Something which needs remembering with the future is that isn't something which is used for other illnesses is that they are testing in sewerage systems for Covid.
As such is possible to undertake surge testing in advance of it becoming noticeable through hospitalisations.
Whilst that's not going to stop all cases it's likely that in effect that our ability to limit the spread of it within the community is increased, which should mean that small gaps in the numbers being vaccinated should be less of an issue.
The other thing which comes into play is the testing required to enter the UK as well as the likely requirement for vaccination for international travel, again that's likely to limit transmission (unlike, for example, flu).
It's likely that such testing could change in nature, for example moving from PCR to lateral flow for travel to those countries with high vaccination levels, which would result in cheaper testing.
Whilst there may still be random PCR testing to confirm (much like there's random additional security checks for some), such tests should then be free (well covered by a couple of quid on the ticket price of everyone, for instance if 1:30 were tested then that's likely to be £2/ticket).
Which leads to the question, could similar steps be taken for other things to reduce their impact (such as flu).
Ah Mr Bond, we've been expecting you, here's your entry to the UK results. As you'll see you are clear for Covid, but we've identified that you do have the flu. Can you therefore limit your interaction with others for 7 days. We recommend that you practice good hands washing, limiting your interactions with people who are closer than 2m, especially inside, and when you do we recommend that you wear a face covering.
As such is possible to undertake surge testing in advance of it becoming noticeable through hospitalisations.
Whilst that's not going to stop all cases it's likely that in effect that our ability to limit the spread of it within the community is increased, which should mean that small gaps in the numbers being vaccinated should be less of an issue.
The other thing which comes into play is the testing required to enter the UK as well as the likely requirement for vaccination for international travel, again that's likely to limit transmission (unlike, for example, flu).
It's likely that such testing could change in nature, for example moving from PCR to lateral flow for travel to those countries with high vaccination levels, which would result in cheaper testing.
Whilst there may still be random PCR testing to confirm (much like there's random additional security checks for some), such tests should then be free (well covered by a couple of quid on the ticket price of everyone, for instance if 1:30 were tested then that's likely to be £2/ticket).
Which leads to the question, could similar steps be taken for other things to reduce their impact (such as flu).
Ah Mr Bond, we've been expecting you, here's your entry to the UK results. As you'll see you are clear for Covid, but we've identified that you do have the flu. Can you therefore limit your interaction with others for 7 days. We recommend that you practice good hands washing, limiting your interactions with people who are closer than 2m, especially inside, and when you do we recommend that you wear a face covering.