Doctor warns 'we're in this for the long haul' after returning to intensive care unit to help fight coronavirus

"I am watching people die of this disease. Don't be the cause of someone else's death."

It's a stark message from a frontline healthcare worker - stay home to protect the NHS and save lives. It comes from Dr Steve Young who recently rejoined the ITU team at Morriston hospital to help the fight against COVID-19.

"I've rejoined the team at Morriston ITU, looking a bit different, clean shaved and in full PPE. It's great to be back, everyone has really stepped up, we have staff from everywhere now looking after the massively extended ITU.It's unrecognisably busy, full of very unwell COVID patients on ventilators. We are in this for the long haul."

Dr Steve Young has returned to the NHS frontline to help the fight against coronavirus. Credit: Dr Steve Young

Dr Young, who also owns an aesthetic business, is one of many NHS health care workers who have returned to the frontline.

"I'd like to request as an ITU Doctor that everyone please obey the lockdown. Many people have mild or no symptoms but you can spread it to your friends, neighbours or family. I am watching people die of this disease 50 year olds with no medical problems. Don't be the cause of someone's death. Please adhere to the lockdown, stay home, protect the NHS, save lives."

First Minister Mark Drakeford said the lockdown is likely to continue beyond Easter. Credit: PA Images

On Monday, First Minister Mark Drakeford announced there are some signs that the measures are having a positive impact, but things are likely to get worse as we haven't reached the peak yet.

He said: "I think the lockdown will need to continue beyond Easter Tuesday. That's when the three weeks formally comes to an end.

"Everything I've seen so far suggests to me it would be foolish to throw away the enormous effort everyone has made by simply removing the constraints we've been living under at that point."

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know