Doctor who had virus warns of more lethal

A LEADING critical care doctor in Newport has said people breaking lockdown restrictions risk triggering a more lethal second wave of coronavirus, writes Ryan O’Neill.

Dr David Hepburn, who works in the intensive care unit at the Royal Gwent Hospital, tweeted on Saturday following media reports of busy VE Day street parties taking place around the UK, including a mass conga on one street.

Speaking to the Echo, Dr Hepburn, who returned to work last month after contracting the virus himself, said he had spoken to colleagues at other Welsh health boards who had reported a spike in the number of people attending A&E departments with head and other injuries.

He said those flouting the rules were doing so as they didn’t think the virus would infect them and because there was not enough fear of being punished.

Currently police can issue £60 fines – reduced to £30 if paid within two weeks – for breaches of lockdown.

“I think we could be far more draconian. We should be fining people £1,000,” Dr Hepburn said.

“That would focus the mind slightly and enforce the rules.

“We have patients with communicable diseases like TB, where there are quite strong legal powers to compel people to stay in hospital and be treated.

“I think we need to take a similar approach to people breaking lockdown.

“Psychologically, you can distance yourself if you don’t see the effects.

“It’s an abstract concept when you are removed from the situation.

“But there also doesn’t seem to any genuine financial risk to them either financially or legally.”

Dr Hepburn said he had spoken to colleagues on other Welsh health boards who said there had been a “big