England is taking decisive action to combat a surge in COVID-19 cases by establishing emergency 'Nightingale' hubs in hospitals this week. These temporary facilities are designed to accommodate around 100 patients each, with the capacity to expand by an additional 4,000 beds, according to the National Health Service (NHS).
The number of individuals hospitalized with the coronavirus has climbed above 10,000 for the first time since March, prompting the NHS national medical director, Stephen Powis, to describe the situation as being on a \"war footing.\"
On Wednesday, the UK reported a staggering 183,037 cases of COVID-19, a figure that includes delayed data from Northern Ireland over the Christmas period. This marks a significant milestone in the country's ongoing battle against the pandemic.
Similar trends of escalating case numbers are being observed across various parts of Europe, highlighting the widespread challenge posed by the virus.
Test Shortages
Unlike Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, England has opted not to implement stricter restrictions before the new year. However, the country is grappling with a testing shortage as demand for COVID-19 tests surges ahead of New Year's Eve.
Pharmacies have reported unreliable supplies of lateral flow tests in recent days, and the government’s website for more comprehensive PCR tests indicated that none were available across England as of 10:30 a.m. GMT on Thursday.
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England to build COVID-19 'surge hubs' as country faces tests shortage
cgtn.com
