By AFPMore by this AuthorA top scientist who advised British leaders on coronavirus lockdown measures said on Tuesday he had resigned from a key government panel after admitting to breaking the country's rules on social distancing. Professor Neil Ferguson, an epidemiologist on the advisory team helping the UK coordinate its pandemic response, stepped down following media reports that he had allowed a woman to visit him at home. "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. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was hospitalised by the disease and has now recovered, ordered the initial three-week lockdown on March 23.

Source: Daily Nation May 06, 2020 02:37 UTC