January 04, 2021 - 733 views
Wales' Chief Medical Officer and others from around the UK have joined to make a statement recommending that UK's Alert Level moves to Level 5 - the highest, most urgent level in the country.
The statement was made following material concerns that the NHS in some parts of the country would not be able to cope with the increasing number of cases in the next 21 days unless immediate action is taken.
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.
Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton
Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty
Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, Dr Gregor Smith
Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael McBride
NHS England, National Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis.
