There is a genuine fear the NHS could be overwhelmed
The UK’s Chief Medical Officers have a released a joint statement confirming the country has moved into coronavirus alert level five.
Level 5 is said to stand for a “material risk of healthcare services being overwhelmed”. The previous Level 4 threat meant the pressure on the NHS was “high or rising exponentially”.
In a statement, all four Chief Medical Officers say there is a genuine risk of the NHS becoming overwhelmed.
UPDATE: The UK COVID-19 Alert Level will move from Level 4 to Level 5.
This means the number of cases is rising and there is a risk of healthcare services being overwhelmed.
See joint statement from the four UK Chief Medical Officers ⬇️
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) January 4, 2021
The statement reads: “Following advice from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and in the light of the most recent data, the four UK Chief Medical Officers and NHS England Medical Director recommend that the UK Alert Level should move from Level 4 to Level 5.
“Many parts of the health systems in the four nations are already under immense pressure. There are currently very high rates of community transmission, with substantial numbers of COVID patients in hospitals and in intensive care. Cases are rising almost everywhere, in much of the country driven by the new more transmissible variant.
“We are not confident that the NHS can handle a further sustained rise in cases and without further action there is a material risk of the NHS in several areas being overwhelmed over the next 21 days.
“Although the NHS is under immense pressure, significant changes have been made so people can still receive lifesaving treatment. It is absolutely critical that people still come forward for emergency care. If you require non-urgent medical attention, please contact your GP or call NHS111.”
The statement was made by the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton, the Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, Dr Gregor Smit, the Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael McBride and NHS England National Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to address the nation at 20:00GMT tonight, where it is expected further lockdown restrictions will be announced.
