I know some people are struggling to understand all the numbers in the pandemic, which is causing confusion for them on "why are we locked down now - why not when the hospitals are full". This thread is an attempt to explain in English, not medical/political speak.

For every 100 positive tests, 10 people end up in hospital. (10% of those who have tested positive end up in hospital in the UK).
But they don't necessarily end up in hospital immediately. It's typically 1 or 2 weeks from the test date to hospitalisation for those unlucky 10%.

For every 100 people who end up in hospital, 26 people end up dying. (26.7% of those admitted to hospital because of Covid have died in the UK).
People don't tend to die as soon as they are admitted. This typically also happens 1 or 2 weeks from the date admitted.

So just because hospitals aren't full in some parts of the country, they may be in a few weeks when that 10% of people testing positive now get more ill.
And the more cases due to people not staying at home/wearing masks if having to work or buy food, the longer it goes on for.

Now, it's true that there are likely WAY more cases in reality than just those tested because of people who have it that show no symptoms. But those people can still spread the virus to others. And that's why we should ALL wear masks when out - to protect OTHERS, not just you.

So if you're going to ignore the advise of our government, medical officers etc, do so positively, not negatively.
Wear a mask ANY time you are outside.
Not just when forced.
In a shop - wear a mask
On a bus - wear a mask
In a park - wear a mask

Why?
Because, simply put, the fewer people get ill, the quicker the spread slows down
The quicker the slow down, the quicker lockdown ends
Realistically, we need to be in low 3 figures per day, not mid/high 5 figures per day
And the only people who can make that a reality is us x