UK Reports 12,330 New Covid Cases and 205 Deaths
The UK has recorded another 12,330 coronavirus cases, with 205 more deaths within 28 days of a positive test. This pushes the total Covid death toll in the UK to 58,448.
Note: Mondays usually show lower death figures due to reporting lags.
Health Secretary Says England’s Lockdown Is Working
Matt Hancock declared that Covid-19 is “back under control” thanks to England’s lockdown. Cases have dropped by 30% in the last week, proving that national restrictions are effective.
“While we can let up a little, we can’t afford to let up a lot,” Hancock warned, stressing that the tiered system of restrictions remains vital to keeping infection levels down.
The government’s own impact assessment suggests that without these measures, the NHS would soon be overwhelmed.
Italy’s Calabria Faces Covid Crisis and Mafia Chaos
Calabria, Italy’s poorest region, is battling rising Covid cases amid a fragile healthcare system. Though infection and ICU rates are lower than in northern Italy, decades of mafia infiltration by the ‘Ndrangheta have left Calabria’s hospitals in crisis.
- 18 public hospitals closed due to mafia interference.
- Massive resource theft and crippling debts.
- Severe staff and bed cuts magnify the health emergency.
Declared a “red zone” in early November, Calabria is fighting both the pandemic and deep-rooted corruption.
Covid Update from Ireland: 306 New Cases, One More Death
The Irish Department of Health reported 306 new Covid cases and one additional death, bringing Ireland’s death toll to 2,053.
The total Covid cases now stand at 72,544, including the removal of three previously confirmed cases.
Currently, 244 patients are hospitalised with Covid-19, and 31 are in intensive care – one more than yesterday. Three new hospitalisations were recorded in the last 24 hours.
Of today’s new cases, 156 are men; 67% are under 45 years old. Cases by region include:
- Dublin: 108
- Limerick: 30
- Galway: 22
- Donegal: 17
- Wicklow: 15
- Cork: 14
- Other 18 counties: 100
