The coronavirus epidemic could see up to 7.9 million people requiring hospital treatment in the next months, according to a Public Health England briefing seen by Sky News.
The document also confirms that healthcare workers who have symptoms of COVID – 29 would not necessarily all be tested.
“Laboratory capacity is growing steadily but remains under significant demand pressures,” it said.
Dr Susan Hopkins, deputy director of PHE’s national infection service said: “PHE used reasonable worse-case scenario figures, to restate the importance for people with symptoms to stay at home, including health care workers in order to reduce the spread of the virus. “
The Chief Medical Officer Chris Witty has previously said up to % of the population could catch the virus in a worst-case scenario.
The PHE briefing adds that “up to 20% (7.9 million people) may require hospitalization. ”
While the figures are not completely unexpected they bring into stark focus the challenge the NHS will face in the coming months.
On Sunday, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock called on businesses to step up production of vital medical equipment including ventilators .
Writing on Twitter, Conservative Andrew Bowie said MPs had had been “inundated with offers” and advised businesses to contact a government helpline.
(In a conference call with British manufacturers on Monday morning, Boris Johnson will set out what they can do to help in the fight against coronavirus.
He will also confirm that the government will purchase any ventilators that are produced by companies in the coming weeks.
However, intensive care doctors say that any new equipment will need to be appropriate for those using it and signed off by the healthcare regulator.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts ,
Former dean of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine Dr Carl Waldmann said if extra ventilators are brought in, then there will need to be “extra staff, extra training and extra gear for protection”.
Another doctor, who did not want to be named, said the current intensive care system was “adequate for day- to-day but not really equipped for the expected epidemic “.
Opposition parties will also meet with the government on Monday to be briefed about the ongoing outbreak.
Responding to the leaked PHE briefing on Sunday night, Labour’s shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the government needed to “produce a fully costed, comprehensive options plan now”.
Liberal Democrat acting leader Ed Davey said: “Whilst we have full confidence in the Chief Medical Officer and his team, Boris Johnson is failing to explain convincingly his strategic approach to dealing with coronavirus.”
(A) Downing Street Spokesperson said: “Preparing for the spread of the coronavirus outbreak is a national priority and we’re calling on the manufacturing industry and all those with relevant expertise who might be able to help to come together to help the country tackle this national crisis.”
Sky News will broadcast a special program at 6pm, with experts answering your questions #AskSkyNews at . PM
(Read More )
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings