Expert Update for Doctors on COVID-19: A Summary of the Event

Abstract

In light of the rapid developments of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in China, a panel of experts came together on 12th February at the Royal College of Physicians in London, UK. The experts discussed current data on COVID-19 and the measures being taken by Public Health England (PHE). According to Prof Jimmy Whitworth, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), in London, UK, COVID-19 is clinically very similar to a severe flu to which the population has no immunity and for which a vaccine is not available. Therefore, a severe strain could be put on health services if this became a UK epidemic. This could have wider implications on daily life such as transport, food supplies, and mass gatherings.