Emphasizing No Change in With-Corona Strategy
UK Medical Community Demands Reinstatement of Lockdown Measures
Already 40,000-50,000 Confirmed Cases...Healthcare System Under Pressure
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Sajid Javid, the UK Secretary of Health, warned that daily COVID-19 cases in the UK could rise to the 100,000 range ahead of the winter season when the spread of the virus worsens, but drew a line by stating that existing lockdown measures will not be reinstated, sparking controversy.
The UK medical community is recommending the reintroduction of lockdown measures due to repeated breakthrough infections among vaccinated individuals and the risk of new variant viruses emerging. However, the UK government maintains its position that it cannot withdraw the 'With Corona (gradual return to normal life)' strategy implemented since July. Concerns are rising about the collapse of the UK healthcare system if the COVID-19 spread intensifies again this winter.
On the 20th (local time), Minister Javid stated at a press conference, "Daily COVID-19 cases this winter could increase to a maximum of 100,000, and we are closely reviewing data for appropriate responses," adding, "However, so far, we have no plans to implement Plan B (reinstating lockdown measures)."
Nevertheless, Minister Javid emphasized that it is still too early to be reassured as the spread remains significant and the number of deaths is not small. He warned, "Thanks to the vaccination program, the correlation between hospitalization and death has significantly weakened but has not completely disappeared," and added, "This has been a typical case during the pandemic over the past 18 months, and such changes may reoccur."
Earlier, the UK National Health Service (NHS) recommended reinstating lockdown measures. According to the BBC, Matthew Taylor, Chair of the NHS, stated in a press release, "With ongoing breakthrough infections and concerns about the emergence of new variant viruses, the winter season when the activity of the COVID-19 virus intensifies is approaching, and significant pressure on the healthcare system is expected," adding, "Considering the current upward trend, existing COVID-19 restrictions should be reintroduced without delay."
As of today, the UK health authorities report a vaccination rate of 68% of the total population, but with repeated breakthrough infections among vaccinated individuals, the current daily confirmed cases in the UK fluctuate between 40,000 and 50,000. On this day, the UK health authorities recorded 43,738 daily confirmed cases and 179 deaths.
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