A terrible milestone

The official measure of the number of deaths in the UK following a positive Coronavirus test has now passed a hundred thousand.

The number of excess deaths compared with the average at the same point of the year, which is probably the best measure of overall direct and indirect impact of the virus, passed the same terrible milestone a few days ago.

Every one of those death represents a life which ended earlier than it would have, and a devastated family and friends who have lost someone.

There are no adequate words to reflect the grief and regret that this represents for the families and friends of all who have died and for all of us.

We must all do all we can to bring this terrible pandemic to an end, ensure that we keep opportunities for the virus to be transmitted to an absolute minimum, and take the vaccine when it is offered to protect ourselves and others.

We will remember all who have died.    

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