Britain becomes first European country to surpass 50,000 coronavirus deaths

Great Britain on Wednesday became the first European nation to surpass 50,000 coronavirus deaths, according to a count from The New York Times. 

A database from the Times shows that 22,950 new cases were recorded on Wednesday, and more than 1.2 million cases have been confirmed. As of Thursday morning, 50,365 people have died. 

Chaand Nagpaul, the council chair of the British Medical Association, said in a statement Wednesday that “this is a point that should never have been reached.” 

He noted that the death toll could have stayed below 20,000 if people adhered to the nationwide lockdown in March. 

“Today’s figure is a terrible indictment of poor preparation, poor organisation by the Government, insufficient infection control measures, coupled with late and often confusing messaging for the public,” Nagpaul said. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in late October that the country was entering a second lockdown after the United Kingdom surpassed 1 million coronavirus cases. 

All nonessential businesses, including leisure and entertainment venues, are currently closed. People may leave their home for work, education, necessities and exercise either alone or with one other person from their household.

The shutdown went into effect Nov. 5 and is expected to remain in place until Dec. 2, though officials have said it could be extended if necessary.