Q&A at daily press conference on Covid-19 from Downing Street

The video discusses the importance of understanding whether antibodies protect against reinfection and how long they last. It emphasizes the need for careful study and patience in gathering data over time. Global efforts, including long-term serology surveys, are underway to answer these questions. The availability of reliable antibody tests is a positive development. If antibodies provide lasting immunity, it could significantly impact the ability to lift lockdowns.

What is the primary focus of the initial studies on antibodies?

• To understand if antibodies protect against reinfection

• To find out how antibodies are produced

• To determine if antibodies can cure diseases

• To measure the speed of antibody response

Why is it important to study the duration of antibody presence in the body?

• To increase antibody production

• To develop new vaccines

• To understand long-term immunity

• To predict future pandemics

What is a key challenge in determining how long antibodies last?

• Insufficient funding

• Lack of technology

• Need for long-term data collection

• Unreliable test results

How could reliable antibody tests change public health strategies?

• By reducing the need for social distancing

• By enabling the release of lockdowns

• By allowing for more targeted lockdowns

• By eliminating the need for vaccines

What is the general sentiment about the development of reliable antibody tests?

• Concern

• Optimism

• Indifference

• Skepticism