The London Medical Laboratory has voiced its concerns about Freedom Day as the Government’s decision to end restrictions is based on the wrong data and could land us in another lockdown
The London Medical Laboratory has warned that putting an end to compulsory COVID-19 restrictions on face masks, together with the reopening of nightclubs, on Freedom Day (July 19) will increase the spread of coronavirus cases.
It has said that the Government’s decision is based on the wrong data, such as the number of people who have been vaccinated, rather than the level of antibodies they have developed.
Dr Quinton Fivelman, PhD, the Chief Scientific Officer at London Medical Laboratory says that antibody level tests would provide the Government with a better picture of antibody levels in the community and provide reassurance that the vaccines are effective. Tests are available for people to take at home.
COVID-19 vaccine
Dr Fivelman has just authored the White Paper ‘Has your vaccine worked? Are you immune to COVID-19?’.
He warns: “The Prime Minister’s announcement today was notably more cautious in tone than previous statements but, nonetheless, the plans for a return to normality could lead to exactly the opposite – the return of stiffer measures and even new lockdowns.
“The ending of legal requirements on mask-wearing and social distancing, replaced with the hope people will exercise personal judgement, cannot work if Brits do not have the full facts.”
He adds: “The PM also revealed a plan for businesses to introduce certification in high risk settings. That should not just mean checking COVID passports, but requiring accurate antibody level tests. Not everyone who has been vaccinated goes on to develop antibodies. We need a clearer idea of the actual level of antibodies individuals have before rolling back the final COVID-19 restrictions. Without a quantitative measure of their responses to first and second jabs, the Government is groping in the dark. How can crucial decisions such as ending legal restrictions on mask-wearing be made without this vital information?
“There is also growing anecdotal evidence that people who have previously caught COVID don’t believe they need to be vaccinated. London Medical Laboratory’s White Paper reveals that most people have a far higher antibody response to a vaccine against COVID-19 than from a natural infection. The Government needs to send out a clear message that people who have previously had COVID must get their vaccinations. Otherwise, plans for 19 July should still be postponed.”
Dr Fivelman cautions: “Boris also confirmed that nightclubs will reopen. We know from the latest ONS data that considerable numbers of 16–24-year-olds are now catching the virus prior to vaccination. Combined with reduced vaccine uptake among young adults, we must wonder about measures such as reopening clubs. This age group is most likely to visit clubs, which are generally poorly ventilated areas where people are packed in tightly. Anyone over the age of 18 became eligible for their first jab just over three weeks ago. Our White Paper clearly shows that those people who have only received one jab have produced significantly fewer antibodies than those who are double-vaccinated.
“Many schools have also delayed final confirmation of their Leavers proms celebrations until today’s announcement, adding an extra element of risk for the many 18-year-olds have not even had their first jab.”
Dr Fivelman explains: “New “second generation” tests have now been introduced that use a finger-prick blood sample that people can take at home and then return to the lab using a supplied envelope. The new tests confirm whether an individual’s immune system has developed IgG antibodies. By providing a quantitative measure of the body’s response, they reveal how the immune system has responded to vaccination.”
Dr Fivelman has a final warning for the Government following the Prime Minister’s announcement. “This virus has not been around long enough for scientists to be sure whether having IgG antibodies makes you immune – even at high antibody levels. Research into this is ongoing, so do not presume you are completely immune, even with a positive antibody result. The Government has not yet got all the facts it needs before rushing into lifting legal COVID-19 restrictions.”
