Britain's health secretary suggested that the police could take action against a top scientist who was instrumental in establishing the country's coronavirus lockdown after he quit his official position following media reports.
Professor Neil Ferguson, an epidemiologist on the advisory team helping the UK co-ordinate its pandemic response, said on Tuesday he had resigned from a key government panel after admitting to breaking the country's rules on social distancing.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, said he was speechless at the front-page revelations and warned enforcement of the measures to stay at home and maintain social distancing outside the household by the police.
"It’s a matter for the police," he said on Wednesday. "As a government minister, I’m not allowed to get involved in the operational decisions of police matters. But I think that the social-distancing rules are very important and should be followed."
Prof Ferguson stepped down following media reports that he had allowed a woman to visit him at home.
"I accept I made an error of judgement and took the wrong course of action," he said.
"I deeply regret any undermining of the clear messages around the continued need for social distancing to control this devastating epidemic."
The scientist said he had "stepped back" from his role on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) where he had argued for the March lockdown. A government spokesman confirmed his resignation.
Mr Ferguson's academic team produced model on the possible spread of the virus which has been repeatedly cited by ministers, and is seen as a turning point in their response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The model showed that under a reasonable worst-case scenario as many as 500,000 people could die. It contributed to the decision to impose the most far-reaching restrictions on daily life in Britain's peacetime history to stop the spread of the virus.
"I acted in the belief that I was immune, having tested positive for coronavirus and completely isolated myself for almost two weeks after developing symptoms," Mr Ferguson said.
"I deeply regret any undermining of the clear messages around the continued need for social distancing to control this devastating epidemic. The government guidance is unequivocal, and is there to protect all of us."
A second government minister said the resignation ensured the continued clarity of the government's message to stay at home in most circumstances. "The underlying government advice is unequivocal," said James Brokenshire, the security minister. "He has taken an appropriate course."
Prof Ferguson's decision is the latest embarrassment for UK authorities after Scotland's chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood quit on April 5 after twice visiting her second home during the lockdown.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was in hospital with the disease and has now recovered, ordered the initial three-week lockdown on March 23.
Under the measures, "non-essential" shops and services were shut while residents were told not to go out except for exercise and to buy essential items. Police were given powers to fine those flouting the rules.
The lockdown was extended for another three weeks in mid-April, but Mr Johnson is soon expected to set out his plan to lift the stringent rules, according to media reports.
Britain, the world's second worst-hit country after the US with more than 32,000 coronavirus deaths, imposed strict stay-at-home orders in late March.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
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In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
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German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
