Boris Johnson: British healthcare system faces overload like Italy's

(Patria) – The British healthcare system could be under the same strain as Italy's in two weeks, warned Prime Minister Boris Johnson, prompted by the rise in the number of deaths in Great Britain, which now stands at 233.

Johnson again appealed to citizens to stay home: 'The numbers are significant and continue to grow. We are only two or three weeks behind Italy.'

He called for cooperation and 'a joint and heroic effort to curb the spread of the virus – otherwise our healthcare system will find itself in a similar position.'

Great Britain only tightened measures last week, closing schools and catering facilities on Friday and calling for social distancing.

- Italians have an excellent healthcare system, but their medical staff is still overburdened, Johnson reminded.

Britain has also appealed to the 1.5 million residents considered vulnerable categories by the healthcare system there, not to leave their homes.