FIRST VIRUS DEATH IN UK
Patient dies in hospital as crisis pushes NHS to brink
BRITAIN’S first coronavirus death was confirmed last night as diagnosis rates soared.
It came amid dire warnings the disease
‘There are several cases where we cannot see where it’s come from’
will push the NHS to the brink.An elderly patient with underlying health conditions contracted the virus here and died in hospital while the number of British cases jumped to 116.
The patient, reported to be a woman in her 70s, had been “in and out of hospital” for other reasons, but was admitted on Wednesday evening to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading and tested positive.
Battle plans are now being stepped up as health chiefs realise they can no longer stop a significant virus outbreak.
Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, yesterday admitted the inevitable spike will heap further pressure on a health service already creaking at the seams. He also warned that the NHS could run out of hospital beds.
He said: “The bit of the system which will come under pressure first will be those conditions that require people to have oxygen and, particularly, to have critical care beds.
“That bit, I think, will come under pressure at quite an early stage.”
The number of people diagnosed with the virus has more than doubled in 48 hours and experts told Boris Johnson an epidemic of the bug was “highly likely”.
Eight of the patients diagnosed have caught coronavirus in Britain. Officials conceded the infection was spreading, and not just from those who have travelled abroad.
Prof Whitty said there was a “slim to zero” chance the virus
could now be stopped, adding it would be “lucky” if a vaccine for Covid-19 arrived in the next year.
He added it is probable some people infected in the UK have no connection to overseas cases.
Of the confirmed cases, 105 are in England, with 25 of those in London, six in Scotland, three in Northern Ireland and two inWales.
There are now fears the deadly disease is spreading inside the NHS after at least four staff, a patient and a student at King’s College Hospital in London were diagnosed. An NHS
spokesman said of the death in Berkshire: “Sadly, we can confirm that an older patient with underlying health conditions has died.
“The patient has previously been in and out of hospital for noncoronavirus reasons, but on this occasion was admitted and tested positive for coronavirus.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: “Terribly sad news today that a patient has died with coronavirus in Reading. My sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.” Medics are now desperately tracing those who were in contact with the patient.
Prof Whitty said: “I’m expecting the number only to go up, and there are now several cases where we cannot see where this has come from in terms of transmission.
“Either someone has come directly from overseas or they’ve had a close contact with someone who has recently returned from
overseas.” The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said it was “now highly likely that the virus is going to spread in a significant way” as officials step up work to prepare for the outbreak.
The fresh warnings come as it emerged millions of pensioners could be ordered to stay indoors if the outbreak intensifies.
Under plans being drawn up to mitigate the effects of the deadly disease, the elderly and those with
pre-existing health conditions would be told to avoid public places and limit social contact.
It would mean the state placing restrictions on travel, GP visits and activities.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “The coronavirus outbreak is obviously a huge worry and looks likely to be challenging for our older population.
“So it is more important than ever to be vigilant and look out for older friends and relatives to make sure they’re OK. If you have any concerns about their health or need more information about coronavirus, call NHS 111.”
Official figures showed calls to the NHS non-emergency number last week were up by 120,000 compared to last year as panic sets in.
Some surgeries have been closed to be given a deep clean by specialists wearing visors and protective clothing.
The NHS has also unveiled “coronavirus pods”, tiny shed-like buildings for people who believe they may be suffering from the virus to speak to doctors inside. Pods were seen yesterday outside St Thomas’ Hospital in London.
Elsewhere, sanitising hand gel was sold out in stores around the country, with empty shelves left where handwash products had been placed.
Coronavirus continues to cause panic across the world.
There are now more than 98,000 confirmed and suspected cases globally, and more than 3,350 deaths.