The coronavirus pandemic is claiming more and more victims in the UK
“We should take comfort in the fact that although we have to endure more, better days will come” King Elizabeth II quoted. Now the country has even surpassed Italy in the number of deaths in one day.
London (dpa) – For the first time the UK has recorded more deaths from coronavirus in a single day than Italy. The number of deaths rose by 980 by the evening, according to the British Health Minister Matt Hancock on Friday. Italy had recorded 969 deaths on its worst day so far, 27 March.
The total number of coronavirus victims in Great Britain is 8958, far behind Italy, which had recorded more than 18,000 deaths by Friday. Nevertheless, the steadily rising death figures indicate that Great Britain is still a long way from reaching the peak of the pandemic.
As a result, there is growing concern that the British health service could be brought to its knees. The NHS lacks respirators, protective clothing and staff. In the meantime, the German Armed Forces have responded to a call for help from Great Britain by agreeing to provide 60 mobile respirators. These were to be sent to the NATO partner as quickly as possible, according to the Ministry of Defense in Berlin on Thursday.
The government in London had long hesitated to take measures to contain the pandemic. Prime Minister Boris Johnson had infected himself with the pathogen and had to be treated in intensive care for several days. Only on Thursday did the all-clear signal appear. The prime minister was able to be transferred back to a normal ward. However, it was not clear at first when he would be able to resume his official duties.
