In a question and answer session with BBC Breakfast and BBC Radio 5 Live, Prof Van-Tam said that while cases appeared to have stabilised, they were very high, and above most of Europe.
Using a football analogy, as he has often done while commenting on the pandemic, he said: "I would say we're kind of half-time in extra time, and I think the final whistle in terms of - I can't predict it - but my personal view is that we've got a few more months to run, and I think we'll be in a much calmer set of waters by spring."Jonathan Van Tam warned this morning that people should not assume the pandemic was over, or let their guard down.
Prof Van-Tam urged people to get their Covid jabs, boosters and flu vaccines, adding that it was "very important" this winter.More than 40 million people in the UK are being offered a flu jab this year.A booster jab programme for the over-50s and younger adults with health conditions is currently being rolled out, but he urged the NHS and the government to make it clearer to people when their turn may be coming up.
Amid speculation that Sir Jeremy was unhappy with the way ministers handle scientific advice, Prof Van-Tam said he did not read any more into his resignation other than he wants to concentrate on other work.
I don't think it's going to be that bad
Vaccination will set you free... 😳🙏