Originally Posted by
Internaut
The figure for cases certainly caught my attention. At some point in the next few days > 100000 is going to be the norm. How long before testing capacity is overwhelmed? I think things could get quite inconvenient in the next couple of weeks.
...
Also, not to sound too pessimistic but while it looks increasingly like Omicron is vastly less lethal, I can see it overwhelming the NHS by virtue of there not being sufficient staff for those who do need hospital care. I think COVID has just become a disease of unpredictable knock on effects. I hope it peaks and fizzles quickly.
A linked issue with testing capacity being overwhelmed, which I've not seen discussed, is what happens to people who are reliant on PCR testing on arrival. I know this is different labs (private vs NHS), but if capacity is really pushed I could certainly see a case to be made for the Government utilising/requistioning/buying out private capacity.
As for your second point, I think it is still a bit too early to say on lethality. Yes, there's some encouraging-looking data from SA, but I'm not confident enough to make any firm predictions for the UK (I've not yet had a chance to read the HSA paper out today). And as you say, it is a bit of a moot point if the NHS is overwhelmed. I know enough contacts in the NHS to know that 'non-essential' work is already having to be postponed - it is all very well having beds, but you need trained staff to deliver the care.