United Kingdom: in the almost deserted streets of London, concern is growing
Audio 01:13
Trafalgar Square in London during lockdown, January 7, 2021. REUTERS - TOBY MELVILLE
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5 mins
Friday evening, Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London had declared the state of "major incident" for the British capital whose health situation is deteriorating a little more every day.
The city is again the epicenter of the UK pandemic which has recorded 1,035 additional deaths from the disease in 24 hours, bringing the total toll to 80,868 deaths within 28 days.
A worrying situation for Londoners who are currently confined, like the whole country.
Reportage.
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With our correspondent in London,
Maxence Peigné
One in thirty Londoners is currently carrying the virus according to the mayor of the capital.
Hospitals are receiving 35% more patients than in April and municipal authorities fear a lack of intensive care beds within two weeks.
In the almost deserted streets of London this weekend, the
evolution of the pandemic
worries those who go out for a few moments to do their shopping.
"
There are so many people who are dying,"
said a woman, "
we have to hang on, we must all be united and we must remain on our guard
"
“
It's a dramatic situation, where I work, there have been deaths,
” adds a passerby.
►
To read also: Covid-19: Boris Johnson announces a strict containment of all England
But for some, no choice, you have to go to work despite the concerns.
"
I'm a bus driver, so yes it scares me a little bit, but I have to go, I can't let myself be reached, I have to earn money for my family.
"
This nurse is out for the air on her day off, but she knows she will find her team overwhelmed tomorrow.
“
We lack staff everywhere, it's a difficult period.
We are all exposed and we know that we are putting ourselves but our family in danger by coming to work.
And every member of the hospital staff is under enormous pressure.
"
This weekend, the government's message has changed and now invites all Britons to behave as if they already have the virus.
►
To read also: Covid: the mayor of London sounds the alarm and declares a state of "major incident"
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Covid: the mayor of London sounds the alarm and declares a state of "major incident"