The founder of the Zoe Covid study has said the British government's decision to withdraw funding from the coronavirus symptom monitoring app is a “huge mistake".
“We’re incredibly disappointed that the [UK Health Security Agency] has decided not to renew funding of the [study]," Prof Tim Spector told The National.
“Since the start of the pandemic, Zoe has been at the forefront of critical scientific discoveries which have saved lives. It’s proven that our million-strong community of citizen scientists can help to achieve accurate symptom and case predictions, as well as contribute to more than 40 published scientific papers."
In the early stages of the pandemic, the app was instrumental in alerting policymakers to loss of smell and taste as indications of an infection.
Prof Spector said he is baffled that such a valuable tool was put aside by Westminster.
“We believe that not renewing the funding is a huge mistake for the UK and for science," he said.
“The UKHSA has acknowledged that the pandemic isn’t over yet, so, for them to take this decision is both a surprise and disappointment."
Learning to live with it or forgetting it exists?
The decision was taken against the backdrop of a near weekly doubling of confirmed Covid case numbers in the UK, and the emergence of the Deltacron variant in Europe and the US.
UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the increase was a natural consequence of the UK's transition to a “learning to live with it" strategy.
This involves ending all coronavirus restrictions and dismantling testing and tracking infrastructure such as the weekly Office for National Statistics infection study as of April, widely regarded as the most accurate measure of Covid prevalence.
Critics say the government's approach is reckless and leaves the UK effectively blind to infection levels and new coronavirus variants.
Proponents say it is proportionate with the threat posed by the virus in a largely vaccinated population.
The latter position was superficially corroborated by a Financial Times study last week which suggested that, for the first since the pandemic began, fewer people in the UK infected with Covid die than those infected with flu.
However, in a caveat, the authors pointed out that despite Covid's vaccine-driven attenuation, ONS data showed that 9,641 people have died from a respiratory disease since the beginning of the year in the UK – double the number in a typical flu season.
Given the UK National Health Service's struggle with winter illness before the pandemic began, a situation where this load is doubled every year will create significant logistical and economic difficulties.
Zoe to continue without government support
Scientists such as Prof Spector believe that instead of the “pretend it doesn't exist" approach which brought an end to funding for Zoe and the ONS studies, the government should be taking the opposite tack.
“I do think we need a more global monitoring, not only of the genetics … but also like the Zoe app of symptoms, so people can see when something funny is happening and investigate,” he told The National in February when discussing the possibility Covid can be treated like flu.
With the help and support of our loyal loggers, we will continue to track both the symptoms and spread of the Covid pandemic
Prof Tim Spector,
Zoe app founder
“I think we just haven't devoted really any money to this kind of stuff in the past.”
His words then seem prophetic and ironic now, although he is hopeful that the Zoe app can continue.
“[We are] committed to continue running even without government funding and … our parent company, Zoe, the personalised nutrition company, will fund it in the short term while we look into other ways to secure the future of the study.
“With the help and support of our loyal loggers, we will continue to track both the symptoms and spread of the Covid pandemic, as well as investigate other chronic health conditions using the same pioneering technology in the app.”
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
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Overview
Cricket World Cup League Two: Nepal, Oman, United States tri-series, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu
Fixtures
Wednesday February 5, Oman v Nepal
Thursday, February 6, Oman v United States
Saturday, February 8, United States v Nepal
Sunday, February 9, Oman v Nepal
Tuesday, February 11, Oman v United States
Wednesday, February 12, United States v Nepal
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More coverage from the Future Forum
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
