UK reports second highest daily coronavirus cases globally

The UK reported 8,681 new cases of coronavirus on Friday, the highest number of new daily cases thus far, which was the second highest in the world.

With 8,958 deaths 12% of total cases have died, figures suggest that out of the 8,681 confirmed cases, over 1,000 of them will die.

Professor John Ashton the former Faculty of Public Health director said, on Saturday the total number of deaths in the UK “will almost certainly” surpass 10,000 over the Easter weekend.

But these figures do not include those who die in care homes and in the community, meaning “we really don’t know the full picture,” he told Sky News.

Professor Ashton warned that some estimates suggest that there are coronavirus cases across 50% of care homes in the UK.

He said, “There have been some modelling estimates in the planning guidance that suggest once you get coronavirus into a care home you might expect as many as 30% deaths.

“You’re talking about a very frail and vulnerable population, usually people in their 80s and 90s, maybe with dementia, and we can’t just write them off.”

He criticised the government over the lack of testing people, which makes it virtually impossible to know where coronavirus cases are spreading the fastest.

The Professor said, “The lockdown will now have to continue for quite a long time.

“I think it’s really important for the government to be completely honest about the numbers.

“There’s a lot of worry now on social media that we’re not being given the full picture.

“People need to be treated like adults.”

He added, “If you treat people as adults they’re more likely to behave as adults rather than as delinquents.

“We’re seeing the delinquency play out in house parties in Manchester and other kinds of things because people aren’t really trusting what’s going on.”

Boris Johnson is now up and walking again after leaving intensive care and recovering, Downing Street have confirmed on Friday.

A statement from Number 10 said: “The prime minister has been able to do short walks, between periods of rest, as part of the care he is receiving to aid his recovery.

“He has spoken to his doctors and thanks the whole clinical team for the incredible care he has received.

“His thoughts are with those affected by this terrible disease.”

According to experts who are advising the British government on the coronavirus outbreak, said the social distancing measures are working better than expected.

However, the coronavirus lockdown will last for “several more weeks” as there can be no relaxation until the UK has past the peak.

NHS England’s national medical director Stephen Powis said it was “critical” that people obeyed the instructions and stayed at home.

Powis said, “We are beginning to see the benefits of this social distancing. We do believe the virus is spreading less.

The UK has exceeded Italy’s daily death rate before hitting the coronavirus peak, and an expert warns it could get much worse.