Crisis could last a year

BRITAIN’S coronavirus crisis will leave up to eight million people in hospital and last for a year, according to a leaked health report.

At least 80 per cent of the population were expected to catch the killer bug, with testing to be rationed to those seriously ill in hospitals, aged care homes and prisons.

The document, which was prepared to review the impact on the British health system, warned that it would claim up to 500,000 lives.

Deaths in the UK stand at 35.

“As many as 80 per cent of the population are expected to be infected with COVID-19 in the next 12 months, and up to 15 per cent (7.9 million people) may require hospitalisation,” the document, which was leaked to The Guardian, said.

It came as Italy’s coronavirus death toll soared by 368 in a day and Spain saw its fatalities hit 288, almost doubling in 24 hours. Spanish police have threatened people with $50,000 fines for breaking a 15-day lockdown as Europe’s infection rates spiral out of control.

Helicopters and drones were used to warn people to stay inside, as police patrolled the streets.

In tourist hot spots, the warnings were blasted in English: “Attention please. You must stay safely at your accommodation or home and follow instructions from local authorities.

“Avoid beach areas and promenades. Keep a safe distance from other people.”

Spain was likely to follow Italy’s deadly trajectory, as its Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez closed schools, universities, restaurants and bars.

In Italy, there are now 1809 deaths from 24,700 cases, while China has lost 3199 from 80,000 cases, as it now starts to limit the rate of new infections.

Pope Francis walked alone through the streets of Rome, praying for the “end of the pandemic”.

Iraq declared a week-long curfew early yesterday, while ISIS has told its fighters to avoid Europe because of the coronavirus.

France and closed schools,

Ireland while have Israel has closed shops and will employ sophisticated spying technology to ensure residents follow the restrictions.

Germany has announced it will close its borders with France, Austria, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Denmark. Portugal has closed its borders with Spain.

Ireland, just days before St Patrick’s Day, has also shut all pubs and The Netherlands has closed schools.

Across the world there have been more than 167,000 confirmed cases and 6456 confirmed deaths.