By James Simons-
Britain’s daily coronavirus case count dropped today by more than 4,000, indicating a second wave slowdown, when compared with earlier predictions. Recorded Numbers of Civid-19 infections dropped from more than 17,000 yesterday to 13,864 today.
The official numbers are seen as showing that estimates of the R rate are being interpreted as signs that the chances of a second wave is slowing down, contrary to predictions of scientists. But slowing down does not mean it is disappearing.
Reports from scientists are that there is a high the risk of up to 45,000 people catching the virus every day, and fear the outbreak is ‘getting out of control’.
Today’s count was an improvement from Monday, and marks a fairly significant drop of 21% from yesterday’s 17,540. However, reports from the Office for National Statistics and Imperial College London, and Public Health England data from yesterday, provides a bleak picture of the virus. They estimate that it is expected to spiral out of control in England at the start of October.
One report by the ONS estimated 17,400 contracted the disease each day in England alone in the week ending October 1, which was double the number-crunching agency’s prediction last week. It is the highest estimate the ONS has given and puts the outbreak larger than it was in late April when data began.
Statistics published yesterday by PHE show that only three areas of the country have escaped a rise in infection rates since last week. Of a total 149 local authorities, only Luton, Wolverhampton and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly had a lower number of cases per person than last week.
Plans
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected on Monday to formally reveal plans to split the country into three tiers. The worst-hit areas facing the harshest restrictions which may include closing pubs and restaurants to slow the spread of the disease.
The prime ministers plans have been under increased scrutiny since Nicola Sturgeon imposed a two-week alcohol ban inside pubs and restaurants across Scotland, while closing bars entirely in coronavirus hotspots.
MPs have demanded the Government detail its plans of how areas subject to the tightest restrictions will eventually be lifted.
An announcement of 87 deaths, up 31 per cent on the 66 recorded last week. A Public Health England blunder that saw officials miss 16,000 positive coronavirus tests between September 25 and October 2 has made comparisons between the last two Friday’s difficult.
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