Professor Chris Whitty answering questions during Downing Street coronavirus press briefing

The transcript discusses the importance of keeping the R value below 1 to prevent exponential growth of COVID-19 cases, which could overwhelm the NHS. It highlights the direct and indirect health impacts of the virus and stresses the need for the NHS to maintain capacity for both emergency and routine health services.

What happens when the R number exceeds 1?

• Exponential growth restarts.

• Healthcare costs decrease.

• The virus is eradicated.

• The NHS becomes more efficient.

Why is it crucial to keep the R number below 1?

• To increase hospital revenue.

• To prevent direct and indirect deaths.

• To allow more public gatherings.

• To reduce the need for vaccines.

What are indirect deaths in the context of the NHS?

• Deaths from food poisoning.

• Deaths from natural disasters.

• Deaths due to lack of healthcare for other conditions.

• Deaths caused by road accidents.

What should the NHS be able to manage besides emergencies?

• Only public health screenings.

• Routine healthcare services like cancer care and surgeries.

• Only COVID-19 cases.

• Only elective surgeries.

Why is it important for the NHS to have operational capacity?

• To ensure comprehensive healthcare services are available.

• To focus solely on COVID-19.

• To reduce staff workload.

• To increase patient waiting times.