LONDON, March 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Health authorities in England announced a further 10 deaths caused by coronavirus, almost doubling the number of fatalities in Britain since Friday.
“I am sorry to confirm 10 further patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 in England have died,” Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, said in a statement.
“All 10 individuals were in the at-risk groups.”
It is the largest number of deaths announced on a single day since the start of the outbreak and brings the UK’s total number of fatalities to 21.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has faced criticism for his country’s light touch approach to tackling the coronavirus outbreak, is preparing to review its approach and ban mass gatherings, according to government sources Saturday.
Emergency legislation is due to be passed next week in parliament and the ban would come into force from next weekend.
In Ireland, a second patient with the virus died as the number of confirmed cases rose to 129 on Saturday.
Health officials say 37,746 people in the UK have so far been tested.
Prof Whitty said: “I understand this increase in the number of deaths linked to COVID-19 will be a cause for concern for many.
“The public should know every measure we are taking is seeking to save lives and protect the most vulnerable.
“Every single one of us has a role to play in achieving this. If you have a new continuous cough or high temperature, please stay at home for seven days. I also encourage everyone to be washing their hands for 20 seconds regularly.
“I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends who have received this difficult news. I ask that their privacy is respected at this time.”
The latest numbers were published as the government plans to ban mass gatherings of more than 500 people as its ramps up measures to tackle the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
Emergency laws being brought in could also give police and immigration officers the power to detain people if they are suspected of being infected and the ability to direct schools to stay open, according to reports.
Ministers had previously resisted calls to ban large-scale gatherings even though some major sporting events including the London Marathon and all Premier League matches have already been postponed.
Elsewhere, the Republic of Ireland is to close all schools and childcare facilities and other public spaces like museums, while Scotland has already banned gatherings of more than 500.
Irish deputy prime minister Simon Coveney criticised the UK government this week for allowing the Cheltenham Festival to go ahead despite the global coronavirus pandemic. — NNN-AGENCIES
