Britain's third wave of Covid-19 has already started due to the rapid spread of the Indian variant, according to a SAGE adviser.
Epidemiologist Professor Andrew Hayward's warning comes despite data suggesting cases remain flat and another expert has said the mutant strain is unlikely to overwhelm the NHS.
While Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night reportedly told the 1922 committee of Tory MPs he was "even cautiously optimistic" that the easing of lockdown restrictions on June 21 will go ahead.
University College London's Prof Hayward said the India strain "can circulate very effectively", adding "generalised measures may start to be needed to control it".
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