A LEADING Oxford scientist has said people should move away from a 'terror' of coronavirus to save the economy.

Professor Sir John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford University, said: “Britain urgently needs to shift its mindset from a terror of the Covid-19 virus to focus on the damage already done to our economy – and the worse that is yet to come.”

Writing for the Daily Mail, he added the recent spike in infections was ‘to be expected’ as people return to workplaces and businesses reopen.

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The Oxford academic admitted the rise was ‘concerning’ and the UK must be prepared for a second wave and work hard to contain localised outbreaks to prevent it.

He stressed, however, this must now ‘hamper our efforts to return to normality’, adding: “Much of the increase in infections is among the young, who tend to experience moderate or no symptoms. Crucially, we have not yet seen a jump in hospital admissions or deaths.”

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The scientist said tests that were ‘easier to use but less sensitive’ would be crucial in giving people the confidence to return to normal activities.

He went on: “We cannot achieve absolute perfection and safety with any test regime, but regular testing will make managing the infection rate much easier – and restore confidence.”