Between 1,000 and 2,000 COVID-19 patients a day could be admitted to hospital in England at the peak of the third wave and there may be 100 to 200 daily deaths, government scientists believe.
The number of daily infections in this latest wave is not expected to peak before mid-August, according to papers newly released by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Experts are urging the public to “go slow” once most restrictions lift on 19 July, in order to curb infections and cut the number of people who will die from COVID-19.
They recommend workers do not all head back to the office from mid-July, continue to wear masks in crowded spaces, and stay at home when infected or contacted by the NHS app or NHS Test and Trace.
On Monday, the UK reported 34,471 new COVID-19 cases and six more coronavirus-related deaths in the latest 24-hour period.
The figures compare with 31,772 infections and 26 deaths announced yesterday, while 27,334 cases and nine fatalities were recorded this time last week.
It is the sixth day in a row where total cases have been more than 30,000.
According to the latest government data, 563 COVID patients were admitted to hospital on 6 July and a total of 3,081 people were admitted over seven days – a weekly rise of 56.6%.
