Coronavirus news – live: Second wave could target young people, experts warn as BMA chief says government not doing enough to prevent winter spike

A second wave of coronavirus is “certainly coming” – but it could be different from the first and target young people this time, experts have warned.

While the Covid-19 pandemic has predominantly affected elderly people, those with underlying health conditions and ethnic minority groups so far, scientists fear young people could be hit next – as was the case with the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic.

Boris Johnson has warned Britons booking holidays that quarantine restrictions could be imposed on more European countries if a “second wave” of coronavirus hits the continent. The prime minister faces a diplomatic row with Spain after warning against all but essential travel to the country and its resort islands, as well as insisting travellers arriving in the UK from there spend two weeks in quarantine.

“I’m afraid you are starting to see in some places the signs of a second wave of the pandemic,” the prime minister said.​ “It’s vital that when people are coming back from abroad, if they are coming back from a place where I’m afraid there is another outbreak, they must go into quarantine. That’s why we have taken the action that we have and we will continue, throughout the summer, to take such action where it is necessary.”

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