'We must prepare for a second wave of coronavirus' - read the open letter from health leaders in full

Health leaders have appealed to the UK government to prepare for a second wave of coronavirus.

In an open letter, 16 medical experts urged UK leaders to bear in mind the likelihood of a second wave of the virus, and to be transparent with the public about what is being done to prepare for it.

The letter suggests a "constructive, non-partisan, four nations approach" when it comes to getting the entire UK ready for a further outbreak of Covid-19.

The message outlines a number of policy areas which the group feels need "rapid attention" from the government, including "parliamentary scrutiny", "disproportionate burden on black, Asian, and minority ethnic individuals and communities", and "international collaboration."

The letter in full

"Dear leaders of UK political parties,

"Several countries are now experiencing Covid-19 flare-ups. While the future shape of the pandemic in the UK is hard to predict, the available evidence indicates that local flare-ups are increasingly likely and a second wave a real risk. Many elements of the infrastructure needed to contain the virus are beginning to be put in place, but substantial challenges remain. The job now is not only to deal urgently with the wide ranging impacts of the first phase of the pandemic, but to ensure that the country is adequately prepared to contain a second phase.

"You may have seen the recent editorial in The BMJ calling for a transparent rapid review of where we are and what needs to be done to prevent and prepare for a second wave. We believe that such a review is crucial and needs to happen soon if the public is to have confidence that the virus can be contained.