Science Will Win This

Experts working round-the-clock in the battle to banish Covid-19

- Matt Roper

While staying at home, social distancing and washing hands will help keep coronavirus at bay, it is science that will finally defeat it. All of us are doing our part to stop the spread of the disease and save lives, but we dream of the day a vaccine is found. But until then, the world’s leading scientists and engineers, and companies from Fujifilm to Mercedes, are racing to develop other ways to combat Covid-19 and enable us, as much as possible, to return to normal life.

Here we look at how the scientific world is bringing hope to a world desperate for a light at the end of the tunnel...

ANTIBODY TESTS

Described as a “game changer” by Boris Johnson, the UK has ordered 3.5 million testing kits designed to show if people have been infected with coronavirus.

Initially the test will enable NHS staff to know if they have already had – and recovered from – the virus so they can return to work.

Widespread use could reveal whether large numbers of mild infections have gone unnoticed, allowing those people to return to normal life.

If, as an Oxford University study claimed this week, over half of us have been infected without knowing, it would mean an end to lockdown for millions.

HOW IT WORKS

Also known as the “serology test”, it is done using a disposable kit you will be able to buy online. Individuals will be able to carry out the pinprick blood test at home, with results taking around 15 minutes.

WHEN WILL IT BE READY?

The Government has said Brits will be able to get hold of the kits within a matter of days, with Amazon or Boots selling them for around £6. But sales will probably be restricted to key workers at first.