Huge toll tipped as deaths mount
BRITAIN’S coronavirus crisis will leave up to eight million people in hospital and last for a year, a leaked report says.
At least 80 per cent of the population was expected to catch the bug, with testing to be rationed to those seriously ill in hospitals, aged care homes and prisons.
The document, assessing the impact on the British health system, warned 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 leaked document said.
Meanwhile, Italy had 368 deaths and Spain 288 as the tally soared on Monday.
Spanish police have threatened people with $50,000 fines for breaking a 15-day lockdown. Helicopters and drones were used to warn people to stay inside.
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.
Italy’s death toll hit 1809 from 24,700 cases, and China has lost 3199 from 80,000 cases.
Across the world there have been more than 170,000 cases and 6500 deaths.
Pope Francis walked alone through the streets of Rome, praying for the “end of the pandemic”.
France and Ireland have closed schools, and Israel has closed shops and will employ sophisticated spying technology to enforce restrictions.
Germany announced it would 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.