Coronavirus could cause up to 75,000 deaths, Government papers reveal. The estimate shows ministers have been planning on the “reasonable worst case” assumption made two months ago.
The staggering death toll today released by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) included 50,000 patients dying directly due to Covid-19.
The assessment says a further 12,000-25,000 people would die with the virus or other conditions caused by botched care linked to pressures on the NHS during the outbreak.
These immediate extra deaths are due to problems such as lack of staff, equipment or intensive care capacity linked to hospitals struggling to cope.