Covid-19 Death Toll at St. George's Passes 500


TV Chef urges support for staff by sticking to the rules after visit to the hospital


Marcus Wearing makes a plea for people to follow Covid-19 regulations

St George’s Hospital in Tooting passed a grim milestone this Thursday (14 January) as it surpassed 500 coronavirus deaths.

A hospital spokesperson said, “Sadly, 507 patients have now died and tested positive for Covid-19 at St George’s since March 2020.

“Our staff are continuing to do everything they can to support the relatives and loved ones affected at this incredibly difficult time.

“We also have a bereavement services team who are providing advice and support to families.”

The latest figures show there are 77 Covid-19 positive patients being cared for in intensive care and 302 Covid-positive patients being cared for on the wards.

Hospital figures across the country have continued to stress the importance of sticking to lockdown rules to help control the virus.

Yesterday (January 13), Masterchef judge Marcus Wareing posted a video on Twitter reminding his followers of the importance of following the rules, after having seen how hard staff were working at St George’s Hospital. He had to take his daughter there on New Year’s Day for a non-Covid related emergency.

 

He said, “This message is to remind my followers that we’re still in lockdown and we have a duty to follow the rules. Thank you St George’s Hospital, thank you to the team and thank you NHS.”

Wandsworth resident Rachel Egan, 29, also recently posted her frustration on social media after seeing people hugging in a park not too far from St George’s Hospital.

Wandsworth resident, Rachel Egan, has been left frustrated by the way some people have behaved
Wandsworth resident, Rachel Egan, has been left frustrated by the way some people have behaved

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “This lockdown feels like a bit of half-assed attempt compared to March’s lockdown. My behaviour is largely the same as it was in March, I only go out for exercise and food shopping. But I have seen lots of people in pairs or small groups going out for a coffee, and hardly anybody is bothering to keep their distance on Tooting Common.

“Unfortunately I found it very hard to emphasise with them. My mother died in March and I have spent the past year grieving away from my family who live in Essex. I wasn’t able to go home for Christmas and we haven’t hugged in months. It really hurts to see people breaking the rules like this when my family is sacrificing so much in such difficult circumstances to keep others safe.”


Sian Bayley - Local Democracy Reporter

January 17, 2021