As Covid cases and the threat of infection diminished in the UK so did the requirement for certain protective measures, such as using masks and self-isolating. These steps were not only recommended to prevent you catching the disease but also spreading it to others.
Although they are no longer mandatory in the UK, some experts have maintained that they should remain in place for those most vulnerable to infection.
But with a surge in cases of child pneumonia reported in China and other countries, as well as the arrival of new Covid strains in the UK, is it time to reinstate some of these measures?
One expert spoke with Express.co.uk about how to best protect yourself. Dr Bruno Silvester Lopes, a lecturer in microbiology from Teesside University, said it is important to closely “monitor” the situation worldwide as a number of respiratory conditions are affecting thousands of people.
As reported, China has seen a surge in pneumonia among children, with health officials blaming the lifting of Covid restrictions as well as a range of viruses for the phenomenon.
Areas in the UK, US, Denmark and the Netherlands have also witnessed a rise in cases. Dr Lopes said: “Up-to-date surveillance related to the current situation is necessary so that we can evaluate any emerging patterns and trends related to disease if at all it emerges as a threat.”
He told Express.co.uk: “At the moment, no one should be worried about the spike in respiratory illnesses in China as the World Health Organisation has said it is linked with common winter infections that target the respiratory tract.
“China is seeing the surge now because the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted and winter has begun, which sees circulation of different bacteria and viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), mycoplasma pneumoniae, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 linked to COVID-19.”
According to Dr Lopes, symptoms can range from a sore throat, tiredness and fever, cough and congestion which can last for weeks or months.
He also advised that two new Covid variants could cause problems in the UK. “JN.1 currently has 22 cases in the UK and 126 cases in France, and other variants such as JN.2, JN.3 and JQ.1 have also emerged,” he said.
“HV.1 prevalence is highest in the US at 72 percent, while it is only at three percent in the UK.” If you are concerned about catching Covid or pneumonia you should consider wearing a mask in public, he said.
Dr Lopes advised: “If you are worried, there are a number of steps you can take including getting vaccinated, wearing masks, and performing lateral flow tests if you suspect Covid.
“If the test results are positive, you should isolate, avoid crowded areas where possible, and observe good hygiene practices by washing your hands and avoiding touching your eyes and mouth.”
He also recommended wearing an N95 mask if travelling to China. “It is fine to travel to China but it’s advisable that only essential travel is undertaken,” Dr Lopes said.
“If you are concerned about the risk of illness, you must ensure that you are fit to travel and are in good health.
“Wear N95 face masks as necessary, especially in crowded places, and practise good hand hygiene.”