By Chathushka Perera
London, UK (CWBN)_ During a press conference held yesterday, PM Boris Johnson noted that it may be likely that the UK would face yet another countrywide lockdown after Christmas owing to socialising during season.
It is expected Covid-19 infection rates would ramp up, intensifying pressures currently felt by hospitals with the 137 percent spikes in admissions in London each week in some cases. Medical professionals and experts have issued warnings that a lockdown would be an immediate necessity after Chirstmas, in order to prevent National Health Services (NHS) from being overwhelmed.
It has already been announced that the Northern Ireland and Wales will face a lockdown after the celebrations, while Scottish authorities claim to be weighing the option.
The comments arrive at a critical juncture in the fight against, Covid-19 as a new strain was identified in the UK just a few days ago. The findings of which have already been sent to the World Health Organisation (WHO). It still remains unclear how the Pfizer vaccine being administered throughout the UK would fare against the strain.
A similar strain has also been identified in South Africa, which is claimed to cause serious disease even among young and healthy patients.
Just yesterday, the British government reported that 28,507 new cases were identified in the country, while over the last seven days the number of infections have reached 167,713. This indicates a 43 percent increase in the number of cases as opposed to the week before. The total number of infections is now approaching 2 million.
Moreover, 489 fatalities have been reported yesterday, increasing the total to 76,287.
