ITV News reports from an intensive care unit which is treating three times the usual number of patients - and doctors warn they are close to being overwhelmed.
The coronavirus pandemic has had political, economic and social consequences. Credit: PA/AP
Words by ITV News Multimedia Producer Wedaeli Chibelushi
One year ago, health authorities in China reported that a 61-year-old man in Wuhan had died from a “new type of coronavirus”.
The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said the virus had infected 41 of their residents and left seven of them in a critical state. No one could pinpoint exactly what the virus was - but many feared an outbreak similar to that of SARS in 2008.
The mystery virus turned out to be much worse.
Covid-19, as we now know it, has killed more than 1,884,000 people worldwide and infected more than 86,400,000, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Two people warned about the devastating effects of coronavirus and have called for tougher restrictions.
They weren t scientists and they weren t politicians but they have both been deeply affected by the virus which has in different ways changed their lives.
Georgina Wills dad died from the disease on Friday. I had met him while he was being cared for at Bournemouth hospital.
He was sitting up, was on oxygen but told me he was feeling better and the nurses were pleased with his progression.
ITV News Health Editor Emily Morgan says it s likely tougher restrictions will be implemented as a result of the rising cases and the spreading strain