Coronavirus: Why do more people keep dying in the UK?
Al JazeeraChanging policy, already stretched health service and a lack of testing have deepened the crisis, say experts. The UK’s recent coronavirus-related death toll reflects what happened “approximately two to three, possibly four, weeks ago”, says Neil. 200326121826056 “Whether or not we go to the extent of Italy’s situation will depend whether social restriction measures are followed, the ability of our health services to cope – everything from emergency responders all the way through to the intensive care units.” Strain on NHS Significant challenges lie ahead for the UK’s National Health Service, which after nearly 10 years of austerity has been left with fewer beds, doctors, and nurses per head of population than the European Union average. Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, said a shortage of ventilators was a “real issue” for hospitals in London – the epicentre of the UK’s outbreak. If I know I haven’t got it, I can go back to work.” Smyth, at the Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, said: “Testing is critically important for us to understand the size of the problem, now, and take specific mitigation, to continually assess the impact of prevention measures such as social distancing.” 200312193147678 Meanwhile, some experts say the solution to the crisis lies in social distancing.