Countries need to synchronise lockdown measures to prevent Covid-19 cases rising across Europe, according to new research.

The study by experts from the University of Southampton suggests that a resurgence of the virus could be brought forward by up to five weeks if well-connected countries prematurely end non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as social distancing and self-isolation measures without co-ordinating efforts.

Covid-19 infection rates have spiked in these parts of Hampshire

But the simulations also found that a joined-up approach by countries would “most likely” bring a halt to transmission of the virus.

Lead author Dr Nick Ruktanonchai said: “Our study shows the timing of any second epidemic across Europe depends on the actions of countries that are populous, well-connected and currently have strong interventions in place.

“The uncoordinated easing of NPIs can lead to much earlier secondary epidemics, while co-ordination can mean much higher likelihoods of eliminating all local cases.”

The study, published in the journal Science, involved running 1,200 simulations and it showed that certain countries have a higher potential to cause a resurgence of Covid-19 than others.

But they also found that synchronised use of NPIs meant that the “most likely outcome” was that transmission of the virus in the community would come to an end during a six-month period.

The researchers found that France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK were all identified as being a greater risk to triggering any new wave of infection.

They say that Germany appeared most likely to spark epidemics in neighbouring countries while France could affect population centres continent-wide.

The researchers say that the models suggest different approaches should be taken for different countries, such as airport closures might be more useful for France, while limits on local travel may be more effective for Germany.

Professor Andy Tatem, director of WorldPop, experts in population mapping at the university, said: “Intergovernmental organisations, such as the World Health Organisation, have stressed the importance of international solidarity to share resources and expertise to combat Covid-19.

"Our results underline this and suggest that co-ordination between countries removing lockdown measures is vital. One country ending NPIs before others could lead to an accelerated resurgence of the disease.”