Serious concerns have been raised that tens of thousands of seriously ill people in England may not be seeking help because of fears that they might catch the coronavirus in hospital, or be a burden on the NHS.
The number of visits to Accident and Emergency departments has fallen by more than half since the outbreak began. Doctors worry that serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes are being overlooked. There are also concerns that other treatments have had to be delayed while the NHS focuses on tackling the coronavirus
Meanwhile a new blood test which can detect whether someone has been infected with coronavirus has been given the go-ahead for use in England. The antibody test has been developed by the Swiss drugs company Roche. Frontline workers will be the first to be tested.
Scientists have called the move a very positive development. But it’s not clear yet whether having been infected with coronavirus and developing antibodies actually protect against a new infection.
Sophie Raworth presents BBC News at Ten reports by Health Editor Hugh Pym and Medical Correspondent Fergus Walsh.
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