Coronavirus: In locked down UK, normalcy seems 6 months away
What's the story
Last Monday, United Kingdom Prime Minister had imposed strict restrictions amid the coronavirus outbreak, putting the nation under lockdown.
Now, on Sunday, England's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jenny Harries said that the restrictions may not be lifted for six months.
The statement comes as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) afflicted close to 20,000 people in the UK.
Here are more details.
Details
Lockdown to be reviewed in three months, says Dr. Harries
Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing, Dr. Harries said it could be six months before the UK returns to normalcy.
She added, "This is not to say we would be in complete lockdown for six months," saying that social distancing measures will be "gradually" reduced.
She said the UK had to be "responsible" and the government would review the current lockdown in three weeks.
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'Must not suddenly revert to normal way of living'
Dr. Harries said, "We must not suddenly revert to our normal way of living. That would be quite dangerous," warning about a potential second peak in coronavirus cases.
She added, "We need to keep that lid on—and then gradually we will be able to hopefully adjust some of the social distancing measures and gradually get us all back to normal."
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Harries said it's 'plausible' curbs could last beyond 6 months
She said the lockdown will be reviewed in three weeks. This will be followed by "two-three months" of seeing whether the lockdown helped contain the outbreak—"but about three-six months ideally," Dr. Harries added. She said it was "plausible" it could take longer.
Outbreak in UK
In UK, coronavirus infects over 19,000, kills 1,200
According to data compiled by the Johns Hopkins University, the UK has witnessed 19,784 positive cases of COVID-19, out of which, 151 have recovered.
The UK also reported 1,231 deaths related to COVID-19.
The coronavirus scare has intensified over the past few days as UK PM Boris Johnson and Charles, Prince of Wales, tested positive for the disease.
Two doctors also died from COVID-19.
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London-based surgeon and Burton-based ENT consultant died from COVID-19
Amged El-Hawrani (55) was an ear, nose and throat consultant at the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton. He died on Saturday at the Glenfield Hospital in Leicester. Earlier on Wednesday, London-based organ transplant specialist Adil El Tayar (63) died at West Middlesex University Hospital.
COVID-19
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 was first reported in China's Wuhan city in December 2019. The disease is caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2.
The virus attacks a host's respiratory system triggering symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties.
In severe cases, it may cause pneumonia, multiple organ failure, or death.
COVID-19 has spread to roughly 170 countries, killing over 34,000 and sickening 7.2 lakh.