The NHS Confederation, which acts as a spokesman for hospitals and ambulance trusts, says hospitals will face a “violent Easter as bad as any winter.” The group accused the government of “abandoning any interest in Covid” and called for “mitigation measures”, the Mirror reported. Last week, Covid cases reached 20,331 – the highest number since February 2021 – despite Downing Street ending free mass testing in the UK on April 1. Not meeting people indoors and wearing a mask in crowded places would help prevent the virus from spreading, the health organization told the Times. He also said the government should launch a “public awareness campaign” in England to urge people to stay away from A&E unless there is an emergency. The so-called coronavirus control panel shows that cases (and tests performed) are declining, but hospitalization and deaths are still rising, although both statistics are usually lagging behind in terms of infections. It is estimated to be a record one in 13 people currently having coronavirus in England. Confederation boss Matthew Taylor said: “NHS leaders report a clear disconnect between the Living with Covid government plan and reality on the NHS front lines. “We have a government that seems to want to wash its hands of responsibility for what is happening in public view of the country. “No. 10 has apparently abandoned any interest in Covid.” It comes after Boris Johnson said he “can not rule out” a new lockdown for Covid after previously promising that the path to normalcy was “irreversible” after two years of restrictions. Mr Johnson’s plan was to learn to live with Covid, and the lack of panic from growing cases seems to be due to reports that the latter strain does not cause more serious illness. Scotland’s mandate for the masks will expire on 18 April, as Covid tests for the general public will be phased out in April. From April 18, free fast flow tests will not be available. People with symptoms can book a PCR test until April 30, after which the test sites will be closed and the advice will be for Scots to stay home if they feel sick. The free Covid tests are now out for most people in England. Only the vulnerable, including those with health conditions and high-risk jobs, will be eligible for unpaid smears. Health officials continue to say that vaccines are the best line of defense, and spring booster vaccines are available for some groups. Do not miss the latest news from all over Scotland and beyond – subscribe to our daily newsletter here .
