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Leicester lockdown map area released
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Contact the PP Team
Coronavirus in UK
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Boris Johnson has just finished outlining his vision to rebuild the UK after the coronavirus crisis.
He was keen to describe the plans as a "New Deal", referencing the plans of Depression-era American President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who launched one of largest, most expensive US government programmes after the Wall Street Crash of 1929.
Here are the main points:
Johnson said the government must assess its handling of the coronavirus crisis, saying: "There must be time to learn the lessons and we will."
He reiterated his plan from the election manifesto to recruit 20,000 police officers, as well as "ending the lunacy that stops us deporting violent criminals"
He said he wants to "build back greener and build a more beautiful Britain" by planting 30,000 hectares of trees to "enchant and re-energise the soul"
He pledged to build “fantastic new homes” by introducing radical planning reforms, as well as help younger people get on the housing ladder
The UK should set a goal for producing the world’s first zero emissions long haul, passenger plane, he said, adding that the country can be a “science super power”
He promised the government will offer an “opportunity guaranteed” for every person to have an apprenticeship or in-work placement.
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He was keen to describe the plans as a "New Deal", referencing the plans of Depression-era American President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who launched one of largest, most expensive US government programmes after the Wall Street Crash of 1929.
Here are the main points:
Johnson said the government must assess its handling of the coronavirus crisis, saying: "There must be time to learn the lessons and we will."
He reiterated his plan from the election manifesto to recruit 20,000 police officers, as well as "ending the lunacy that stops us deporting violent criminals"
He said he wants to "build back greener and build a more beautiful Britain" by planting 30,000 hectares of trees to "enchant and re-energise the soul"
He pledged to build “fantastic new homes” by introducing radical planning reforms, as well as help younger people get on the housing ladder
The UK should set a goal for producing the world’s first zero emissions long haul, passenger plane, he said, adding that the country can be a “science super power”
He promised the government will offer an “opportunity guaranteed” for every person to have an apprenticeship or in-work placement.
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ElRaja
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totally, at the risk of sounding mental, i think the money would have been far better used to work on some kinda space travel infrastructure.
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First deaths recorded in Scotland in five days
A further three people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says.
It comes after Scotland recorded no deaths for four consecutive days.
Ms Sturgeon described it as a "sustained, significant and ongoing reduction".
It takes the total number of deaths in Scotland to 2,485.
A further three people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says.
It comes after Scotland recorded no deaths for four consecutive days.
Ms Sturgeon described it as a "sustained, significant and ongoing reduction".
It takes the total number of deaths in Scotland to 2,485.
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UK records a further 155 deaths
A further 155 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK, bringing the total number of deaths to 43,730.
A further 155 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK, bringing the total number of deaths to 43,730.
King-Misbah
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She is a great strong leader, Scotland are lucky to have her.
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A key scientist who advised the UK government in the coronavirus response has warned that Bradford and Doncaster are "clearly of concern" for potential local outbreaks, with high rates of Covid-19.
Professor Neil Ferguson, of Imperial College London, told the BBC: "It's inevitable we will [have further local outbreaks], we are relaxing lockdown rules and that means that contacts in the population are going up and that's a very variable process."
Asked about Bradford and Doncaster, he said: "Those are areas, where not as high as Leicester, but they have some of the highest numbers of cases per 100,000 of the population, which is the relevant measure, so they're clearly of concern."
Prof Ferguson also said there "really isn't a big distinction between a second wave and these local clusters".
"A second national wave is just a agglomeration of small outbreaks... merged together across the country," he said.
"That's exactly what we want to avoid by snuffing out those small outbreaks when they are just sparks."
Professor Neil Ferguson, of Imperial College London, told the BBC: "It's inevitable we will [have further local outbreaks], we are relaxing lockdown rules and that means that contacts in the population are going up and that's a very variable process."
Asked about Bradford and Doncaster, he said: "Those are areas, where not as high as Leicester, but they have some of the highest numbers of cases per 100,000 of the population, which is the relevant measure, so they're clearly of concern."
Prof Ferguson also said there "really isn't a big distinction between a second wave and these local clusters".
"A second national wave is just a agglomeration of small outbreaks... merged together across the country," he said.
"That's exactly what we want to avoid by snuffing out those small outbreaks when they are just sparks."
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BREAKING: Another 50 people die with coronavirus in England
Another 50 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total to 28,759, NHS England said.
Patients were aged between 52 and 97 years old.
Two patients, aged 52 and 63, had no known underlying health conditions.
No deaths were recorded in the South West region in the latest figures.
Another 50 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total to 28,759, NHS England said.
Patients were aged between 52 and 97 years old.
Two patients, aged 52 and 63, had no known underlying health conditions.
No deaths were recorded in the South West region in the latest figures.
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How fast are infections falling in England?
About 25,000 people in the England had coronavirus in the two weeks up to 21 June, according to the latest estimate from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
That is about 0.45% of the population, or one in 2,200 people - not counting those in settings like hospitals, care homes or prisons.
It is half the figure given for the previous week, but the ONS continues to say that the long term trend was a decline in infections to early June, followed by a levelling off.
BBC head of statistics Robert Cuffe says the figures have "bounced around" in the last three weeks, from 33,000 to 51,000 to 25,000.
That is because the survey finds very few observed infections among its sample of 23,000 people - only 12 this week and 14 last week - so there is a very wide margin of error when the ONS extrapolates to the whole population, he says.
The ONS also estimates that there were about 3,500 new infections per day over the course of the last two weeks.
About 25,000 people in the England had coronavirus in the two weeks up to 21 June, according to the latest estimate from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
That is about 0.45% of the population, or one in 2,200 people - not counting those in settings like hospitals, care homes or prisons.
It is half the figure given for the previous week, but the ONS continues to say that the long term trend was a decline in infections to early June, followed by a levelling off.
BBC head of statistics Robert Cuffe says the figures have "bounced around" in the last three weeks, from 33,000 to 51,000 to 25,000.
That is because the survey finds very few observed infections among its sample of 23,000 people - only 12 this week and 14 last week - so there is a very wide margin of error when the ONS extrapolates to the whole population, he says.
The ONS also estimates that there were about 3,500 new infections per day over the course of the last two weeks.
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England, Wales and Northern Ireland virus deaths
In England, a further 35 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 28,794, NHS England said.
In Wales, a further eight people have died with the virus, according to Public Health Wales. This takes the total number of deaths there to 1,524.
Northern Ireland's Department of Health said one coronavirus-related death has been reported in the last day, bringing its death toll to 552.
In England, a further 35 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 28,794, NHS England said.
In Wales, a further eight people have died with the virus, according to Public Health Wales. This takes the total number of deaths there to 1,524.
Northern Ireland's Department of Health said one coronavirus-related death has been reported in the last day, bringing its death toll to 552.
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UK to relax England's quarantine rules for summer travellers
Britain’s government said it will lift its COVID-19 quarantine requirement for people arriving in England from countries including Germany, France, Spain and Italy from July 10.
A full list of countries covered by the relaxation would be announced on Friday, the country’s transport ministry said.
Under the existing rules, travellers must self-isolate for 14 days on entering the country, something airlines and the travel industry have said will cost thousands of jobs and inflict further damage on the economy.
The government said it expected countries included on the quarantine-free list for England would reciprocate by relaxing their own travel restrictions.
Britain’s foreign ministry would set out exemptions from its global advisory against “all but essential” international travel from July 4.
“Today marks the next step in carefully reopening our great nation,” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said.
The devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own powers over public health issues.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...ules-for-summer-travellers-idUKKBN2433DW?il=0
Britain’s government said it will lift its COVID-19 quarantine requirement for people arriving in England from countries including Germany, France, Spain and Italy from July 10.
A full list of countries covered by the relaxation would be announced on Friday, the country’s transport ministry said.
Under the existing rules, travellers must self-isolate for 14 days on entering the country, something airlines and the travel industry have said will cost thousands of jobs and inflict further damage on the economy.
The government said it expected countries included on the quarantine-free list for England would reciprocate by relaxing their own travel restrictions.
Britain’s foreign ministry would set out exemptions from its global advisory against “all but essential” international travel from July 4.
“Today marks the next step in carefully reopening our great nation,” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said.
The devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own powers over public health issues.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...ules-for-summer-travellers-idUKKBN2433DW?il=0
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Behave yourselves, PM Johnson warns as pub reopening nears
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge Britons to act responsibly when pubs reopen this weekend, warning that businesses, livelihoods and the future of the whole economy depends on it.
The latest phase in a gradual reopening of the British economy on Saturday will see pubs in England open their doors for the first time since mid March, as well as the reopening of restaurants, museums, hotels and other businesses.
The much-awaited event has been dubbed “Super Saturday” in the media, sparking worries that after months cooped up indoors, some could get carried away and risk spreading COVID-19.
“Ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly,” Johnson is expected to say at a news conference on Friday.
Many of the elements that define a pub will be missing when they reopen: with numbers limited, there will be no crowds, no standing at the bar and no live music. Venues will have to keep a record of customers in case of a virus outbreak.
Johnson has previously said he is looking forward to visiting a pub himself, but has warned that patrons will have to stick to new rules.
He is expected to repeat that caution on Friday, pointing to a spike in cases that has forced the English city of Leicester to be locked down. Johnson will warn that freedoms could be swiftly revoked if the virus takes hold elsewhere.
“Anyone who flouts social distancing and COVID-Secure rules is not only putting us all at risk but letting down those businesses and workers who have done so much to prepare for this new normal,” he will say.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...rns-as-pub-reopening-nears-idUKKBN2433AQ?il=0
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge Britons to act responsibly when pubs reopen this weekend, warning that businesses, livelihoods and the future of the whole economy depends on it.
The latest phase in a gradual reopening of the British economy on Saturday will see pubs in England open their doors for the first time since mid March, as well as the reopening of restaurants, museums, hotels and other businesses.
The much-awaited event has been dubbed “Super Saturday” in the media, sparking worries that after months cooped up indoors, some could get carried away and risk spreading COVID-19.
“Ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly,” Johnson is expected to say at a news conference on Friday.
Many of the elements that define a pub will be missing when they reopen: with numbers limited, there will be no crowds, no standing at the bar and no live music. Venues will have to keep a record of customers in case of a virus outbreak.
Johnson has previously said he is looking forward to visiting a pub himself, but has warned that patrons will have to stick to new rules.
He is expected to repeat that caution on Friday, pointing to a spike in cases that has forced the English city of Leicester to be locked down. Johnson will warn that freedoms could be swiftly revoked if the virus takes hold elsewhere.
“Anyone who flouts social distancing and COVID-Secure rules is not only putting us all at risk but letting down those businesses and workers who have done so much to prepare for this new normal,” he will say.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...rns-as-pub-reopening-nears-idUKKBN2433AQ?il=0
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Here's a summary of this morning's headlines to get you up to speed today:
France, Spain, Germany and Italy are among the countries that England is exempting from quarantine requirements from 10 July because of their reduced risk of coronavirus. A full list of is due to be published later
From next week, staff in English and Welsh care homes will be tested weekly and residents every 28 days, after criticism of the government's handling of the pandemic in social care
At a press conference later, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge the public in England to "act responsibly" when pubs and other businesses reopen on Saturday and social distancing rules are reduced
Labour's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds is due to make a speech calling for more economic support and an extension of the job retention scheme for areas hit by local lockdowns
Scotland has eased its five-mile restriction on travel, allowed holiday homes to open and resumed visits to care homes
Wales is due to announce later that its "stay local" travel restrictions will be lifted from Monday, as long as coronavirus cases continue to fall
Northern Ireland's Economy Minister Diane Dodds has hailed a "great day" as hotels, restaurants, cafes and pubs reopen
And a trial to see if dogs can sniff out coronavirus is "going very well", according to the charity conducting it. Medical Detection Dogs has previously trained dogs to identify the scent of malaria, cancer and Parkinson's disease
France, Spain, Germany and Italy are among the countries that England is exempting from quarantine requirements from 10 July because of their reduced risk of coronavirus. A full list of is due to be published later
From next week, staff in English and Welsh care homes will be tested weekly and residents every 28 days, after criticism of the government's handling of the pandemic in social care
At a press conference later, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge the public in England to "act responsibly" when pubs and other businesses reopen on Saturday and social distancing rules are reduced
Labour's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds is due to make a speech calling for more economic support and an extension of the job retention scheme for areas hit by local lockdowns
Scotland has eased its five-mile restriction on travel, allowed holiday homes to open and resumed visits to care homes
Wales is due to announce later that its "stay local" travel restrictions will be lifted from Monday, as long as coronavirus cases continue to fall
Northern Ireland's Economy Minister Diane Dodds has hailed a "great day" as hotels, restaurants, cafes and pubs reopen
And a trial to see if dogs can sniff out coronavirus is "going very well", according to the charity conducting it. Medical Detection Dogs has previously trained dogs to identify the scent of malaria, cancer and Parkinson's disease
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Leaders in Wales and Scotland criticise 'shambolic' quarantine changes
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford says dealing with the UK government over changes to travel quarantine rules has been "an utterly shambolic experience".
The plans, including potential air bridges and international travel agreements, are an example of the government "making an announcement first" and making up details later, according to Mr Drakeford.
He says his administration has yet to see a reliable list of proposals involving international travel destinations. But he adds the Welsh government does not want to hold up any agreement and he foresees imposing the same measures in Wales as in England.
Quarantine rules are being relaxed in England, but not in the UK's other three nations, despite the ease of travel between them.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon used the same language as her Welsh counterpart, saying she would not be dragged along by the "shambolic decision-making process".
She says she needs time to consider the list of countries - adding she often had little or no notice of UK government proposals. Despite this, it's likely the Scottish government will be able to agree with the UK government's list of countries.
It comes on the day Mr Drakeford announced travel restrictions in Wales will end on Monday.
"Stay local" guidance, asking people to stay within five miles of home, will end, with no limits on travel, and outdoor attractions will able to open.
Two households will also be able to stay together indoors from 6 July.
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford says dealing with the UK government over changes to travel quarantine rules has been "an utterly shambolic experience".
The plans, including potential air bridges and international travel agreements, are an example of the government "making an announcement first" and making up details later, according to Mr Drakeford.
He says his administration has yet to see a reliable list of proposals involving international travel destinations. But he adds the Welsh government does not want to hold up any agreement and he foresees imposing the same measures in Wales as in England.
Quarantine rules are being relaxed in England, but not in the UK's other three nations, despite the ease of travel between them.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon used the same language as her Welsh counterpart, saying she would not be dragged along by the "shambolic decision-making process".
She says she needs time to consider the list of countries - adding she often had little or no notice of UK government proposals. Despite this, it's likely the Scottish government will be able to agree with the UK government's list of countries.
It comes on the day Mr Drakeford announced travel restrictions in Wales will end on Monday.
"Stay local" guidance, asking people to stay within five miles of home, will end, with no limits on travel, and outdoor attractions will able to open.
Two households will also be able to stay together indoors from 6 July.
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A&E told to brace for scenes similar to New Year's Eve
If you’re gearing up for a happy return to England’s reopening pubs tomorrow, spare a thought for the doctors.
With sunny weather widely forecast, A&E departments have been told to prepare for scenes similar to New Year’s Eve, when drunk patients pack emergency wards after injuring themselves (or each other).
One regional NHS England director has written to hospital trust leaders, urging them to lay on extra senior staff and beds, “should we also see a rise in admitted patients”.
Police Federation leaders have raised fears of a spike in drunken violence and disorder. Steve Kent, chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, warned “we’re going to have a couple of weeks of New Year's Eves” from 4 July onwards.
And Dr Felix Brewer, a committee member of Doctors' Association UK, told the BBC: "I think everyone working in the NHS is apprehensive about the easing of restrictions on 4 July.
"Social distancing in hospitals is incredibly difficult, especially in busy A&E departments. A surge in demand for services following the reopening of bars and pubs could make this task almost impossible, putting both patients and staff at risk."
He said a New Year's Eve scenario would be "incredibly difficult" to deal with:
"Capacity is already reduced as departments try to stream those with / without suspected Covid symptoms. The effects would be felt throughout the hospital. More patients coming into A&E leads to more admissions, which puts pressure on other departments. If not enough inpatients beds are available, elective admissions for surgery may have to stop, further contributing to the backlog"
If you’re gearing up for a happy return to England’s reopening pubs tomorrow, spare a thought for the doctors.
With sunny weather widely forecast, A&E departments have been told to prepare for scenes similar to New Year’s Eve, when drunk patients pack emergency wards after injuring themselves (or each other).
One regional NHS England director has written to hospital trust leaders, urging them to lay on extra senior staff and beds, “should we also see a rise in admitted patients”.
Police Federation leaders have raised fears of a spike in drunken violence and disorder. Steve Kent, chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, warned “we’re going to have a couple of weeks of New Year's Eves” from 4 July onwards.
And Dr Felix Brewer, a committee member of Doctors' Association UK, told the BBC: "I think everyone working in the NHS is apprehensive about the easing of restrictions on 4 July.
"Social distancing in hospitals is incredibly difficult, especially in busy A&E departments. A surge in demand for services following the reopening of bars and pubs could make this task almost impossible, putting both patients and staff at risk."
He said a New Year's Eve scenario would be "incredibly difficult" to deal with:
"Capacity is already reduced as departments try to stream those with / without suspected Covid symptoms. The effects would be felt throughout the hospital. More patients coming into A&E leads to more admissions, which puts pressure on other departments. If not enough inpatients beds are available, elective admissions for surgery may have to stop, further contributing to the backlog"
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UK nations report latest death tolls
A further 38 people who had tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England. It brings the total number of confirmed Covid-19 deaths in hospitals in England to 28,832, NHS England said.
Northern Ireland recorded two more deaths, bringing its total to 554, while in Scotland, one further person has died, taking the total to 2,488.
Wales also recorded a further two deaths, bringing its total to 1,525.
A UK-wide figure is due to be announced later, but it may differ from the total figures announced by the four nations as it is calculated on a different time frame and includes deaths in the community and care home, as well as hospitals.
A further 38 people who had tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England. It brings the total number of confirmed Covid-19 deaths in hospitals in England to 28,832, NHS England said.
Northern Ireland recorded two more deaths, bringing its total to 554, while in Scotland, one further person has died, taking the total to 2,488.
Wales also recorded a further two deaths, bringing its total to 1,525.
A UK-wide figure is due to be announced later, but it may differ from the total figures announced by the four nations as it is calculated on a different time frame and includes deaths in the community and care home, as well as hospitals.
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Catch up with what's been happening in the UK today
We're expecting to hear from Prime Minister Boris Johnson a bit later on - he's leading a press conference at 17:00 BST, the day before some restrictions are being eased in England.
The PM is going to warn we're "not out of the woods yet" when it comes to the virus and that people need to act "safely and sensibly" when they're out and about at places like pubs and bars. They're going to be opening their doors for the first time since March - from as early as 06:00 - alongside restaurants, cinemas and hairdressers.
So, before we get to that - what else has been going on this Friday?
- England has said that people arriving from more than 50 countries - including France and Spain - won't have to quarantine from 10 July. A full list of exempt countries is expected to be confirmed later
- But Scotland and Wales still have to decide whether they're easing international travel restrictions, with the first ministers of each describing dealing with the UK government over the issue as "shambolic"
- At the height of the pandemic, people weren't asked for their addresses for weeks, it has emerged. It's understood Public Health England is now trying to match addresses to positive test results to understand the spread of the virus
- In Scotland, the five-mile travel limit has been lifted and self-contained holiday accommodation can now reopen
- Travel restrictions in Wales will end on Monday, First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed - previously, people had been asked to stay within five miles of home
- And back to that so-called Super Saturday in England as pubs plan to reopen - one place they won't be is Leicester, which is under a local lockdown. Despite this, there'll be more police than on New Year's Eve patrolling, as rules are being eased outside the city's boundaries
We're expecting to hear from Prime Minister Boris Johnson a bit later on - he's leading a press conference at 17:00 BST, the day before some restrictions are being eased in England.
The PM is going to warn we're "not out of the woods yet" when it comes to the virus and that people need to act "safely and sensibly" when they're out and about at places like pubs and bars. They're going to be opening their doors for the first time since March - from as early as 06:00 - alongside restaurants, cinemas and hairdressers.
So, before we get to that - what else has been going on this Friday?
- England has said that people arriving from more than 50 countries - including France and Spain - won't have to quarantine from 10 July. A full list of exempt countries is expected to be confirmed later
- But Scotland and Wales still have to decide whether they're easing international travel restrictions, with the first ministers of each describing dealing with the UK government over the issue as "shambolic"
- At the height of the pandemic, people weren't asked for their addresses for weeks, it has emerged. It's understood Public Health England is now trying to match addresses to positive test results to understand the spread of the virus
- In Scotland, the five-mile travel limit has been lifted and self-contained holiday accommodation can now reopen
- Travel restrictions in Wales will end on Monday, First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed - previously, people had been asked to stay within five miles of home
- And back to that so-called Super Saturday in England as pubs plan to reopen - one place they won't be is Leicester, which is under a local lockdown. Despite this, there'll be more police than on New Year's Eve patrolling, as rules are being eased outside the city's boundaries
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BREAKING: Full list of England quarantine exemptions published
The UK government has published the list of countries which are exempt from England's 14-day quarantine requirements:
The UK government has published the list of countries which are exempt from England's 14-day quarantine requirements:
The Viper
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A round-up of the PM's press conference
We've just heard from Prime Minister Boris Johnson as England prepares to ease some lockdown measures tomorrow. But what did we learn? Here's a round-up.
Coronavirus is still very much with us as we move to the next set of changes, said the PM, who stressed: "We're not out of the woods yet"
He said tomorrow marks the biggest step on the road to recovery and urged people not to let down the "businesses and workers who have done so much to prepare us for this new normal"
As lockdown eases in England tomorrow, people should expect "targeted" local lockdowns to be reimposed - like the one currently in place in Leicester - where there are spikes in the number of cases of the virus
A timetable will be set out next week for the reopening of other businesses, - including the arts and events industry, indoor gyms and nails bars - said Mr Johnson
He said governments in Scotland and Wales are going in the "same direction" as England but perhaps at "slightly different speeds"
Prof Chris Whitty, the chief medical adviser, warns that a second wave is a possibility and the risk will "exist with us for a very long time", as he urges people to stick to the rules. There is no "risk-free next step" he adds
Mr Johnson says people should feel safe to enjoy themselves this summer - but must do so "in a responsible way"
We've just heard from Prime Minister Boris Johnson as England prepares to ease some lockdown measures tomorrow. But what did we learn? Here's a round-up.
Coronavirus is still very much with us as we move to the next set of changes, said the PM, who stressed: "We're not out of the woods yet"
He said tomorrow marks the biggest step on the road to recovery and urged people not to let down the "businesses and workers who have done so much to prepare us for this new normal"
As lockdown eases in England tomorrow, people should expect "targeted" local lockdowns to be reimposed - like the one currently in place in Leicester - where there are spikes in the number of cases of the virus
A timetable will be set out next week for the reopening of other businesses, - including the arts and events industry, indoor gyms and nails bars - said Mr Johnson
He said governments in Scotland and Wales are going in the "same direction" as England but perhaps at "slightly different speeds"
Prof Chris Whitty, the chief medical adviser, warns that a second wave is a possibility and the risk will "exist with us for a very long time", as he urges people to stick to the rules. There is no "risk-free next step" he adds
Mr Johnson says people should feel safe to enjoy themselves this summer - but must do so "in a responsible way"
The Viper
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Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers reopen as England's lockdown eases
England takes its biggest steps yet towards resumption of normal life on Saturday as people are finally allowed to drink in a pub, get a haircut or have a meal in a restaurant for the first time in over three months.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said everybody had to behave responsibly and maintain social distancing to support businesses and not risk a second wave of the coronavirus.
Some hairdressers were reported to have opened at the stroke of midnight while pubs will be allowed to start serving from 0500 GMT on so-called “Super Saturday”, sparking worries of pent-up over-indulgence.
Johnson said his message was to “enjoy summer safely” and not undo the progress made in knocking back the pandemic.
He said workers in pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and other businesses had made an heroic effort to prepare for reopening.
“The success of these businesses, the livelihoods of those who rely on them, and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly,” he said. “We must not let them down.”
Police said they were “absolutely prepared” for the pubs reopening.
But customers might find the atmosphere inside rather different from the usual Saturday-night scrum.
Numbers will be limited, no one will be allowed to stand at the bar and there will be no live music. Patrons will also have to give their details to allow tracers to identify them if anyone later tests positive.
JD Wetherspoon, one of the biggest chains, said it had invested 11 million pounds in safety measures.Most of its pubs in England will open at the usual time of 8 a.m. on Saturday. It is not taking bookings, but said at busy times numbers would be controlled by staff.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...as-englands-lockdown-eases-idUKKBN2442OO?il=0
England takes its biggest steps yet towards resumption of normal life on Saturday as people are finally allowed to drink in a pub, get a haircut or have a meal in a restaurant for the first time in over three months.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said everybody had to behave responsibly and maintain social distancing to support businesses and not risk a second wave of the coronavirus.
Some hairdressers were reported to have opened at the stroke of midnight while pubs will be allowed to start serving from 0500 GMT on so-called “Super Saturday”, sparking worries of pent-up over-indulgence.
Johnson said his message was to “enjoy summer safely” and not undo the progress made in knocking back the pandemic.
He said workers in pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and other businesses had made an heroic effort to prepare for reopening.
“The success of these businesses, the livelihoods of those who rely on them, and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly,” he said. “We must not let them down.”
Police said they were “absolutely prepared” for the pubs reopening.
But customers might find the atmosphere inside rather different from the usual Saturday-night scrum.
Numbers will be limited, no one will be allowed to stand at the bar and there will be no live music. Patrons will also have to give their details to allow tracers to identify them if anyone later tests positive.
JD Wetherspoon, one of the biggest chains, said it had invested 11 million pounds in safety measures.Most of its pubs in England will open at the usual time of 8 a.m. on Saturday. It is not taking bookings, but said at busy times numbers would be controlled by staff.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...as-englands-lockdown-eases-idUKKBN2442OO?il=0
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Further deaths in Wales as Scotland records none
A further five people have died with the coronavirus in Wales, with a further 34 people testing positive for the virus, Public Health Wales said.
In Scotland, there were no recorded Covid-19 related deaths with 11 more confirmed cases, the Scottish government said.
A further five people have died with the coronavirus in Wales, with a further 34 people testing positive for the virus, Public Health Wales said.
In Scotland, there were no recorded Covid-19 related deaths with 11 more confirmed cases, the Scottish government said.
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Further 39 virus deaths among patients in England
A further 39 people who tested positive for Covid-19 have died in hospitals across England, NHS England has said.
Patients were aged between 45 and 99 years old. All patients had known underlying health conditions.
It brings the total number of deaths in hospitals in England to 28,871.
Figures for the whole of the UK will be released later.
A further 39 people who tested positive for Covid-19 have died in hospitals across England, NHS England has said.
Patients were aged between 45 and 99 years old. All patients had known underlying health conditions.
It brings the total number of deaths in hospitals in England to 28,871.
Figures for the whole of the UK will be released later.
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Portugal denounces 'absurd' UK quarantine measures
Portugal has denounced as "absurd" the UK's decision to exclude it from the list of countries to which Britons can travel without having to observe quarantine restrictions on their return.
The row comes as both countries record a coronavirus infections rate of 4,000 cases per million inhabitants, although Britain registers a significantly higher death rate.
"The question of quarantine is absurd," said Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva in an interview with state television station RTP.
Portugal has denounced as "absurd" the UK's decision to exclude it from the list of countries to which Britons can travel without having to observe quarantine restrictions on their return.
The row comes as both countries record a coronavirus infections rate of 4,000 cases per million inhabitants, although Britain registers a significantly higher death rate.
"The question of quarantine is absurd," said Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva in an interview with state television station RTP.
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The Department of Health says the number of people in the UK who have died in all settings after testing positive for COVID-19 has risen by 67 to 44,198
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UK to double work coaches as lockdown hammers jobs market
Britain’s government will double the number of its job coaches as part of a plan to tackle a rise in unemployment triggered by the coronavirus lockdown, the finance ministry said on Saturday.
The number of work coaches at British job centres will double to 27,000 at a cost of 800 million pounds, the ministry said.
Finance minister Rishi Sunak is due to announce on Wednesday his next steps for steering the world’s fifth-biggest economy away from its lockdown slump which caused a 20% contraction in output in April.
The number of people on British employers’ payrolls fell by more than 600,000 in April and May and vacancies plunged by the most on record in the three months to May.
The work coaches will give jobseekers personalised support to build skills and improve their employment prospects, the ministry said.
Last week, the chief economist of the International Monetary Fund, Gita Gopinath, said Britain should consider increasing its unemployment benefits to help get people into the kind of work that is likely to be in demand after the lockdown.
Employers have called on the government to cut their social security contributions and take other measures to help them keep workers on their books after Britain’s huge state furlough scheme expires at the end of October.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...ckdown-hammers-jobs-market-idUKKBN2450RX?il=0
Britain’s government will double the number of its job coaches as part of a plan to tackle a rise in unemployment triggered by the coronavirus lockdown, the finance ministry said on Saturday.
The number of work coaches at British job centres will double to 27,000 at a cost of 800 million pounds, the ministry said.
Finance minister Rishi Sunak is due to announce on Wednesday his next steps for steering the world’s fifth-biggest economy away from its lockdown slump which caused a 20% contraction in output in April.
The number of people on British employers’ payrolls fell by more than 600,000 in April and May and vacancies plunged by the most on record in the three months to May.
The work coaches will give jobseekers personalised support to build skills and improve their employment prospects, the ministry said.
Last week, the chief economist of the International Monetary Fund, Gita Gopinath, said Britain should consider increasing its unemployment benefits to help get people into the kind of work that is likely to be in demand after the lockdown.
Employers have called on the government to cut their social security contributions and take other measures to help them keep workers on their books after Britain’s huge state furlough scheme expires at the end of October.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...ckdown-hammers-jobs-market-idUKKBN2450RX?il=0
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Another 18 deaths in England, one in Wales
A further 18 people have died in hospital in England after testing positive for coronavirus.
It brings the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 28,889, NHS England said.
Public Health Wales said one more person had died after testing positive for Covid-19, taking the total number of deaths in Wales to 1,531.
A further 18 people have died in hospital in England after testing positive for coronavirus.
It brings the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 28,889, NHS England said.
Public Health Wales said one more person had died after testing positive for Covid-19, taking the total number of deaths in Wales to 1,531.
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Which part of the UK could be locked down next?
Leicester became the first UK city to tighten its lockdown on Monday, as Covid-19 cases spiked.
The figures for the last week in June show there were 141 infections per 100,000 people in Leicester - similar to the previous week.
That is the highest of any local authority area in the UK, with the exception of Merthyr Tydfil, which has seen an outbreak centred on a meat-processing plant.
New data published this week reveals which areas might be locked down next.
Leicester became the first UK city to tighten its lockdown on Monday, as Covid-19 cases spiked.
The figures for the last week in June show there were 141 infections per 100,000 people in Leicester - similar to the previous week.
That is the highest of any local authority area in the UK, with the exception of Merthyr Tydfil, which has seen an outbreak centred on a meat-processing plant.
New data published this week reveals which areas might be locked down next.
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Britain says to put nearly $2 billion into arts to help survival
Britain will invest nearly $2 billion in cultural institutions and the arts to help a sector that has been crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday.
Theatres, opera houses and ballet companies have been left without a live audience for months.
Though English museums and cinemas can re-open with strict social distancing in the latest easing of lockdown which began on Saturday, guidelines still dictate no live performances at theatres or concert halls.
That has created an existential crisis for much of the sector, which has been vocal in calling on the government for support.
“This money will help safeguard the sector for future generations, ensuring arts groups and venues across the UK can stay afloat and support their staff whilst their doors remain closed and curtains remain down,” Johnson said in a statement.
The government said the 1.57-billion pound ($1.96 billion) investment was the biggest ever in Britain’s culture sector.
It said that Britain’s museums, art galleries, theatres, independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues would be protected through emergency grants and loans.
The government will consult with figures from Arts Council England, the British Film Institute and other specialist bodies on awarding grants, while it said repayable finance would be issued on affordable terms.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-h...lion-into-arts-to-help-survival-idUKKBN2460VL
Britain will invest nearly $2 billion in cultural institutions and the arts to help a sector that has been crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday.
Theatres, opera houses and ballet companies have been left without a live audience for months.
Though English museums and cinemas can re-open with strict social distancing in the latest easing of lockdown which began on Saturday, guidelines still dictate no live performances at theatres or concert halls.
That has created an existential crisis for much of the sector, which has been vocal in calling on the government for support.
“This money will help safeguard the sector for future generations, ensuring arts groups and venues across the UK can stay afloat and support their staff whilst their doors remain closed and curtains remain down,” Johnson said in a statement.
The government said the 1.57-billion pound ($1.96 billion) investment was the biggest ever in Britain’s culture sector.
It said that Britain’s museums, art galleries, theatres, independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues would be protected through emergency grants and loans.
The government will consult with figures from Arts Council England, the British Film Institute and other specialist bodies on awarding grants, while it said repayable finance would be issued on affordable terms.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-h...lion-into-arts-to-help-survival-idUKKBN2460VL
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UK reports a further 16 deaths
Latest UK government figures show a further 16 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus.
It brings the government’s official death toll to 44,236.
Remember though – the number is often lower than the trend on Mondays, due to delays to reporting data over the weekend.
Latest UK government figures show a further 16 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus.
It brings the government’s official death toll to 44,236.
Remember though – the number is often lower than the trend on Mondays, due to delays to reporting data over the weekend.
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Hundreds of thousands of homeowners in England will receive vouchers of up to £5,000 for energy-saving home improvements. The investment will be announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Wednesday as he looks to "kick-start" the UK economy in response to the coronavirus crisis
PM Boris Johnson has been criticised for saying "too many care homes didn't really follow the procedures" during the outbreak. The National Care Forum described his words as hugely insulting for those working in the sector
At least three pubs in England have closed after customers tested positive for coronavirus. The pubs - in West Yorkshire, Hampshire and Somerset - announced they had shut their doors again after reopening at the weekend
The president of the UK's national academy of science, the Royal Society, has said that not wearing face coverings in public should be considered as anti-social as driving without seatbelts. Prof Sir Venki Ramakrishnan also said the UK was "way behind" many countries in their usage
And the Duchess of Cornwall has been telling the BBC about missing her grandchildren during lockdown
PM Boris Johnson has been criticised for saying "too many care homes didn't really follow the procedures" during the outbreak. The National Care Forum described his words as hugely insulting for those working in the sector
At least three pubs in England have closed after customers tested positive for coronavirus. The pubs - in West Yorkshire, Hampshire and Somerset - announced they had shut their doors again after reopening at the weekend
The president of the UK's national academy of science, the Royal Society, has said that not wearing face coverings in public should be considered as anti-social as driving without seatbelts. Prof Sir Venki Ramakrishnan also said the UK was "way behind" many countries in their usage
And the Duchess of Cornwall has been telling the BBC about missing her grandchildren during lockdown
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NHS England has said that a further 36 people have died in hospitals in England after testing positive for coronavirus. The patients were between 53 and 98 years old and all but two of them (who were both in their 80s) had underlying health conditions. The full figures are here.
To provide a comparison, here are the equivalent daily figures from NHS England for the past fortnight.
Tuesday 23 June - 46
Wednesday 24 June - 51
Thursday 25 June - 55
Friday 26 June - 67
Saturday 27 June - 78
Sunday 28 June - 18
Monday 29 June - 19
Tuesday 30 June - 37
Wednesday 1 July - 50
Thursday 2 July - 35
Friday 3 July - 38
Saturday 4 July - 39
Sunday 5 July - 18
Monday 6 July - 15
To provide a comparison, here are the equivalent daily figures from NHS England for the past fortnight.
Tuesday 23 June - 46
Wednesday 24 June - 51
Thursday 25 June - 55
Friday 26 June - 67
Saturday 27 June - 78
Sunday 28 June - 18
Monday 29 June - 19
Tuesday 30 June - 37
Wednesday 1 July - 50
Thursday 2 July - 35
Friday 3 July - 38
Saturday 4 July - 39
Sunday 5 July - 18
Monday 6 July - 15
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What's the picture in Scotland?
Nicola Sturgeon hopes to confirm move to phase 3 out of lockdown on Thursday
The first minister confirms a five-mile limit on travel for leisure purposes for parts of Dumfries and Galloway has been lifted
Sturgeon calls again for an £80bn economic stimulus package from Chancellor Rishi Sunak
One person has died with Covid-19 in Scotland in the last 24 hours
The latest figures show crisis grant payments 40% higher than last year
In terms of air bridges, work is ongoing to assess the risks from other countries
Quarantine checks on international arrivals to Scotland have started, with six reports of suspected non-compliance so far
However, the first minister will not 'simply rubber stamp' a UK list on quarantine
"We mess with this virus at our peril", warns the first minister
Nicola Sturgeon hopes to confirm move to phase 3 out of lockdown on Thursday
The first minister confirms a five-mile limit on travel for leisure purposes for parts of Dumfries and Galloway has been lifted
Sturgeon calls again for an £80bn economic stimulus package from Chancellor Rishi Sunak
One person has died with Covid-19 in Scotland in the last 24 hours
The latest figures show crisis grant payments 40% higher than last year
In terms of air bridges, work is ongoing to assess the risks from other countries
Quarantine checks on international arrivals to Scotland have started, with six reports of suspected non-compliance so far
However, the first minister will not 'simply rubber stamp' a UK list on quarantine
"We mess with this virus at our peril", warns the first minister
UK coronavirus deaths up by 155
The latest figures from the Department of Health and Social care have been released, showing that a further 155 people in the UK have died after testing positive for coronavirus.
It makes the total number of deaths after a positive test in hospitals, care homes and the wider community 44,391.
But it does not include all deaths involving Covid-19 across the UK. That figure is now thought to have passed 55,000.
The DHSC also said that in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Tuesday, there were 581 positive test results. A total of 286,349 cases have been confirmed in all.
The latest figures from the Department of Health and Social care have been released, showing that a further 155 people in the UK have died after testing positive for coronavirus.
It makes the total number of deaths after a positive test in hospitals, care homes and the wider community 44,391.
But it does not include all deaths involving Covid-19 across the UK. That figure is now thought to have passed 55,000.
The DHSC also said that in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Tuesday, there were 581 positive test results. A total of 286,349 cases have been confirmed in all.
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Downing Street has resisted calls for Boris Johnson to apologise for claiming some care workers "didn't really follow the procedures" during the coronavirus outbreak.
The comments were branded "a real slap in the face" and "clumsy and cowardly" by medics and campaigners - and the prime minister is facing calls to retract them.
Number 10 has stuck by the statement, made in response to a call from the head of NHS England to adequately fund the adult social care sector within a year.
"We discovered too many care homes didn't really follow the procedures in the way that they could have," Mr Johnson said on a visit to Goole, Yorkshire, on Monday.
A government spokesperson clarified later that day he had been pointing out "nobody knew what the correct procedures were" because the amount of people with no COVID-19 symptoms transmitting the virus was unknown.
Mr Johnson's spokesman, asked during a Westminster briefing on Tuesday if he would apologise, said: "The PM thinks that throughout the pandemic care homes have done a brilliant job under very difficult circumstances."
Labour's shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth claimed care workers had been left "insulted" and "hurt", called for an apology and challenged the government to explain which care homes didn't follow which procedures.
Sir Keir Starmer said the comments were "shameful".
The Labour leader said: "At least 20,000 people have died from COVID-19 in care homes. Residents went without tests. Staff were left without PPE. And all after a decade of cuts to social care.
"Shameful of Boris Johnson for trying to blame others for his government's failures."
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, declined to publicly criticise the original statement.
"Throughout this crisis, care homes have done amazing work," he told the House of Commons on Tuesday.
"The prime minister was explaining, because asymptomatic-type transmission was not known, the correct procedures were therefore not known.
"We've been constantly learning about this virus from the start and improving procedures all the way through."
And the business secretary stuck to the same script when he spoke to Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast earlier on.
Alok Sharma said he "noted" the criticism of Mr Johnson but insisted "nobody knew what the correct procedures were at the time".
But voices from outside government have been highly critical.
Coronavirus has taken care homes by storm, killing thousands within weeks. The NHS was bolstered in order to keep it afloat. Were care homes left to fend for themselves? Was equipment diverted? Were the elderly of the country sacrificed to make the strain on our health service lighter?
Nadra Ahmed, the chair of the National Care Association, told Sky News: "I'm absolutely stunned the prime minister thought it was appropriate for him to make that comment and I think he should retract that comment and apologise."
Vic Rayner, executive director of the National Care Forum, said: "Care homes across the country were dealing with an extraordinary amount of different guidance that was coming out from government on an almost daily basis.
"So for the suggestion that they were not following procedures as laid out is totally inappropriate and, frankly, hugely insulting."
The Independent Care Group's chairman Mike Padgham said it was "upsetting" to hear Mr Johnson's comments and described them as "a real slap in the face for those workers after they have given and sacrificed so much".
"I think this - at best - was clumsy and cowardly," he continued.
"But, to be honest with you, if this is genuinely his view, I think we're almost entering a Kafkaesque alternative reality where the government set the rules; we follow them; they don't like the results; and they then deny setting the rules and blame the people that were trying to do their best.
"It is hugely frustrating."
https://news.sky.com/story/coronavi...care-workers-didnt-follow-procedures-12023116
The comments were branded "a real slap in the face" and "clumsy and cowardly" by medics and campaigners - and the prime minister is facing calls to retract them.
Number 10 has stuck by the statement, made in response to a call from the head of NHS England to adequately fund the adult social care sector within a year.
"We discovered too many care homes didn't really follow the procedures in the way that they could have," Mr Johnson said on a visit to Goole, Yorkshire, on Monday.
A government spokesperson clarified later that day he had been pointing out "nobody knew what the correct procedures were" because the amount of people with no COVID-19 symptoms transmitting the virus was unknown.
Mr Johnson's spokesman, asked during a Westminster briefing on Tuesday if he would apologise, said: "The PM thinks that throughout the pandemic care homes have done a brilliant job under very difficult circumstances."
Labour's shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth claimed care workers had been left "insulted" and "hurt", called for an apology and challenged the government to explain which care homes didn't follow which procedures.
Sir Keir Starmer said the comments were "shameful".
The Labour leader said: "At least 20,000 people have died from COVID-19 in care homes. Residents went without tests. Staff were left without PPE. And all after a decade of cuts to social care.
"Shameful of Boris Johnson for trying to blame others for his government's failures."
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, declined to publicly criticise the original statement.
"Throughout this crisis, care homes have done amazing work," he told the House of Commons on Tuesday.
"The prime minister was explaining, because asymptomatic-type transmission was not known, the correct procedures were therefore not known.
"We've been constantly learning about this virus from the start and improving procedures all the way through."
And the business secretary stuck to the same script when he spoke to Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast earlier on.
Alok Sharma said he "noted" the criticism of Mr Johnson but insisted "nobody knew what the correct procedures were at the time".
But voices from outside government have been highly critical.
Coronavirus has taken care homes by storm, killing thousands within weeks. The NHS was bolstered in order to keep it afloat. Were care homes left to fend for themselves? Was equipment diverted? Were the elderly of the country sacrificed to make the strain on our health service lighter?
Nadra Ahmed, the chair of the National Care Association, told Sky News: "I'm absolutely stunned the prime minister thought it was appropriate for him to make that comment and I think he should retract that comment and apologise."
Vic Rayner, executive director of the National Care Forum, said: "Care homes across the country were dealing with an extraordinary amount of different guidance that was coming out from government on an almost daily basis.
"So for the suggestion that they were not following procedures as laid out is totally inappropriate and, frankly, hugely insulting."
The Independent Care Group's chairman Mike Padgham said it was "upsetting" to hear Mr Johnson's comments and described them as "a real slap in the face for those workers after they have given and sacrificed so much".
"I think this - at best - was clumsy and cowardly," he continued.
"But, to be honest with you, if this is genuinely his view, I think we're almost entering a Kafkaesque alternative reality where the government set the rules; we follow them; they don't like the results; and they then deny setting the rules and blame the people that were trying to do their best.
"It is hugely frustrating."
https://news.sky.com/story/coronavi...care-workers-didnt-follow-procedures-12023116
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Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to announce a £2bn "kickstart scheme" to create more jobs for young people and "help Britain bounce back from coronavirus"
Supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) must be guaranteed ahead of winter when the UK could face a second wave of coronavirus, say MPs
Childminders in Scotland have called on the government for "clarity" amid fears current restrictions could see 80% of businesses in the sector collapse within a year
Care homes in Wales have been "badly let down" during the coronavirus pandemic and the government has been too slow to respond, a report has said
Northern Ireland education minister Peter Weir has told school principals there is no extra money to help schools reopen after the summer break
Supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) must be guaranteed ahead of winter when the UK could face a second wave of coronavirus, say MPs
Childminders in Scotland have called on the government for "clarity" amid fears current restrictions could see 80% of businesses in the sector collapse within a year
Care homes in Wales have been "badly let down" during the coronavirus pandemic and the government has been too slow to respond, a report has said
Northern Ireland education minister Peter Weir has told school principals there is no extra money to help schools reopen after the summer break
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4,173 deaths in Scotland now linked to Covid-19
A total of 4,173 Scots deaths have been linked to Covid-19 as of 5 July, official figures show.
The National Records of Scotland (NRS) figures indicate that is an increase of 17 deaths from the previous week.
From 29 June to 5 July, 40 fewer deaths from all causes were registered compared with the average number for this time of year.
New analysis of deaths registered up to 14 June shows that deaths among people from the South Asian ethnic group were almost twice as likely to involve Covid-19 than deaths in the White ethnic group, after accounting for age group, sex, area deprivation and urban/rural classification.
The NRS weekly figures are higher than the daily figure announced by Nicola Sturgeon because they include all cases where Covid-19 is mentioned on a death certificate, even if the patient had not been tested.
A total of 4,173 Scots deaths have been linked to Covid-19 as of 5 July, official figures show.
The National Records of Scotland (NRS) figures indicate that is an increase of 17 deaths from the previous week.
From 29 June to 5 July, 40 fewer deaths from all causes were registered compared with the average number for this time of year.
New analysis of deaths registered up to 14 June shows that deaths among people from the South Asian ethnic group were almost twice as likely to involve Covid-19 than deaths in the White ethnic group, after accounting for age group, sex, area deprivation and urban/rural classification.
The NRS weekly figures are higher than the daily figure announced by Nicola Sturgeon because they include all cases where Covid-19 is mentioned on a death certificate, even if the patient had not been tested.
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An outbreak of coronavirus infections at a London Hospital in prime minister Boris Johnson’s constituency has led to the closure of its accident and emergency department to emergency patients with 70 hospital staff now in isolation.
Ambulances and emergency patients are now being diverted to other hospitals across the capital.
In a statement Hillingdon Hospitals Foundation Trust told The Independent: “An outbreak of Covid-19 was declared on Friday 3 July. As of Tuesday, 7 July 70 members of staff were isolating, a number of whom have tested positive for Covid-19.
“As a result, the trust has taken the precautionary decision to close Hillingdon Hospital to emergency ambulances and emergency admissions.
“The trust is managing the outbreak in line with Public Health England guidance.”
The outbreak comes after a children's ward was closed at a hospital in Lancashire last month because of an outbreak among staff.
The paediatric ward at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary closed with 38 staff told to self-isolate.
There are concerns the government's test and trace service could disproportionately impact on NHS staff if they are identified as close contacts of someone who tests positive for the virus.
Staff who were wearing full protective clothing would not be required to isolate.
Ambulances and emergency patients are now being diverted to other hospitals across the capital.
In a statement Hillingdon Hospitals Foundation Trust told The Independent: “An outbreak of Covid-19 was declared on Friday 3 July. As of Tuesday, 7 July 70 members of staff were isolating, a number of whom have tested positive for Covid-19.
“As a result, the trust has taken the precautionary decision to close Hillingdon Hospital to emergency ambulances and emergency admissions.
“The trust is managing the outbreak in line with Public Health England guidance.”
The outbreak comes after a children's ward was closed at a hospital in Lancashire last month because of an outbreak among staff.
The paediatric ward at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary closed with 38 staff told to self-isolate.
There are concerns the government's test and trace service could disproportionately impact on NHS staff if they are identified as close contacts of someone who tests positive for the virus.
Staff who were wearing full protective clothing would not be required to isolate.
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Death toll in England rises by 42
A further 42 people who tested positive for Covid-19 have died, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths reported in hospitals in England to 28,969, NHS England has said.
Patients were aged between 22 and 100 years old. Six patients, aged between 60 and 94, had no known underlying health conditions.
A further 42 people who tested positive for Covid-19 have died, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths reported in hospitals in England to 28,969, NHS England has said.
Patients were aged between 22 and 100 years old. Six patients, aged between 60 and 94, had no known underlying health conditions.
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finalfantasy7
First Class Star
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not many patients deemed as critical - around a low 200
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The chief executive of the hospital that serves Boris Johnson’s constituency, which has shut its A&E unit after an outbreak of coronavirus, has blamed staff for flouting the rules by not wearing masks at work.
Hillingdon hospital in north-west London stopped letting patients attend its emergency department or accepting any new emergency admissions on Tuesday after 70 of its staff had to self-isolate.
It has had to tell the London ambulance service to take patients from the area to other hospitals because the number of its own staff who are now in quarantine means it has too few personnel to provide a full range of services.
The outbreak began last Friday, but its impact on the hospital’s workforce has escalated since then as growing numbers of staff have been identified through the track-and-trace scheme as having been in contact with colleagues who have tested positive and so have had to self-isolate.
Hillingdon is the main hospital used by voters in the prime minister’s Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency, in the London borough of Hillingdon.
However, the Guardian can reveal that the hospital’s chief executive, Sarah Tedford, has blamed the outbreak on “irresponsible” staff flouting infection control rules by not wearing a mask while at work, as all NHS staff in England now have to do, and standing or sitting too close to each other.
In a message she sent to staff last Friday, Tedford said: “All the way through this [pandemic] we have followed national guidance and it has kept us safe. So what is happening now? I am told some of you are not wearing appropriate masks and you are not adhering to social distancing. This has resulted in an outbreak on a ward where our staff have contracted Covid-19.
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“If you do not follow the guidance, we cannot keep you safe. I don’t like wearing a mask, but it would be irresponsible of me not to do so. Please think very carefully about what you are doing and ask yourselves if you are keeping yourself safe and if you are keeping each other safe. This is no time to be complacent: we are not out of the woods yet.”
She then added: “Can I please remind you to take responsibility for yourself and your team and help us all beat Covid-19? The lockdown is being lifted. Please ensure we play our part in not spreading Covid-19 and leading by example.”
Tedford went on: “This is such a serious matter, and at the moment I’m afraid some of us are not demonstrating the behaviour we should be. If you see someone not adhering to the guidance, please remind them of their responsibilities. We all need a little nudge at times.”
In a statement on Wednesday, a spokesman for Hillingdon hospitals NHS foundation trust said: “An outbreak of Covid-19 was declared on Friday 3 July 2020. As of Tuesday 7 July, 70 members of staff are now isolating, a number of whom have tested positive for Covid-19.
“As a result, the trust has taken the precautionary decision to close Hillingdon hospital to emergency ambulances and emergency admissions. The trust is managing the outbreak in line with Public Health England guidance.”
In April the trust was criticised by a healthcare assistant who quit when managers at the hospital refused her permission to wear a surgical mask to protect herself and her patients.
Tracy Brennan had self-isolated for 14 days after her daughter had shown symptoms. When she returned to work, she wore a surgical mask she had bought herself, to reduce the risk of her contracting or passing on the infection. But when her bosses told her that the next day she could not do so, she removed it. However, she explained in her resignation letter that managers again told her later that day that she could not wear the mask even though a patient had accidentally coughed into her unprotected face when she was taking blood.
In her letter she said: “With a heavy heart and sadness I feel I have no alternative but to hand this letter in as my formal resignation and will be unable to work my notice due to not being allowed to wear sufficient PPE [personal protective equipment] for the duties I perform.”
At the time, the trust said it took the safety of all its staff extremely seriously and followed national guidelines.
A spokesperson for Hillingdon hospital said: “The vast majority of our staff are maintaining social distancing and it is essential that everyone follows the guidance if we are to provide the safest care to our patients.”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...-emergency-admissions-after-covid-19-outbreak
Hillingdon hospital in north-west London stopped letting patients attend its emergency department or accepting any new emergency admissions on Tuesday after 70 of its staff had to self-isolate.
It has had to tell the London ambulance service to take patients from the area to other hospitals because the number of its own staff who are now in quarantine means it has too few personnel to provide a full range of services.
The outbreak began last Friday, but its impact on the hospital’s workforce has escalated since then as growing numbers of staff have been identified through the track-and-trace scheme as having been in contact with colleagues who have tested positive and so have had to self-isolate.
Hillingdon is the main hospital used by voters in the prime minister’s Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency, in the London borough of Hillingdon.
However, the Guardian can reveal that the hospital’s chief executive, Sarah Tedford, has blamed the outbreak on “irresponsible” staff flouting infection control rules by not wearing a mask while at work, as all NHS staff in England now have to do, and standing or sitting too close to each other.
In a message she sent to staff last Friday, Tedford said: “All the way through this [pandemic] we have followed national guidance and it has kept us safe. So what is happening now? I am told some of you are not wearing appropriate masks and you are not adhering to social distancing. This has resulted in an outbreak on a ward where our staff have contracted Covid-19.
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“If you do not follow the guidance, we cannot keep you safe. I don’t like wearing a mask, but it would be irresponsible of me not to do so. Please think very carefully about what you are doing and ask yourselves if you are keeping yourself safe and if you are keeping each other safe. This is no time to be complacent: we are not out of the woods yet.”
She then added: “Can I please remind you to take responsibility for yourself and your team and help us all beat Covid-19? The lockdown is being lifted. Please ensure we play our part in not spreading Covid-19 and leading by example.”
Tedford went on: “This is such a serious matter, and at the moment I’m afraid some of us are not demonstrating the behaviour we should be. If you see someone not adhering to the guidance, please remind them of their responsibilities. We all need a little nudge at times.”
In a statement on Wednesday, a spokesman for Hillingdon hospitals NHS foundation trust said: “An outbreak of Covid-19 was declared on Friday 3 July 2020. As of Tuesday 7 July, 70 members of staff are now isolating, a number of whom have tested positive for Covid-19.
“As a result, the trust has taken the precautionary decision to close Hillingdon hospital to emergency ambulances and emergency admissions. The trust is managing the outbreak in line with Public Health England guidance.”
In April the trust was criticised by a healthcare assistant who quit when managers at the hospital refused her permission to wear a surgical mask to protect herself and her patients.
Tracy Brennan had self-isolated for 14 days after her daughter had shown symptoms. When she returned to work, she wore a surgical mask she had bought herself, to reduce the risk of her contracting or passing on the infection. But when her bosses told her that the next day she could not do so, she removed it. However, she explained in her resignation letter that managers again told her later that day that she could not wear the mask even though a patient had accidentally coughed into her unprotected face when she was taking blood.
In her letter she said: “With a heavy heart and sadness I feel I have no alternative but to hand this letter in as my formal resignation and will be unable to work my notice due to not being allowed to wear sufficient PPE [personal protective equipment] for the duties I perform.”
At the time, the trust said it took the safety of all its staff extremely seriously and followed national guidelines.
A spokesperson for Hillingdon hospital said: “The vast majority of our staff are maintaining social distancing and it is essential that everyone follows the guidance if we are to provide the safest care to our patients.”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...-emergency-admissions-after-covid-19-outbreak
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Two of the UK's biggest High Street retailers, John Lewis and Boots, have announced 5,300 job cuts
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has told the BBC that he will not be able to protect "every single job" as the UK enters a "severe recession". It comes as new figures show that economic support and the purchase of protective equipment has seen public spending in the battle against coronavirus soar to £190bn
The charity Oxfam has warned that by the end of this year "12,000 people per day could die from hunger linked to Covid-19" - potentially more than will die from the disease itself
US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut school funding if they refuse to open in autumn due to concerns over coronavirus
Covid-19 has now infected more than 12 million people worldwide, official data shows. More than 549,000 coronavirus-related deaths have been reported, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has told the BBC that he will not be able to protect "every single job" as the UK enters a "severe recession". It comes as new figures show that economic support and the purchase of protective equipment has seen public spending in the battle against coronavirus soar to £190bn
The charity Oxfam has warned that by the end of this year "12,000 people per day could die from hunger linked to Covid-19" - potentially more than will die from the disease itself
US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut school funding if they refuse to open in autumn due to concerns over coronavirus
Covid-19 has now infected more than 12 million people worldwide, official data shows. More than 549,000 coronavirus-related deaths have been reported, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University
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High street pharmacy chain Boots plans to cut more than 4,000 jobs - 7% of its workforce - as part of action to mitigate the "significant impact" of coronavirus.
It comes hours after John Lewis said it was shutting down eight stores, putting 1,300 jobs at risk.
It comes hours after John Lewis said it was shutting down eight stores, putting 1,300 jobs at risk.
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John Lewis and Boots to cut 5,300 jobs and shut shops
Two of the UK's biggest High Street retailers, John Lewis and Boots, have announced 5,300 job cuts.
Boots has said 4,000 jobs will go, while John Lewis is shutting down eight stores, putting 1,300 jobs at risk.
The moves come amid warnings that new economic support from Chancellor Rishi Sunak will not be enough to stop millions of workers losing their jobs.
Mr Sunak admitted that he would not be able to protect "every single job" as the UK enters a "severe recession".
Boots is consulting on plans to restructure head office and store teams and shut 48 Boots Opticians stores. It has not yet given details of which stores it is closing.
John Lewis said department stores in Birmingham and Watford will not reopen as the coronavirus lockdown eases. It also plans to shut down its At Home stores in Croydon, Newbury, Swindon and Tamworth and travel sites at Heathrow airport and London St Pancras.
The announcements come a day after Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled a series of measures aimed at saving jobs, including a one-off £1,000 payment to employers for every furloughed employee retained to the end of January 2021.
The managing director of Boots UK, Sebastian James, described the latest cuts as "decisive actions to accelerate our transformation plan".
Read more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53348519
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Department of health says a further 85 people with covid-19 have died in all settings in the UK bringing the total number of deaths to 44,602
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Two more deaths recorded in Wales
A further two people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Wales.
This takes the total number of deaths to 1,540, Public Health Wales says.
The number of virus cases recorded in Wales increased by 16 to 15,929.
A further two people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Wales.
This takes the total number of deaths to 1,540, Public Health Wales says.
The number of virus cases recorded in Wales increased by 16 to 15,929.
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One in 3,900 has coronavirus in England - ONS
About one person in 3,900 has coronavirus in homes in England, according to the Office for National Statistics' latest infection survey.
This is about 14,000 people in England.
But that’s based on eight infections in nearly 26,000 people swabbed, so the figure could be anywhere between 5,000 and 31,000.
The figure is lower than last week’s estimate (one in 2,200).
But the numbers have been bouncing around in recent weeks and the ONS says that its analysis suggests that the "incidence of new infections appears to have decreased since mid-May and has now levelled off".
They further estimate about 1,700 new infections every day in homes in England.
About one person in 3,900 has coronavirus in homes in England, according to the Office for National Statistics' latest infection survey.
This is about 14,000 people in England.
But that’s based on eight infections in nearly 26,000 people swabbed, so the figure could be anywhere between 5,000 and 31,000.
The figure is lower than last week’s estimate (one in 2,200).
But the numbers have been bouncing around in recent weeks and the ONS says that its analysis suggests that the "incidence of new infections appears to have decreased since mid-May and has now levelled off".
They further estimate about 1,700 new infections every day in homes in England.
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As of today, travellers arriving in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from 59 countries and 14 British overseas territories will no longer have to undergo two weeks' quarantine on arrival
Wearing a face covering is now compulsory in shops across Scotland, although people with certain medical conditions or disabilities, and children under five, will be exempt
The government is being urged to allow relatives of care home residents with dementia to resume visits - with testing available - amid fears the ongoing separation is causing patients to deteriorate
And measures announced on Friday will see "large parts of Wales' visitor, hospitality, leisure and tourism industries reopen"
Wearing a face covering is now compulsory in shops across Scotland, although people with certain medical conditions or disabilities, and children under five, will be exempt
The government is being urged to allow relatives of care home residents with dementia to resume visits - with testing available - amid fears the ongoing separation is causing patients to deteriorate
And measures announced on Friday will see "large parts of Wales' visitor, hospitality, leisure and tourism industries reopen"
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Britain's coronavirus quarantine rules end for many destinations
Quarantine measures for those travelling to Britain from around 70 countries and overseas territories, including France and Italy, no longer apply from Friday in a boost to the ailing aviation and travel industries hit by COVID-19.
Those arriving from higher risk countries will still have to self-quarantine for 14 days but many popular destinations are now exempt, meaning millions of Britons are able to take summer holidays without having to stay at home when they return.
The boss of Heathrow, Britain's biggest airport, welcomed the move but said more was needed to facilitate travel from other low-risk countries and areas.
"There are some important long-haul markets that aren't included, places like Canada and Singapore, which are low-risk, and we'd like to see those being included in the next review," John Holland-Kaye told Sky News.
"We also need to think about how are we going to connect some of our really important trading partners such as the United States, which are high risk as a nation but some parts of the country are low risk."
Quarantine measures for those travelling to Britain from around 70 countries and overseas territories, including France and Italy, no longer apply from Friday in a boost to the ailing aviation and travel industries hit by COVID-19.
Those arriving from higher risk countries will still have to self-quarantine for 14 days but many popular destinations are now exempt, meaning millions of Britons are able to take summer holidays without having to stay at home when they return.
The boss of Heathrow, Britain's biggest airport, welcomed the move but said more was needed to facilitate travel from other low-risk countries and areas.
"There are some important long-haul markets that aren't included, places like Canada and Singapore, which are low-risk, and we'd like to see those being included in the next review," John Holland-Kaye told Sky News.
"We also need to think about how are we going to connect some of our really important trading partners such as the United States, which are high risk as a nation but some parts of the country are low risk."
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Further 22 deaths in England but none in Wales or NI
A further 22 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospitals in England, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths in hospitals to 29,013, NHS England says.
The patients were aged between 52 and 99 and all of them had known underlying health conditions.
No new deaths of people with confirmed coronavirus were reported in Wales for the second time this week.
Tuesday was the first day since the outbreak began in March that no deaths in Wales were announced.
The official total number of people who have died remains at 1,540, according to Public Health Wales.
No further deaths were recorded in Northern Ireland either, leaving the total number of people who have died at 554.
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A further 22 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospitals in England, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths in hospitals to 29,013, NHS England says.
The patients were aged between 52 and 99 and all of them had known underlying health conditions.
No new deaths of people with confirmed coronavirus were reported in Wales for the second time this week.
Tuesday was the first day since the outbreak began in March that no deaths in Wales were announced.
The official total number of people who have died remains at 1,540, according to Public Health Wales.
No further deaths were recorded in Northern Ireland either, leaving the total number of people who have died at 554.
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UK releases latest virus reproductive numbers
The latest Covid-19 reproduction numbers, or R values, which indicate whether the virus spread is accelerating or decelerating, have been published in the UK.
An R value above 1 suggests that one patient is infecting more than one other person, and policymakers may consider new interventions.
The R estimate for the UK is unchanged, within a range of 0.7-0.9.
England's is in a range of 0.8-1.0. However, the commentary released with the numbers has a number of caveats.
In essence, the point being made is that as case numbers fall and there are big variations across different regions, the R becomes less reliable a guide to what is going on.
Tellingly, the commentary notes that when infection numbers reach a low level, "estimates of R and the growth rate become insufficiently robust to inform policy decisions".
The latest Covid-19 reproduction numbers, or R values, which indicate whether the virus spread is accelerating or decelerating, have been published in the UK.
An R value above 1 suggests that one patient is infecting more than one other person, and policymakers may consider new interventions.
The R estimate for the UK is unchanged, within a range of 0.7-0.9.
England's is in a range of 0.8-1.0. However, the commentary released with the numbers has a number of caveats.
In essence, the point being made is that as case numbers fall and there are big variations across different regions, the R becomes less reliable a guide to what is going on.
Tellingly, the commentary notes that when infection numbers reach a low level, "estimates of R and the growth rate become insufficiently robust to inform policy decisions".
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Welsh pubs and cafes to reopen indoors on 3 August
Pubs, cafes, restaurants and bars can reopen indoors in Wales from 3 August, providing coronavirus cases continue to fall.
First Minister Mark Drakeford announced the date in a long list of changes to the coronavirus restrictions.
Exemptions will also be made to Wales' 2m distancing law, with businesses that cannot meet it expected to take precautions.
Hospitality businesses will be able to open outdoors from Monday.
Mr Drakeford said the opening of hospitality businesses indoors would depend on how well the initial phase goes.
Campsites, hairdressers, beauty salons, cinemas and playgrounds are to reopen in the next three weeks, while outdoor activities, including team sports involving up to 30 people, can also resume from Monday.
Wales had previously been the only part of the UK not to set a date for the reopening of indoor hospitality.
Pubs had reopened in England last weekend. In Scotland they will be able to fully reopen on 15 July.
In Wales they will be able to open outdoors from Monday in spaces they own and are licensed.
Read more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-53363807
Pubs, cafes, restaurants and bars can reopen indoors in Wales from 3 August, providing coronavirus cases continue to fall.
First Minister Mark Drakeford announced the date in a long list of changes to the coronavirus restrictions.
Exemptions will also be made to Wales' 2m distancing law, with businesses that cannot meet it expected to take precautions.
Hospitality businesses will be able to open outdoors from Monday.
Mr Drakeford said the opening of hospitality businesses indoors would depend on how well the initial phase goes.
Campsites, hairdressers, beauty salons, cinemas and playgrounds are to reopen in the next three weeks, while outdoor activities, including team sports involving up to 30 people, can also resume from Monday.
Wales had previously been the only part of the UK not to set a date for the reopening of indoor hospitality.
Pubs had reopened in England last weekend. In Scotland they will be able to fully reopen on 15 July.
In Wales they will be able to open outdoors from Monday in spaces they own and are licensed.
Read more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-53363807
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The Viper
T20I Debutant
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PM Johnson to tell office workers to return to work to save economy - Daily Mail
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will tell office workers next week to start returning to their desks to help save the country's economy, the Daily Mail reported here on Friday.
Johnson, in his update on virus strategy will press employers to get their staff back to the workplace- if it is safe, the newspaper said.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...to-save-economy-daily-mail-idUKKBN24B32Y?il=0
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will tell office workers next week to start returning to their desks to help save the country's economy, the Daily Mail reported here on Friday.
Johnson, in his update on virus strategy will press employers to get their staff back to the workplace- if it is safe, the newspaper said.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...to-save-economy-daily-mail-idUKKBN24B32Y?il=0
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Leicester lockdown map area released
Belgium’s government has told its citizens not to travel to Leicester, the UK city currently facing tighter lockdown measures during a spike in Covid-19 infections, the PA news agency reports.
Advice from the Belgian foreign affairs department states that “travel is not allowed” and “quarantine is mandatory upon your return”.
Leicester has been put in a “red zone” of risky destinations in the country’s travel advice alongside, regions in Portugal and Spain.
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Further 39 people with coronavirus die in England and Wales
A further 38 people have died in hospital in England after testing positive for coronavirus, NHS England said.
The patients were aged between 40 and 98 and three patients, aged 65 to 86 years, had no known underlying health conditions.
Wales has recorded one new death. In Scotland, no new coronavirus deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.
The total number of daily deaths according to the UK government has not been released yet. That figure often differs from the individual nations' daily totals, because of differences in the timeframe used and it also includes deaths in the community.
A further 38 people have died in hospital in England after testing positive for coronavirus, NHS England said.
The patients were aged between 40 and 98 and three patients, aged 65 to 86 years, had no known underlying health conditions.
Wales has recorded one new death. In Scotland, no new coronavirus deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.
The total number of daily deaths according to the UK government has not been released yet. That figure often differs from the individual nations' daily totals, because of differences in the timeframe used and it also includes deaths in the community.
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Coronavirus: New daily cases in Scotland down to single figures
The number of new coronavirus cases in Scotland has fallen to single figures after a rise on Friday led Nicola Sturgeon to warn against complacency.
Scottish government statistics show that 18,340 people have tested positive for coronavirus, an increase of seven in the last 24 hours.
No Covid-19 deaths were reported over that period, meaning the total number of fatalities remains at 2,490.
It is the third day in a row without any new deaths.
There were 18 new positive cases reported on Friday, which was higher than any daily tally for the past three weeks.
The first minister said at the time that the rise was being "looked at very closely" and served as a reminder the virus has not gone away.
On Twitter on Saturday, Nicola Sturgeon said: "Positive cases in past 24 hrs back in single figures (7) after yesterday's increase
"Also, another day with no registered deaths amongst people who had tested positive.
"Progress still good - but with significant easing of lockdown next week, we all must take care StaySafe."
Of those who have tested positive, 323 people were in hospital on Friday night.
A total of six patients are in intensive care with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, a fall of six on the previous day.
Greater Glasgow and Clyde is the health board area to have recorded the most cases positive (4,872) so far, followed by Lothian (3,165) and Lanarkshire (2,734).
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-53376423
The number of new coronavirus cases in Scotland has fallen to single figures after a rise on Friday led Nicola Sturgeon to warn against complacency.
Scottish government statistics show that 18,340 people have tested positive for coronavirus, an increase of seven in the last 24 hours.
No Covid-19 deaths were reported over that period, meaning the total number of fatalities remains at 2,490.
It is the third day in a row without any new deaths.
There were 18 new positive cases reported on Friday, which was higher than any daily tally for the past three weeks.
The first minister said at the time that the rise was being "looked at very closely" and served as a reminder the virus has not gone away.
On Twitter on Saturday, Nicola Sturgeon said: "Positive cases in past 24 hrs back in single figures (7) after yesterday's increase
"Also, another day with no registered deaths amongst people who had tested positive.
"Progress still good - but with significant easing of lockdown next week, we all must take care StaySafe."
Of those who have tested positive, 323 people were in hospital on Friday night.
A total of six patients are in intensive care with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, a fall of six on the previous day.
Greater Glasgow and Clyde is the health board area to have recorded the most cases positive (4,872) so far, followed by Lothian (3,165) and Lanarkshire (2,734).
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-53376423
Bewal Express
T20I Captain
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- Nov 6, 2005
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- 40,247
I will be amazed if there isn't a spike again. Where ever you go, everyone across the communities seems to be doing their own thing. The risks for the Black and PK communities being higher, you would assume that people from these communities would be careful, instead they seem to be the most careless. If you talk to these people, they will tell you it's either a hoax or some crap conspiracy theory. The behaviour is selfish and pathetic.
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- Oct 2, 2004
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Senior UK government minister Michael Gove says he does not think face coverings should be compulsory in shops in England, saying he trusts people's "good sense"
Labour's Lucy Powell and Rachel Reeves both said they would support any move to make them mandatory
Gove also said that people should return to work rather than stay at home to "fire up" the economic engines of the UK
Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says she will not shy away from taking a decision to impose quarantine on English visitors to Scotland - but neither will it be a decision she takes lightly
Prof Robin Shattock, who leads Imperial College London's vaccine team, says its Covid-19 vaccine could be rolled out across the UK in the first half of next year if everything goes "really well"
And Frances O'Grady, the leader of the Trades Union Congress, has warned of a "strain" on the transport system as people are encouraged to return to work by the government
Labour's Lucy Powell and Rachel Reeves both said they would support any move to make them mandatory
Gove also said that people should return to work rather than stay at home to "fire up" the economic engines of the UK
Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says she will not shy away from taking a decision to impose quarantine on English visitors to Scotland - but neither will it be a decision she takes lightly
Prof Robin Shattock, who leads Imperial College London's vaccine team, says its Covid-19 vaccine could be rolled out across the UK in the first half of next year if everything goes "really well"
And Frances O'Grady, the leader of the Trades Union Congress, has warned of a "strain" on the transport system as people are encouraged to return to work by the government
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Your latest headlines from around the UK and the world
More than 12.7m cases of Covid-19 have been reported globally, and 565,000 deaths
Senior UK government minister Michael Gove has said he does not support mandatory face masks in shops in England, amid calls for clarity
Amitabh Bachchan, one of India’s best known film actors, has tested positive for Covid-19, along with members of his family
Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says she will not shy away from taking a decision to impose quarantine on English visitors to Scotland - but neither will it be a decision she takes lightly
Japan’s capital Tokyo has recorded 206 new cases on Saturday, the fourth day straight of more than 200 cases
The US reported more than 66,528 new Covid-19 cases, yet another new daily record
More than 12.7m cases of Covid-19 have been reported globally, and 565,000 deaths
Senior UK government minister Michael Gove has said he does not support mandatory face masks in shops in England, amid calls for clarity
Amitabh Bachchan, one of India’s best known film actors, has tested positive for Covid-19, along with members of his family
Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says she will not shy away from taking a decision to impose quarantine on English visitors to Scotland - but neither will it be a decision she takes lightly
Japan’s capital Tokyo has recorded 206 new cases on Saturday, the fourth day straight of more than 200 cases
The US reported more than 66,528 new Covid-19 cases, yet another new daily record
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Coronavirus: 'Risk, not politics' will decide border restrictions
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said any move to place restrictions on visitors from England to Scotland would be based on risk, not politics.
Speaking on The Andrew Marr Show, she said quarantine for visitors from elsewhere in the UK could not be ruled out.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously called the idea "astonishing and shameful".
Scotland has been recording a lower rate of Covid infections than England.
Figures released on Sunday indicated that 19 people had tested positive for the virus in the previous 24 hours.
For the fourth consecutive day, no deaths were recorded in Scotland.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-53380900
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said any move to place restrictions on visitors from England to Scotland would be based on risk, not politics.
Speaking on The Andrew Marr Show, she said quarantine for visitors from elsewhere in the UK could not be ruled out.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously called the idea "astonishing and shameful".
Scotland has been recording a lower rate of Covid infections than England.
Figures released on Sunday indicated that 19 people had tested positive for the virus in the previous 24 hours.
For the fourth consecutive day, no deaths were recorded in Scotland.
Importation
The first minister said the UK nations need to work together on outbreak management in a way that "mitigates against having to put any border restrictions in place".
Ms Sturgeon told Andrew Marr: "One of our biggest risks over the next few weeks, as we have driven levels of the virus to very low levels in Scotland, is the risk of importation into the country.
"That's why we've taken a very cautious decision about international quarantine.
"And - this is not a position I relish being in - it also means that we have to take a very close look at making sure that we are not seeing the virus come in from other parts of the UK."
The first minister pointed out that in countries such as Australia and the United States, controls have been put in place to limit movement across state or regional boundaries.
The Scottish government would look at similar measures on a public health basis.
Ms Sturgeon said: "That's not political. It's not constitutional. It's just taking a similar view to countries across the world in terms of protecting the population from the risk of the virus."
"This is not about saying to people in England you are not welcome in Scotland - of course people in England are welcome in Scotland," she added.
The topic of quarantine for visitors from England entering Scotland was raised at Prime Minister's Questions, with Mr Johnson describing the idea as "astonishing and shameful".
He added: "There have been no such discussions with the Scottish administration about that, but I would point out that there is no such thing as a border between England and Scotland."
The first minister said the UK nations need to work together on outbreak management in a way that "mitigates against having to put any border restrictions in place".
Ms Sturgeon told Andrew Marr: "One of our biggest risks over the next few weeks, as we have driven levels of the virus to very low levels in Scotland, is the risk of importation into the country.
"That's why we've taken a very cautious decision about international quarantine.
"And - this is not a position I relish being in - it also means that we have to take a very close look at making sure that we are not seeing the virus come in from other parts of the UK."
The first minister pointed out that in countries such as Australia and the United States, controls have been put in place to limit movement across state or regional boundaries.
The Scottish government would look at similar measures on a public health basis.
Ms Sturgeon said: "That's not political. It's not constitutional. It's just taking a similar view to countries across the world in terms of protecting the population from the risk of the virus."
"This is not about saying to people in England you are not welcome in Scotland - of course people in England are welcome in Scotland," she added.
The topic of quarantine for visitors from England entering Scotland was raised at Prime Minister's Questions, with Mr Johnson describing the idea as "astonishing and shameful".
He added: "There have been no such discussions with the Scottish administration about that, but I would point out that there is no such thing as a border between England and Scotland."
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No further deaths in Scotland and Wales
There have been no new coronavirus deaths in Scotland for a fourth day in a row, with the total remaining at 2,490 - but the number of new cases has climbed to a three-week high.
The latest Scottish Government figures show 19 new cases have been recorded - the highest number since 26 were announced on 21 June. On Saturday there were seven new cases.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted that the rise would be "closely examined" and it was "a reminder that the virus hasn't gone away".
There were also no new coronavirus deaths in Wales, with the number remaining at 1,541. The total number of cases in Wales increased by 16 to 15,962.
There have been no new coronavirus deaths in Scotland for a fourth day in a row, with the total remaining at 2,490 - but the number of new cases has climbed to a three-week high.
The latest Scottish Government figures show 19 new cases have been recorded - the highest number since 26 were announced on 21 June. On Saturday there were seven new cases.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted that the rise would be "closely examined" and it was "a reminder that the virus hasn't gone away".
There were also no new coronavirus deaths in Wales, with the number remaining at 1,541. The total number of cases in Wales increased by 16 to 15,962.
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Fifteen more deaths in England hospitals
A further 15 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total number to 29,066.
NHS England said those who died were aged between 72 and 96 years old. One patient, aged 96, had no known underlying health conditions.
The UK-wide figures, which cover deaths in all settings, will be released later this afternoon.
A further 15 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total number to 29,066.
NHS England said those who died were aged between 72 and 96 years old. One patient, aged 96, had no known underlying health conditions.
The UK-wide figures, which cover deaths in all settings, will be released later this afternoon.
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock says "targeted action" is being taken against more than 100 local coronavirus outbreaks every week in the UK
His comments come after 73 cases of Covid-19 were confirmed at a farm in Herefordshire. Around 200 workers have been told to self-isolate following the outbreak
Beauty salons, spas, tattoo parlours and nail bars will welcome their first clients in almost four months in England today, in a further easing of lockdown restrictions. But some treatments - such as facials - are still banned
In Scotland indoor shopping centres can also reopen today -as long as customers wear face coverings - and visitors will be allowed back onto hospital wards
And in Wales pubs, bars and restaurants can start serving customers outdoors from today and hairdressers can also reopen for business
His comments come after 73 cases of Covid-19 were confirmed at a farm in Herefordshire. Around 200 workers have been told to self-isolate following the outbreak
Beauty salons, spas, tattoo parlours and nail bars will welcome their first clients in almost four months in England today, in a further easing of lockdown restrictions. But some treatments - such as facials - are still banned
In Scotland indoor shopping centres can also reopen today -as long as customers wear face coverings - and visitors will be allowed back onto hospital wards
And in Wales pubs, bars and restaurants can start serving customers outdoors from today and hairdressers can also reopen for business
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Latest UK developments
Boris Johnson says people in England "should be wearing" face masks inside shops and the government will decide in the next few days if "tools of enforcement" were needed
The boss of the Waterstones book chain says making face masks compulsory would be a "reasonable measure" but it should not be the job of shop workers to "police" the policy
In Wales, the government has announced that three-layer face coverings will become compulsory from 27 July
Lockdown restrictions continue to be eased across the UK, with beauty salons, spas, tattoo parlours and nail bars reopening in England
In Scotland, indoor shopping centres are allowed to reopen, while in Wales pubs, bars and restaurants can start serving customers outdoors, while hairdressers can also reopen
And the National Trust has reopened some of its historic houses today for the first time since lockdown
Boris Johnson says people in England "should be wearing" face masks inside shops and the government will decide in the next few days if "tools of enforcement" were needed
The boss of the Waterstones book chain says making face masks compulsory would be a "reasonable measure" but it should not be the job of shop workers to "police" the policy
In Wales, the government has announced that three-layer face coverings will become compulsory from 27 July
Lockdown restrictions continue to be eased across the UK, with beauty salons, spas, tattoo parlours and nail bars reopening in England
In Scotland, indoor shopping centres are allowed to reopen, while in Wales pubs, bars and restaurants can start serving customers outdoors, while hairdressers can also reopen
And the National Trust has reopened some of its historic houses today for the first time since lockdown
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'Worst-case' UK winter could see 120,000 COVID deaths in second wave
Britain faces a potentially more deadly second wave of COVID-19 in the coming winter that could kill up to 120,000 people over nine months in a worst-case scenario, health experts said on Tuesday.
With COVID-19 more likely to spread in winter as people spend more time together in enclosed spaces, a second wave of the pandemic “could be more serious than the one we’ve just been through,” said Stephen Holgate, a professor and co-lead author of a report by Britain’s Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS).
“This is not a prediction, but it is a possibility,” Holgate told an online briefing. “Deaths could be higher with a new wave of COVID-19 this winter, but the risk of this happening could be reduced if we take action immediately.”
The United Kingdom’s current death toll from confirmed cases of COVID-19 is around 45,000, the highest in Europe. Including suspected cases, more than 55,000 people have died, according to a Reuters tally of official data sources.
The AMS said there is a “high degree of uncertainty” about how the UK’s COVID-19 epidemic will evolve, but outlined a “reasonable worst-case scenario” where the reproduction number — or R value — rises to 1.7 from September 2020 onwards.
The R value — the average number of people an infected person will pass a disease on to — is currently between 0.7 and 0.9 in the UK and daily case and death numbers are falling. An R value above 1 can lead to exponential growth.
“The modelling estimates 119,900 hospital deaths between September 2020 and June 2021,” the AMS report said, more than double the number that occurred during the first wave.
AMS vice president Anne Johnson said a bad winter flu season, combined with large backlog of patients suffering other diseases and chronic conditions, would add to huge pressure on health services — underlining a need to prepare now.
“COVID-19 has not gone away,” she said. “We need to do everything we can to stay healthy this winter.”
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...ovid-deaths-in-second-wave-idUKKCN24E31P?il=0
Britain faces a potentially more deadly second wave of COVID-19 in the coming winter that could kill up to 120,000 people over nine months in a worst-case scenario, health experts said on Tuesday.
With COVID-19 more likely to spread in winter as people spend more time together in enclosed spaces, a second wave of the pandemic “could be more serious than the one we’ve just been through,” said Stephen Holgate, a professor and co-lead author of a report by Britain’s Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS).
“This is not a prediction, but it is a possibility,” Holgate told an online briefing. “Deaths could be higher with a new wave of COVID-19 this winter, but the risk of this happening could be reduced if we take action immediately.”
The United Kingdom’s current death toll from confirmed cases of COVID-19 is around 45,000, the highest in Europe. Including suspected cases, more than 55,000 people have died, according to a Reuters tally of official data sources.
The AMS said there is a “high degree of uncertainty” about how the UK’s COVID-19 epidemic will evolve, but outlined a “reasonable worst-case scenario” where the reproduction number — or R value — rises to 1.7 from September 2020 onwards.
The R value — the average number of people an infected person will pass a disease on to — is currently between 0.7 and 0.9 in the UK and daily case and death numbers are falling. An R value above 1 can lead to exponential growth.
“The modelling estimates 119,900 hospital deaths between September 2020 and June 2021,” the AMS report said, more than double the number that occurred during the first wave.
AMS vice president Anne Johnson said a bad winter flu season, combined with large backlog of patients suffering other diseases and chronic conditions, would add to huge pressure on health services — underlining a need to prepare now.
“COVID-19 has not gone away,” she said. “We need to do everything we can to stay healthy this winter.”
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...ovid-deaths-in-second-wave-idUKKCN24E31P?il=0
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Second wave planning under way in parts of UK
As we have reported today, scientists are warning a second wave of coronavirus in the UK could be worse than the first.
Experts are concerned the NHS could come under extreme pressure, not just from a resurgence of coronavirus but also from seasonal flu and a backlog of regular, non-coronavirus workload.
Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said the planning the report recommends is being "taken very seriously" by the Scottish government.
Scotland's Health Secretary, Jeane Freeman, adds: "That planning for autumn and winter is well under way in NHS Scotland and with our colleagues in social care.
"Our boards have been advised to hold a capacity to deal with an upsurge in Covid cases, both in beds and ICU [intensive care units]. "We are also factoring into that the viruses that come with autumn and winter - flu and other respiratory conditions."
Meanwhile, Cumbria County Council has also said it is working with the care sector and the NHS on a plan for responding to a second wave.
The council's director of public health, Colin Cox, said the threat of a second wave really worried him.
"It's going to be really important to respond should we start to see a second rise," he added.
As we have reported today, scientists are warning a second wave of coronavirus in the UK could be worse than the first.
Experts are concerned the NHS could come under extreme pressure, not just from a resurgence of coronavirus but also from seasonal flu and a backlog of regular, non-coronavirus workload.
Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said the planning the report recommends is being "taken very seriously" by the Scottish government.
Scotland's Health Secretary, Jeane Freeman, adds: "That planning for autumn and winter is well under way in NHS Scotland and with our colleagues in social care.
"Our boards have been advised to hold a capacity to deal with an upsurge in Covid cases, both in beds and ICU [intensive care units]. "We are also factoring into that the viruses that come with autumn and winter - flu and other respiratory conditions."
Meanwhile, Cumbria County Council has also said it is working with the care sector and the NHS on a plan for responding to a second wave.
The council's director of public health, Colin Cox, said the threat of a second wave really worried him.
"It's going to be really important to respond should we start to see a second rise," he added.
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Deaths up by 26 in England, none in Scotland and NI
A further 26 people who tested positive for Covid-19 have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 29,103, NHS England has said.
Patients were aged between 49 and 94 years old, and one person, aged 71, had no known underlying health conditions.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have recorded no new deaths from the virus.
There were two more deaths recorded in Wales.
Separate UK-wide figures will be released later.
A further 26 people who tested positive for Covid-19 have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 29,103, NHS England has said.
Patients were aged between 49 and 94 years old, and one person, aged 71, had no known underlying health conditions.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have recorded no new deaths from the virus.
There were two more deaths recorded in Wales.
Separate UK-wide figures will be released later.
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Coronavirus: Blackburn with Darwen brings in new measures
New measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Blackburn with Darwen have been introduced after a spike in cases.
For the next month, people living within the Lancashire authority must observe the rules in a bid to avoid a Leicester-style local lockdown.
The new measures include tighter limits on visitors from another household, and officials have called on people to bump elbows in place of handshakes and hugs.
Mass testing began at the weekend after 61 new cases sprang up within a week.
Lockdown 'real possibility'
Residents are being told to wear cloth face coverings in all enclosed public spaces, including workplaces, libraries, museums, health centres and hair and beauty salons.
Blackburn with Darwen's public health director, Prof Dominic Harrison, also called for people only to bump elbows with anyone outside their immediate family.
He said public protection advice for small shops was being stepped up to ensure social distancing was being observed.
Targeted testing is taking place in the borough, and residents have been told they do not need to have symptoms to be tested.
Prof Harrison said: "These steps will help and we are appealing to everyone in Blackburn with Darwen to follow them to protect themselves and their loved ones.
"If we don't, a local lockdown, like in Leicester, becomes a very real possibility."
He said increased testing would mean a "rise in the number of cases" in the next seven to 10 days.
If rates were continuing to rise after two weeks, he said, the authority would "have to consider reversing some of the national lockdown lifting measures locally".
This would be done "one by one until we see a reversal in the current rising trend," he said.
"It's up to everyone to make sure we don't have to do that."
He said there would also be "targeted work" after a rise in infections within the South Asian community - in particular "cluster infections" among families living in small terraced houses.
When "one person gets infected in a multi-generational household, all the household members are getting infected", Prof Harrison said.
How Blackburn with Darwen compares
Figures show Blackburn with Darwen now has 41 new cases per 100,000, up from 29.5.
Leicester, where a local lockdown has been imposed, has seen the rate fall from 156.8 in the seven days to 26 June, to 114.3 in the seven days to 10 July.
The second highest rate is in Pendle, Lancashire, where the rate has gone up from 14.2 to 67.8.
Information videos are being produced in English, Urdu and Gujurati to spread the message in the former mill town.
Council leader Mohammed Khan said the authority was working to spread the message that "life cannot go back to normal just yet, and we must all make sacrifices to avoid a local lockdown".
"We are doing everything we can to get a grip on the virus, and we need everyone in Blackburn with Darwen to pull together to help us," he said.
"Please continue to do your bit to stick to the rules to protect yourself and your family."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-53400376
New measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Blackburn with Darwen have been introduced after a spike in cases.
For the next month, people living within the Lancashire authority must observe the rules in a bid to avoid a Leicester-style local lockdown.
The new measures include tighter limits on visitors from another household, and officials have called on people to bump elbows in place of handshakes and hugs.
Mass testing began at the weekend after 61 new cases sprang up within a week.
Lockdown 'real possibility'
Residents are being told to wear cloth face coverings in all enclosed public spaces, including workplaces, libraries, museums, health centres and hair and beauty salons.
Blackburn with Darwen's public health director, Prof Dominic Harrison, also called for people only to bump elbows with anyone outside their immediate family.
He said public protection advice for small shops was being stepped up to ensure social distancing was being observed.
Targeted testing is taking place in the borough, and residents have been told they do not need to have symptoms to be tested.
Prof Harrison said: "These steps will help and we are appealing to everyone in Blackburn with Darwen to follow them to protect themselves and their loved ones.
"If we don't, a local lockdown, like in Leicester, becomes a very real possibility."
He said increased testing would mean a "rise in the number of cases" in the next seven to 10 days.
If rates were continuing to rise after two weeks, he said, the authority would "have to consider reversing some of the national lockdown lifting measures locally".
This would be done "one by one until we see a reversal in the current rising trend," he said.
"It's up to everyone to make sure we don't have to do that."
He said there would also be "targeted work" after a rise in infections within the South Asian community - in particular "cluster infections" among families living in small terraced houses.
When "one person gets infected in a multi-generational household, all the household members are getting infected", Prof Harrison said.
How Blackburn with Darwen compares
Figures show Blackburn with Darwen now has 41 new cases per 100,000, up from 29.5.
Leicester, where a local lockdown has been imposed, has seen the rate fall from 156.8 in the seven days to 26 June, to 114.3 in the seven days to 10 July.
The second highest rate is in Pendle, Lancashire, where the rate has gone up from 14.2 to 67.8.
Information videos are being produced in English, Urdu and Gujurati to spread the message in the former mill town.
Council leader Mohammed Khan said the authority was working to spread the message that "life cannot go back to normal just yet, and we must all make sacrifices to avoid a local lockdown".
"We are doing everything we can to get a grip on the virus, and we need everyone in Blackburn with Darwen to pull together to help us," he said.
"Please continue to do your bit to stick to the rules to protect yourself and your family."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-53400376
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Coronavirus: PM promises future independent inquiry
Boris Johnson has for the first time committed to an "independent inquiry" into the coronavirus pandemic.
The prime minister said it was not right to devote "huge amounts of official time" to an inquiry when the UK is "in the middle" of a pandemic.
But he said the government would seek to learn lessons "in the future" and "certainly we will have an independent inquiry in to what happened".
He was responding to a question from acting Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey.
The prime minister has repeatedly rejected opposition calls for an inquiry into the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
At Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Ed said: "Under this PM we suffered one of the worst death rates in the world and Europe's worst death rate for health and care workers.
"Previously he's refused my demand for an immediate independent inquiry, saying it's too soon, even though back in 2003 he voted for an independent inquiry into the Iraq war just months after that conflict had started.
"If he still rejects an immediate inquiry, will he instead commit in principle to a future public inquiry?"
The prime minister committed to an independent inquiry, but did not mention a public inquiry, which would involve public hearings and witnesses giving evidence under oath, in his reply.
Read more:https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53419544
Boris Johnson has for the first time committed to an "independent inquiry" into the coronavirus pandemic.
The prime minister said it was not right to devote "huge amounts of official time" to an inquiry when the UK is "in the middle" of a pandemic.
But he said the government would seek to learn lessons "in the future" and "certainly we will have an independent inquiry in to what happened".
He was responding to a question from acting Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey.
The prime minister has repeatedly rejected opposition calls for an inquiry into the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
At Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Ed said: "Under this PM we suffered one of the worst death rates in the world and Europe's worst death rate for health and care workers.
"Previously he's refused my demand for an immediate independent inquiry, saying it's too soon, even though back in 2003 he voted for an independent inquiry into the Iraq war just months after that conflict had started.
"If he still rejects an immediate inquiry, will he instead commit in principle to a future public inquiry?"
The prime minister committed to an independent inquiry, but did not mention a public inquiry, which would involve public hearings and witnesses giving evidence under oath, in his reply.
Read more:https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53419544
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The Viper
T20I Debutant
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- Sep 19, 2018
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UK finance sector devises battle plan to tackle COVID debt pile
More than 200 of Britain’s top financial experts have joined forces to design initiatives to help small businesses restructure and repay as much as 35 billion pounds in “unsustainable” COVID-19 relief debt.
TheCityUK Recapitalisation Group on Thursday proposed the launch of a UK Recovery Corporation (UKRC) to oversee a massive pile of government-guaranteed loans issued since lockdown, offering more manageable terms to borrowers and preventing a wave of bankruptcies borne by the taxpayer.
“COVID-19 is a 100-year storm which has caused untold economic damage. The government’s support schemes have been the essential sandbags holding back the flood, protecting businesses and saving jobs,” said Adrian Montague, chairman of TheCityUK Leadership Council.
“However, with tough trading conditions forecast to remain, paying back these loans will be challenging for many small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).”
Businesses currently need to start repaying government COVID-19 loans in March.
But analysis by financial services firm EY - which led the work for the Recapitalisation Group - suggests some firms could run into trouble as early as autumn, when the government furlough scheme tapers off and rent deferrals end, putting up to 3 million jobs at risk and 780,000 SMEs in danger of insolvency.
The report urged immediate action by government including legislating to enable UKRC to act effectively.
A spokeswoman for the Treasury said the report was a useful contribution and the department would continue to engage with the sector on supporting businesses.
Under the proposals, the government would be the principal investor in UKRC initially but debt could later be sold off in portfolios or securitised and bought by private investors.
Companies supported by the UKRC could either access a ‘Business Repayment Plan’ to convert state-backed loans under 250,000 pounds into means-tested tax liabilities.
Firms with larger debts of up to 1 million pounds would be able to access the ‘Business Recovery Capital’ initiative to convert crisis loans into preference shares or long-term subordinated debt, repayable over a longer period of 8-10 years.
Both products would ensure SMEs do not give up any equity.
The final option is the creation of a new growth capital fund, Growth Shares for Business (GSB), which would provide capital to rebuild cash reserves or spur recovery.
Miles Celic, chief executive of TheCityUK, told reporters banks were mindful of the potential reputational risks involved in pursuing bad debts from struggling firms but said a proposed independent review system should help ensure fair outcomes.
Several lenders including state-backed Royal Bank of Scotland were criticised by politicians for mistreating struggling small businesses after the 2007-09 financial crisis.
EY’s UK Financial Services Managing Partner Omar Ali said the recovery corporation could help collect debts over the longer term, adding it was ultimately up to the government to decide the viability criteria for the various schemes.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-b...-to-tackle-covid-debt-pile-idUKKCN24G390?il=0
More than 200 of Britain’s top financial experts have joined forces to design initiatives to help small businesses restructure and repay as much as 35 billion pounds in “unsustainable” COVID-19 relief debt.
TheCityUK Recapitalisation Group on Thursday proposed the launch of a UK Recovery Corporation (UKRC) to oversee a massive pile of government-guaranteed loans issued since lockdown, offering more manageable terms to borrowers and preventing a wave of bankruptcies borne by the taxpayer.
“COVID-19 is a 100-year storm which has caused untold economic damage. The government’s support schemes have been the essential sandbags holding back the flood, protecting businesses and saving jobs,” said Adrian Montague, chairman of TheCityUK Leadership Council.
“However, with tough trading conditions forecast to remain, paying back these loans will be challenging for many small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).”
Businesses currently need to start repaying government COVID-19 loans in March.
But analysis by financial services firm EY - which led the work for the Recapitalisation Group - suggests some firms could run into trouble as early as autumn, when the government furlough scheme tapers off and rent deferrals end, putting up to 3 million jobs at risk and 780,000 SMEs in danger of insolvency.
The report urged immediate action by government including legislating to enable UKRC to act effectively.
A spokeswoman for the Treasury said the report was a useful contribution and the department would continue to engage with the sector on supporting businesses.
Under the proposals, the government would be the principal investor in UKRC initially but debt could later be sold off in portfolios or securitised and bought by private investors.
Companies supported by the UKRC could either access a ‘Business Repayment Plan’ to convert state-backed loans under 250,000 pounds into means-tested tax liabilities.
Firms with larger debts of up to 1 million pounds would be able to access the ‘Business Recovery Capital’ initiative to convert crisis loans into preference shares or long-term subordinated debt, repayable over a longer period of 8-10 years.
Both products would ensure SMEs do not give up any equity.
The final option is the creation of a new growth capital fund, Growth Shares for Business (GSB), which would provide capital to rebuild cash reserves or spur recovery.
Miles Celic, chief executive of TheCityUK, told reporters banks were mindful of the potential reputational risks involved in pursuing bad debts from struggling firms but said a proposed independent review system should help ensure fair outcomes.
Several lenders including state-backed Royal Bank of Scotland were criticised by politicians for mistreating struggling small businesses after the 2007-09 financial crisis.
EY’s UK Financial Services Managing Partner Omar Ali said the recovery corporation could help collect debts over the longer term, adding it was ultimately up to the government to decide the viability criteria for the various schemes.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-b...-to-tackle-covid-debt-pile-idUKKCN24G390?il=0
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- Oct 2, 2004
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UK payrolls shrink by 650,000 jobs in lockdown
The number of workers on UK payrolls fell 650,000 between March and June, official figures indicate.
The number of people claiming work-related benefits - including the unemployed - was 2.6 million.
However, the increase was not as big as many feared, because large numbers of firms have put employees on the government-backed furlough scheme.
Economists say the full effect on employment will not be felt until the scheme ends in October.
The number of workers on UK payrolls fell 650,000 between March and June, official figures indicate.
The number of people claiming work-related benefits - including the unemployed - was 2.6 million.
However, the increase was not as big as many feared, because large numbers of firms have put employees on the government-backed furlough scheme.
Economists say the full effect on employment will not be felt until the scheme ends in October.
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- Mar 19, 2015
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UK government to publish postcode-level data on infections
The government is to publish postcode-level data of how many people have tested positive for coronavirus.
The public will be able to use the data and an interactive map to look at figures for their area, although homes of individuals with Covid-19 will not be identifiable from the data.
The figures, for England, will be published weekly at first with the aim of updating them daily.
Public health professionals across each region will also be given positive test data and contact tracing figures every day.
The government is to publish postcode-level data of how many people have tested positive for coronavirus.
The public will be able to use the data and an interactive map to look at figures for their area, although homes of individuals with Covid-19 will not be identifiable from the data.
The figures, for England, will be published weekly at first with the aim of updating them daily.
Public health professionals across each region will also be given positive test data and contact tracing figures every day.
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UK's COVID-19 outcome has not been good, mistakes were likely made - chief scientist
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain has not achieved a good outcome in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the government’s chief scientific adviser said on Thursday, adding that he was sure that mistakes had been made in the response to the crisis.
“It’s very difficult to know exactly where we stand at the moment. It’s clear that the outcome has not been good in the UK, I think we can be absolutely clear about that,” Patrick Vallance told lawmakers, adding that some countries had done worse.
“There will be things, decisions made, that will turn out not to have been the right decisions at the time, I’m sure about that as well,” he added.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...ikely-made-chief-scientist-idUKKCN24H296?il=0
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain has not achieved a good outcome in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the government’s chief scientific adviser said on Thursday, adding that he was sure that mistakes had been made in the response to the crisis.
“It’s very difficult to know exactly where we stand at the moment. It’s clear that the outcome has not been good in the UK, I think we can be absolutely clear about that,” Patrick Vallance told lawmakers, adding that some countries had done worse.
“There will be things, decisions made, that will turn out not to have been the right decisions at the time, I’m sure about that as well,” he added.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...ikely-made-chief-scientist-idUKKCN24H296?il=0
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England records further 19 deaths, none in NI and Wales
A further 19 people who tested positive for the coronavirus have died in England, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 29,144.
Patients were aged between 52 and 91 years old and all had known underlying health conditions.
Northern Ireland and Wales both reported no new deaths, while Scotland reported one.
Separate UK-wide figures will be released by the UK government later.
A further 19 people who tested positive for the coronavirus have died in England, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 29,144.
Patients were aged between 52 and 91 years old and all had known underlying health conditions.
Northern Ireland and Wales both reported no new deaths, while Scotland reported one.
Separate UK-wide figures will be released by the UK government later.
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock has called for an urgent review into the compilation of coronavirus deaths data in England.
It follows confirmation that reported deaths may have included people who tested positive months before they died.
The other UK nations are only thought to include people who die within 28 days of having coronavirus.
Public Health England is responsible for reporting Covid-19 deaths.
It follows confirmation that reported deaths may have included people who tested positive months before they died.
The other UK nations are only thought to include people who die within 28 days of having coronavirus.
Public Health England is responsible for reporting Covid-19 deaths.
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