AVRUPA TIMES /LONDON-A record 53,135 coronavirus cases have been reported in the UK on Tuesday, as well as 414 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to the latest government data.Yesterday, 41,385 Covid cases and 357 deaths were reported in the UK.It is thought the infection rate was higher during the first peak in April, but testing capacity was too limited to detect the true number. Part of the reason the number is so high is a lag in Christmas reporting, but it also reflects the impact of the faster-spreading variant.
Figures represent real increase, PHE adviser says
We can bring you some reaction to the record rise in coronavirus infections recorded across the UK.Dr Susan Hopkins, a senior medical adviser at Public Health England (PHE), said the UK was "continuing to see unprecedented levels of Covid-19 infection".This, she said, was "of extreme concern particularly as our hospitals are at their most vulnerable".
"Whilst the number of cases reported today include some from over the festive period, these figures are largely a reflection of a real increase," she said.
"It is essential, now more than ever, that we continue to work together to stop the spread of the virus, bring the rate of infection down, and protect the most vulnerable and the NHS.
"A critical part of this is each and every one of us abiding by the restrictions in place however hard it may seem at this time of the year."
A surge in coronavirus cases in the UK is of "extreme concern", a health boss says, as a record number of cases was reported for the second day running.
On Tuesday, 53,135 new Covid cases were recorded as well as 414 more deaths within 28 days of a positive test.Not all data was reported in full over the Christmas period, leading to a lag in some data, but Public Health England said there had been a "real increase".The health secretary said the NHS was facing "unprecedented pressures".Ahead of an announcement on any changes to England's tier restrictions on Wednesday, Matt Hancock added in a tweet: "We must suppress this virus to protect our NHS & save lives until the vaccine can keep us safe."
Hospitals in England and Wales are now treating more Covid patients than at the peak of the first wave in April.
Dr Susan Hopkins, senior medical adviser at PHE, said: "We are continuing to see unprecedented levels of Covid-19 infection across the UK, which is of extreme concern particularly as our hospitals are at their most vulnerable.
"Whilst the number of cases reported today include some from over the festive period, these figures are largely a reflection of a real increase."
Dr Hopkins said it was "essential, now more than ever" that people follow social distancing rules to help drive infections down, and protect the NHS and vulnerable people.