As the UK government buys millions of antibody samples, World Health Organisation epidemiologists have warned that it is not clear if survivors of coronavirus will be contaminated again.
The World Health Organization has cautioned there is no proof to support immunity for those who have survived coronavirus.
Top epidemiologists have cautioned that it is unclear if those who have healed from the deadly virus will be contaminated again, and for how long protection will continue.
This comes when governments around the world purchase millions of antibody tests in the expectation that they will lift lockout restrictions for nations.
Dr Maria van Kerkhove, speaking at a press conference at the WHO in Geneva, said that while tests will assess antibody levels, this does not mean a individual is necessarily safe.
Dr Maria van Kerkhove said that while tests will quantify antibody levels, this does not necessarily mean a individual is safe.
“There are a number of countries that consider using fast serological diagnostic testing to catch what they believe would be an immunity factor,” she said.
Researchers are working to create pin-prick blood tests similar to those used to detect HIV, which would check the body uses to battle the virus for elevated levels of antibodies.
Previously, Boris Johnson described the experiments as a “game changer,” as they could theoretically reveal who has immunity from the disease.
Dr van Kerkhove said that it was a “positive thing” to have so many tests.
Nonetheless, she warned: “They ought to be sure they’re checked and they know whether they’re claiming they’re trying to assess they’re really testing.” Her colleague Dr. Michael Ryan said the assessments pose “social concerns” which may generate a problem if people wrongly assume they’re exempt.
“There are significant legal concerns concerning the use of such an strategy and we will handle it carefully”.
If the world is controlled by the number of immune people it decreases the risk of an infection, because those who contract the illness would be surrounded by those who can not be affected.
People may become resistant to an infection through vaccination or healing. However, this weekend the WHO is going to issue revised immunity criteria.