sarah Gilbert, one of the creators of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
“This will not be the last time that a virus threatens our lives and our livelihoods,” Richard Dimbleby said at the so-called conference, which was recorded in Oxford and will be broadcast on Monday by the BBC, but some excerpts from his speech already have been advanced.
“The truth is that the next (pandemic) will be worse, it may be more contagious or more lethal, or both,” he added.
The Oxford University scientist insisted that the knowledge acquired in the current COVID-19 crisis should serve to prepare.
Regarding the omicron variant, Gilbert pointed out that, due to its mutations, the virus seems to be transmitted more easily and it is possible that vaccines are less effective in preventing infection, but he insisted that this does not mean that they are less effective in reduce serious illness or death.
“Until we know more, we should be cautious and take steps to slow the spread of this new variant,” he said.
Gilbert’s intervention coincides with the new restrictions imposed by the British Government to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, such as the obligation to wear a mask on public transport or in stores, while all travelers entering the country, both vaccinated as those who are not, should have a PCR test on the second day of entry.
From tomorrow (Tuesday), the British authorities will also require an antigen test or a PCR 48 hours before embarking for the United Kingdom.
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