A top scientist who advised British leaders on coronavirus lockdown measures has resigned from a key government panel after admitting to breaking the country's rules on social distancing.
Professor Neil Ferguson, an epidemiologist on the advisory team helping the UK co-ordinate its pandemic response, stepped down following media reports that he had allowed a woman to visit him at home. "I accept I made an error of judgement and took the wrong course of action," he said. "I deeply regret any undermining of the clear messages around the continued need for social distancing to control this devastating epidemic." The scientist said he had "stepped back" from his role on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies.