Politics
No Covid deaths recorded in London for the first time in six months as doctor hails ‘fantastic milestone’
NO deaths have been reported in London due to coronavirus for the first time in six months as a doctor hails the “fantastic milestone”.
Official figures from Public Health England (PHE) for March 28 showed no deaths had been registered in the capital within 28 days of a positive Covid test.
No Covid-related deaths have been reported in London for the first time in six months[/caption]
PHE data showed no deaths had been reported in the capital on March 28[/caption]
During the peak of the pandemic last April, around 230 deaths linked to the virus were recorded in London every day.
Speaking about the new figures, one doctor told the BBC: “This is a fantastic milestone, but we’re a long way from returning to normal.”
London was the epicentre of the first wave and around 12% of all Covid deaths in the UK occurred in the capital.
It comes as:
- Cops WON’T break up big groups in gardens as Rule of Six returns
- Stay-at-home rule axed to allow groups of six, sports and weddings
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- When will pubs and restaurants reopen in the UK?
- 30 MILLION Brits have now had Covid vaccine
During that time, University College Hospital had up to three patients “dying every couple of days”.
Intensive care doctor Jim Down said: “We’re down to about seven Covid-19 patients on the intensive care unit and we’re expecting them to get better.
“It’s a wonderful feeling but it sets up new challenges.
This is a fantastic milestone, but we’re a long way from returning to normal.”
Relieved doctor
“The backlog for people needing hip replacements and cancer treatment is vast.
“You need to start bringing them back in but keep the hospitals ready in case of a third wave.”
Since the start of the pandemic, 708,000 people have tested positive for coronavirus in London.
EPICENTRE
Of those, 15,000 sadly died within 28 days of giving a positive test.
In total, there have been 18,000 deaths in London hospitals with Covid listed on their death certificate.
The latest figures come as millions of Brits will get a boost of bliss at the Joy of Six today – after three months of lockdown limbo.
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Outdoor reunions with family and friends, plus the return of organised sport and weddings, will bring a huge rush of happiness, say experts.
PM Boris Johnson has lifted the stay-at-home guidance to allow groups of up to six, or two households, to meet outside in England.
A No 10 source said: “Today marks the first real freedom for so many people who haven’t seen their loved ones for months.”
