Dubbed the new Freedom Day, GP Dr Sarah Jarvis explained on BBC Breakfast: “[Coronavirus] cases are up – 72 percent over the course of the last year.” Having said that, she added: “[Hospital] admissions are not up by the same amount.” The number of people now admitted to hospital has increased by around 17 percent.
Meanwhile, the number of deaths “are up around 12 percent in the last year”.
These statistics show that “we are weakening the link” between Covid infections, hospital admissions and deaths.
However, those increases in hospital admissions are going to have a knock-on effect, warned Dr Jarvis.
More than five million people are currently on the NHS waiting list to get treated for other health-related conditions.
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With more resources going to treat Covid patients, delays in treatment for other conditions are likely.
Dr Jarvis emphasised the “good news” is that “a real weakening of the link” can be attributed to the success of the vaccination programme.
Recommended measures post July 19
Come July 19 (the so-called new Freedom Day), Dr Jarvis’s “personal feeling” is that people should still work from home if possible.
She believes that people should try to keep all activities outdoors, rather than indoors, but recognises that is much easier over the summer months.
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And even though the requirement for social distancing (keeping one metre apart) and face coverings may be lifted, Dr Jarvis urges people to think twice.
“Just because I can do something, doesn’t mean I should do something, so I would say continue to socially distance.”
“Don’t have big parties,” Dr Jarvis added, “and if you are going to have a celebration – whether it’s a wedding or something like that – get everyone to have lateral flow tests first.”
MORE TO COME…