UK faces 50,000 coronavirus cases a day by mid-October

The UK could be facing 50,000 new Covid-19 cases a day by mid-October unless action is taken, the government’s chief scientific adviser warned.

Sir Patrick Vallance said this could lead to 200 deaths a day by November, as he and chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty held a televised briefing on Monday.

The UK Government experts believe the epidemic is currently doubling every seven days, with cases likely to soar without necessary measures.

New restrictions are expected to be announced over the coming days in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and other UK devolved leaders are due to have calls with Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday, ahead of a Cobra meeting on Tuesday.

“At the moment we think the epidemic is doubling roughly every seven days,” Sir Patrick said.

“If, and that’s quite a big if, but if that continues unabated and this grows doubling every seven days… if that continued you would end up with something like 50,000 cases in the middle of October per day.

“Fifty thousands cases per day would be expected to lead a month later, so the middle of November say, to 200-plus deaths per day.”

He said changes are already in place, which should “slow” the rate of infection.

Sir Patrick added: “The challenge therefore is to make sure the doubling time does not stay at seven days.