Covid-19 statistics have reached their highest levels since the start of the pandemic during the current, third national lockdown.
According to government figures, on April 8, 2020 there were 1,073 deaths related to the virus, but the figure surpassed that on three consecutive days between January 11-13, 2021, peaking at 1,110.
Not only have the numbers themselves increased but it seems they represent a wider proportion of the population this time around.
Harriet Dodd, a healthcare assistant at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton said of the situation there currently: “We’re working with about 270 Covid patients, and about 40 of those are in intensive care. This number has increased rapidly.
“Unfortunately, we’re now seeing 30, 40, 50, 60-year-olds coming in, and they’re coming in with quite severe symptoms.”
Comparing the situation to the beginning of the outbreak Ms Dodd said: “From a numbers point of view, I think the situation is worse.”
She added: “That said, our position to be able to help those patients, I think has also improved.”
For her, the vaccine looks to be the solution, calling it “our key way out.”
