Coronavirus Update

Chris witty and Sir Patrick Vallence spoke earlier today via a video presentation. They have said cases were increasing in young people but now it is increasing in all ages which will soon lead to more deaths. Also there is no evidence this second wave isn’t any milder and people have started to get it again. And it will still be serious for at least six months.

The pandemic is doubling in number of cases every seven to ten days although seasonal flu is being bared in mind which kills on average 7,000 a year; this is down to the autumn and winter which makes it worse.

The virus will "get out of control..."

The main thing people need to do is "wash their hands and cover their face and make space." Also the most crucial thing people need to do is isolate the virus if they get it and the people they have been around also need to. If we do too little with the virus will "get out of control", but if we go too far we will "damage the economy". Chris witty has said there could be 49,000 cases by 13th October and 200 deaths a day by November if nothing changes.

He also says you cannot just take your own risk in an epidemic because you also risk everyone else. This means reducing social contact whether that be at work or in social environments.

Boris Johnson spent the weekend with senior ministers and advisers discussing the actions that should be taken as there is no sign of it slowing down. Boris Johnson is expected to set out new measures in a press conference as early as tomorrow.