Tonight, the loss of life is beginning to rise significantly following the Russian aggression in the Ukraine. Most people had hoped that war in Europe would be a thing of the past. It is difficult to find verifiable figures, but it would seem there has already been considerable loss of life, much more than is being seen from Covid.
Today’s data becomes almost irrelevant as we completely condemn the unprovoked actions of president Putin. For the record the number of tests done yesterday was 685,398. Almost 5 million fewer tests in this last 7 days compared with the previous week. Only 31,933 were found positive. This figure continues to fall, and the rate is now only 450 positives per 100,000 of the population.
The number admitted on a single day was 1169 on 21 February. The total number in hospital is down to 10,767 on the 24th February and only 289 are on a ventilator. Some hospitals in England now have no one in their ITUs with Covid.
Deaths have fallen by 845 in the last week, with 120 reported yesterday. This is a death rate now of 1.3 per 100,000. Deaths from war will be far greater than this.
Over 66% have now had a third vaccine. The R number is now between 0.7 and 1.0 with some variation locally around the country.
It is now estimated that 5.2 million children have lost a parent, grandparent or other family member who cared for them around the world.
Although generally around the world, countries continue to relax their regulations, Hong Kong however have begun to build 8 large isolation and treatment facilities as cases there remain very high.
Albania, is a vast country by size but its population is only 2.87 million. In two years of Covid Albania has seen 3,488 deaths and only 279 new cases per day. Russia on the other hand have 145 million residents.
I know that many of us are feeling somewhat impotent in the light of the current situation. It is right that we cannot interfere directly in the war by committing out troops on the ground because of the NATO rules. If Russia attacks a NATO country, then our troops will have to be committed and World War 3 will begin.
There are many Albanians living in the UK and also many Russians in exile. We must not under any circumstances attack or blame Russians in this country, most if not all will not support their President. The same is true for those from other Eastern European countries. Go out and befriend our eastern European neighbours, empathise with them and give whatever support you can to them and their families.
I believe our Prime Minister has more than redeemed himself. His leadership rhetoric both in Parliament and talking to the British Public has been outstanding as has his leadership in NATO. It was equally impressive that the leader of the opposition was extremely courteous and supportive of all the actions he has taken with sanctions. This must be what triggers a totally united response from the UK. Boris must bee extremely tired with limited sleep. I would not want his job and I doubt now anyone does.
I want to remain focused on Covid but we must keep it in perspective, something much more dangerous is happening as we look on in disbelief. There is much we can do, by staying informed but not allowing ourselves to overdose on misery. Stay positive, believe tyranny can be overcome. I suggest that most of us do not need to sit in front of the media watching continuous news. Just watch the news 2-3 times a day and then do something else more cheering. Check on your Eastern European neighbours, from which ever county they come from. If refugees make their way here, make sure you welcome them and support them in any way you can. Follow the example of Poland who says it welcomes people from Albania . They do not need documents, Covid passports or money, They will be cared for.
Covid is receding much worse is on the horizon, its time for prayers and demonstrations of help however simple. Meanwhile a cautious sensible use of Plan K is all we need. Please stay safe and help keep others safe both from War and Covid.