One of the prominent epidemiologists who were part of coronavirus advisory to the government of the U.K has now stepped down from his post after sources stated that he broke the rule by permitting his girlfriend to his home.
Neil Ferguson who works as Professor at Imperial College London is one of the key strategists for U.K’s ‘stay-at-home’ plan and was part of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) which has been working tirelessly on the nation’s COVID-19 responses.
Reports say that a woman had come over to Ferguson’s residence twice despite social distancing procedures. Speaking on this Health Secretary Matt Hancock said “he was left speechless by the ‘extraordinary’” issue and he also said that Neil has made the right choice to step down from his post.
Adding to this Matt stated: “Clearly the social distancing rules are there for everyone and they are incredibly important and they are deadly serious, and the reason is that they are the means by which we have managed to get control of this virus.”
Ferguson’s act was all over the news on Tuesday when the U.K surpassed Italy with the highest of deaths in Europe. As sources from the Health Department and Social Care on Monday 29,497 have been affected by COVID-19 and died.
An official statement was made by Neil stating that: “he made an error of judgment and took the wrong course of action,” and hence he resigned from SAGE.
Adding to this he said: “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.”
“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.”