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Coronavirus in UK

Johnson again rules out furlough extension

Now we move on to questions from the public.

Jamie from Ayrshire says he works in a day centre for people with learning disabilities so it cannot be reopened.

He asks if the furlough scheme will be extended for people like him.

Johnson says the government is "going to continue to do everything we possibly can to support those" in his position.

The PM says the "difficulties with furlough ... is that you are just keeping people in suspended animation when we want people to get back to work when they can in a Covid secure way".

But Johnson says he will look at his situation and find out why day centres can't reopen.
 
Boris Johnson has urged people to limit social contact as much as possible, as he confirmed a ban on gatherings of more than six individuals in England will come into force from Monday.

Speaking at a Downing Street news conference, the prime minister admitted the coronavirus rules had become "complicated and confusing".

He said this latest move, the biggest crackdown since the COVID-19 lockdown was eased earlier this summer, was aimed at "simplifying and strengthening the rules" and "making them easier for everyone to understand".

"You must not meet socially in groups of more than six," Mr Johnson said, with the PM adding that it "breaks my heart" to have to bring in the restrictions.

He added: "The ban will be set out in law and it will be enforced by the police - anyone breaking the rules risks being dispersed, fined and possibly arrested."

The ban will apply to indoor and outdoor gatherings, including private homes, parks, pubs and restaurants.

Gatherings will still be allowed where the household or support bubble is larger than six, or where gathering is for work or education.

Weddings, funerals and organised team sports will also be exempt.

The PM said "COVID-secure" venues like places of worship, gyms, restaurants and hospitality venues will still be able to hold more than six people in total.

But within those venues, there must not be individual groups larger than six and groups cannot mix socially or form larger groups.

The "rule of six" will be kept under "constant review", Mr Johnson said, and the government will "only keep it in place as long as is necessary".

He said the new rules were being put in place to "prevent another wholesale national lockdown".

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "We do support the measures that the government have put in place and we would urge the public to comply with the new rules."

"I think the government's now acknowledged that their poor communications were a large part of the problem so that's got to be fixed," he added.

"But they also need to recognise that the testing regime is all over the place at the moment.

In Scotland, up to eight people from three households are allowed to meet indoors, while groups of 15 people - from up to five households - are permitted to meet outdoors.

In Wales, up to 30 people can meet outdoors but people have been told not to gather indoors with anyone who is not a member of their household (or extended household) "unless they have a good reason".

Up to four households, with an unlimited number of people, are able to join together to form an "extended household" in Wales.

In Northern Ireland, six people from two different households can meet indoors and groups of up to 15 people outdoors.

The PM also revealed:

Looking to the future, Mr Johnson spoke about his ambition for there to be mass testing of the population to allow a return to a more normal life.

"We want to start using testing to identify people who are negative - who don't have coronavirus and who are not infectious - so we can allow them to behave in a more normal way, in the knowledge they cannot infect anyone else with the virus," he said.

"And we think, we hope, we believe that new types of test which are simple, quick and scalable will become available.

"They use swabs or saliva and can turn round results in 90 or even 20 minutes.

"Crucially, it should be possible to deploy these tests on a far bigger scale than any country has yet achieved - literally millions of tests processed every single day."

Prior to the PM's address, England's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said the number of cases was "going up sharply" in the 20-29 and 30-39 age groups.

The government has released a new advert to help prevent the spread of coronavirus as winter approaches

'Hands. Face. Space' - new government advert
It comes after the number of daily positive coronavirus cases in the UK rose to almost 3,000 - figures not seen since May.

A total of 2,659 lab-confirmed cases were reported in the UK on Wednesday, following on from 2,460 on Tuesday, 2,948 on Monday and 2,988 on Sunday.

Presenting data from other European countries, Prof Whitty said it was vital to act "rapidly and decisively" when cases rise.

He warned that the period between now and spring will be "difficult", adding: "I think in terms of the existing restrictions, people should see this as the next block of time that may not last for many months, but it is very unlikely to be over in just two or three weeks.

"So I think that there's a block of time and at that point we will collectively as a nation have to look again at where things are and work out what are the right things to do."
==

ANALYSIS: New restrictions - and an exit plan that looks a way off
By Kate McCann, political correspondent

The idea of a team of COVID-secure marshals patrolling towns and cities around England to ensure people keep their distance would have been unimaginable just a few months ago.

But today Boris Johnson announced this and a host of other new rules designed to crack down on an increase in COVID-19 cases just as the country prepares to hunker down for winter.

Mr Johnson and his scientific advisers know this is the most dangerous moment for the country as people return to work and school, spend more time indoors and grow tired of having to stay apart from friends and family.

They also know they need to act quickly and decisively to try and change the course of the spread before it is too late.

Cutting the number of people who can meet to just six, indoors and out, making it compulsory to hand over contact details when you visit a bar or restaurant and toughening up measures at the border are all part of this plan.

But the prime minister also gave a hint of his exit strategy to free the country of the measures he so desperately wishes he didn't have to impose.

Mass public testing on a huge scale could, Mr Johnson said, allow people without the virus to live their lives as normal. A pilot will start in Salford next month, testing people at indoor and outdoor events to allow those without the virus to attend as normal and weed out those who are infectious.

However, the technology, distribution network and means to deliver such an ambitious plan is a long way off.

The prime minister clearly wishes he didn't have to introduce new tougher measures, he knows people will be less receptive to staying apart the second time around.

"Of course I don't feel comfortable [introducing this]," he told viewers, "It breaks my heart to have to insist on these restrictions upon individuals, upon families."

"But those inside Number 10 fear if these new measures are ignored a much broader lockdown could be on the way to protect the most vulnerable this winter."

https://news.sky.com/story/coronavi...much-as-possible-urges-boris-johnson-12067434
 
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There has been a 43% increase in the weekly number of coronavirus cases in England, according to new figures.

In the seven days to 2 September, a total of 9,864 people tested positive for COVID-19.

This is the highest weekly number since the government's Test and Trace system was launched at the end of May.

In the same week to 2 September, around 30% of close contacts of people who tested positive for COVID-19 were not reached in the scheme.

The figure of 69.2% who were reached is the lowest weekly percentage since the system was up and running.

The number is down slightly from 69.8% in the previous week.

For cases handled by local health protection teams, 96.6% of contacts were reached and asked to self-isolate in the week to September 2.

By contrast, for those cases handled either online or by call centres, 61.3% of close contacts were reached and asked to self-isolate.

https://news.sky.com/story/coronavi...since-test-and-trace-system-launched-12068002
 
UK sees biggest jump in Covid-19 cases since May

Britain has recorded its highest daily number of new coronavirus cases since May, with 2,988 new infections announced on Sunday, AP reports.

Like other European countries, the UK is seeing the number of infections rise as society reopens after lockdown.

Some of the increase can be accounted for by expanded testing, which is identifying people who have mild or no symptoms. The number of hospital admissions and deaths has so far not shown a corresponding rise. Two new deaths were reported on Sunday.

The increased number of cases comes as British schoolchildren return to class, a milestone in the resumption of normal life.

Britain's confirmed coronavirus death toll stands at 41,551, the highest in Europe.
 
England adds Portugal to list of countries covered by quarantine rule – but removes Sweden

The UK government has updated its list of countries covered by quarantine regulations. These new rules apply to England.

Quarantine rules now apply to people coming to the UK from Portugal (apart from the Azores and Madeira), Hungary, French Polynesia and Réunion because of a “significant increase” in confirmed cases in those countries, the government says.

Sweden has been added to the travel corridor list - meaning quarantine rules no longer apply to people arriving from Sweden.
 
There is to be a ban on households mixing in Birmingham and the nearby areas of Solihull and Sandwell, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has announced. It comes into force on Tuesday.

Birmingham now has the second highest coronavirus rate in the country, at 85.4 cases per 100,000 people, as of 7 September.

It was initially not placed into a tightened lockdown a few weeks ago after a rise in cases, but was given "enhanced support" by the government.

Over the last seven days, Birmingham was home to six of the top 10 neighbourhoods with the highest number of cases in England. Springfield and Hall Green West, in the south-east of the city, had the most with 39 positive cases.
 
Cases doubling every seven to eight days in England

As we mentioned briefly, coronavirus cases in England were doubling every seven to eight days at the beginning of September, new data suggests.

It is estimated that between 22 August and 7 September, 13 people per 10,000 were infected, compared with four people per 10,000 between 24 July and 11 August.

The study was carried out by Imperial College London on more than 150,000 people.

It also suggested Covid-19 cases are shown as no longer clustering in healthcare or care home settings, as seen in May and June.

This suggests the virus is now spread more widely in the community, experts say.

Professor Paul Elliott, director of the programme at Imperial, said: "I think the really important thing here is that this system was set up as an early warning system. And I think it has picked up the signal early. And that's being fed in to government."
 
The Liverpool city region has been added to the government's coronavirus watch list due to a rising number of cases, metropolitan mayor Steve Rotheram has said.

Mr Rotheram said there had been a "rapid increase" in cases in the area over the past week.

If the region continued on the same trajectory, it would become "a case of when, not if" more restrictions are imposed there, he warned.

He added: "There is still time to stop that happening - but doing so depends on us and what we choose to do."

If infection rates rise in an area, the government is likely to put it in one of three groups on its weekly watch list: areas of "concern", "enhanced support" or "intervention" - the highest level.

Councils in these categories get extra help from the government, such as enhanced testing facilities, depending on their needs.

Areas of intervention are also likely to face stricter measures around households mixing, among other restrictions.

If infection rates go down, the government can reclassify an area and restrictions are eased.
 
England records a further 9 Covid deaths

A further nine people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 29,648, NHS England said on Friday.

Patients were aged between 79 and 88 years old and all had known underlying health conditions.

The dates of the deaths were between 8 and 10 September and seven occurred in the North West region.

No new deaths were recorded in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
 
Official figures show the UK recorded another 3,539 new cases of covid-19 compared with 2,919 yesterday
 
UK cases rise by 3,539

A further 3,539 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK, figures released by the Department of Health and Social Care show.

It is the sixth day in a row where daily cases have exceeded 2,000.

It takes the total number of UK cases to 361,677.

A further six deaths have been recorded in those who had a positive coronavirus test in the last 28 days. This takes the death toll by this criteria to 41,608.
 
UK epidemic growing as R number goes above 1

Public health officials have warned of "worrying signs" of infection among the elderly, as an official measure indicated the UK's epidemic is growing again.

The R number was raised to between 1 and 1.2 for the first time since March.

Any number above one indicates the number of infections is increasing.

The number of new daily confirmed UK cases of the virus rose to 3,539 on Friday - an increase of more than 600 on the previous day.

The virus is still at much lower levels across the UK than at the peak in April, but a study of thousands of people in England found cases doubling every seven to eight days.

It found a marked rise in infections in the north and among young people.

Yvonne Doyle, medical director at Public Health England, said although younger people made up the greatest share of new cases, "we're now starting to see worrying signs of infections occurring in the elderly, who are at far higher risk of getting seriously ill".

A PHE report says there has been "a particularly steep increase" in positive test results in the over-85s and, in the north-west of England, a rise in people from that age group being admitted to hospital.

However, though cases are rising, the number of patients in hospital remains largely flat at 863.

Of those, 78 are on ventilators, according to the latest government figures.

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-54116939
 
Police warn public not to party before Covid rules tighten in England
In England, people have been urged not to have a “party weekend” before the government’s “rule of six” restrictions come into force on Monday.

The call from the Police Federation came as a former chief scientific adviser urged the public to act in tune with guidelines as the UK is “on the edge of losing control” of coronavirus, he said.

Mark Walport, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said the only way to stop the virus spreading was to reduce the number of people we all come into contact with. He said there was an “extremely strong argument” that home working should continue.
 
Another 3,497 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK, government figures show.

The number of new cases is a 36% increase on last Saturday, when 2,594 new infections were confirmed nationwide.
 
The UK faces another national lockdown "in short order" unless people abide by new COVID-19 restrictions, a government adviser has told Sky News.

Peter Openshaw, a professor of experimental medicine at Imperial College London, told Sophy Ridge on Sunday the public "must act fast" to stop the spread of coronavirus.
 
UK records 3,330 more confirmed cases of COVID-19

The United Kingdom reported 3,330 confirmed new cases of COVID-19, according to government data published, compared with 3,497 a day earlier.

It also reported a further five new deaths from the coronavirus.

Britain is to bring in a new ban on social gatherings on Monday in a bid to curb the increasing rise in infections
 
2,621 new cases of coronavirus across the UK

There have been 2,621 new cases of coronavirus recorded across the UK.

It marks a fall of more than 600 cases on Sunday's figures, when 3,330 positive cases were recorded.

However weekend figures are often lower, due to delays in reporting.

A further nine deaths have been recorded since 09:00 on Sunday, bringing the total reported death toll across the UK to 41,628.

A death is anyone who dies within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19.
 
Another 2,621 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the UK in the latest daily government figures, taking the total to 371,125.

The number of deaths increased by nine, bringing the overall count to 41,637.
 
Coronavirus: NHS staff off work due to testing shortages, say bosses

A lack of coronavirus tests for NHS staff is leading to staff absences and services being put at risk, hospital bosses have warned.

NHS Providers, which represents hospital trusts in England, said staff are having to self-isolate rather than work because they cannot get tests for themselves or family members.

It comes after widespread reports of people struggling to get tested.

They government has said capacity is the "highest it had ever been".

The government's testing system - part of its test, track and trace operation which Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised would be "world-beating" - has faced criticism in recent weeks.

An increase in demand for coronavirus tests has led to local shortages - with some people being directed to test sites hundreds of miles from their homes.

Meanwhile, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was seeking "urgent discussions" with the UK government over an apparent backlog.

'Working in the dark'
Latest figures from last week showed around 220,000 tests are processed each day.

According to those government figures, the capacity for testing is more than 350,000 - which includes swab tests and antibody tests - but the aim is to increase that to 500,000 a day by the end of October.

Last week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted there had been "challenges in access to tests" but said "the vast majority of people get their tests rapidly and close to home". He suggested demand from people who did not have symptoms was partly to blame for the shortages.

NHS Providers said hospitals in London, Bristol and Leeds had raised concerns over the weekend about staff absences because of a lack of testing.

"It's clear that there are current capacity problems with the testing regime," said Chris Hopson, NHS Providers chief executive.

"It's not just access for tests for staff members themselves, it's also access for their family members as NHS workers have to self-isolate if their family members are unable to confirm if they have Covid-19 or not.

"The problem is that NHS trusts are working in the dark - they don't know why these shortages are occurring, how long they are likely to last, how geographically widespread they are likely to be and what priority will be given to healthcare workers and their families in accessing scarce tests."

Mr Hopson said trusts need to know more detail so they can plan accordingly, for example by creating their own testing facilities.

"Our recent survey showed how concerned trust leaders were about the impact of inadequate testing on their ability to restore services and it's disappointing that no detailed information on the current problems has been shared," he said.

He said patients who are due to come in for treatment should also be prioritised for tests.

'I was meant to be seeing patients'
The latest issue with the testing system is that some people who have booked appointments are being turned away from testing centres because the system failed to send them a barcode.

Some people say they booked tests online only to be turned away because they were not sent a QR code - a barcode that can be scanned on a smartphone.

One doctor working in a coronavirus hotspot said she applied for a test for herself and her partner, after they developed coughs and fevers.

After refreshing the website for five hours, she managed to get an appointment but on arrival was told no booking had been made.

She had taken screenshots of a confirmation code but was not sent a QR code to scan. "I showed the screenshots but I was told that the appointments weren't happening," she said.

"I have to say I burst into tears. I was meant to be seeing patients and I feel guilty."

A nurse in the South West, whose daughter had a persistent cough and temperature, said he had almost been turned away despite having a test booked.

After hours of trying, he had "eventually" booked at a site about 50 miles away and been sent a confirmation but no QR code.

And on arrival at the testing site, he had been told he could not have a test. "I was told, 'There is nothing we can do,' at first," he said.

Eventually, he applied for the first testing appointment he could find anywhere in the country - in this case, about 500 miles away in Dundee - and managed to get a QR code.

By Rachel Schraer, BBC health reporter

NHS Providers said the lack of testing was also hindering preparations for the winter, when hospitals could become busier due to Covid-19 and seasonal flu.

Mr Hopson called on the government "to be honest and open" about what was going on.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the British Medical Association has said the government should focus on the current testing system - rather than its "Operation Moonshot" plan which aims to see millions of tests processed every day by using a new type of test which is not yet rolled out.

"Down here on planet Earth, we need a fit for purpose test and trace system in the here and now with capacity, agility and accessibility that doesn't require 100-mile journeys that disadvantage some of the most vulnerable," the BMA's Dr Chaand Nagpaul is expected to say in a speech later on Tuesday.

Mr Johnson previously said a mass-testing programme could be ready by the spring and could help the UK to avoid a second national lockdown.

A new lab is also being opened near Loughborough in the coming weeks that will be able to process 50,000 tests a day.

The Department of Health and Social Care said testing capacity has been targeted at the hardest-hit areas following a rise in demand.

An NHS spokeswoman said: "Hospitals continue to fully comply with recommended patient and staff testing protocols.

"To further support the national test and trace programme, NHS hospital labs have now been asked to further expand their successful, fast turnaround and highly accurate, testing capacity."
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54156889.
 
Fewer than 100 coronavirus deaths in a week have been registered in the UK for the first time since March.

A total of 8,996 deaths were registered in the UK in the week ending 4 September. That’s 1,403 below the five-year average and also down on the previous week by 1,341.

Of the deaths registered, 83 mentioned Covid-19 on the death certificate - the lowest figure since the week of 13 March.

It took five weeks in March and April for coronavirus deaths to rise from under 100 to their peak of nearly 9,500.

The journey back down below 100 has taken nearly five months.
 
UK cases rise by 3,105

A further 3,105 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the UK, according to figures from the Department of Health.

The latest figures also showed 27 more people had died within 28 days of a positive test.
 
Coronavirus: Testing problems to be solved in weeks, says Hancock

The testing system is facing an "enormous challenge" after a "sharp rise" in those seeking a Covid-19 test, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said.

When challenged on reports of people struggling to get swabbed, Mr Hancock said it would take a "matter of weeks" to resolve the problems.

He said No 10 would update its testing policy shortly to prioritise the most urgent cases.
Labour said no tests were available in virus "hotspots" over the weekend.

It comes after hospital bosses warned that a lack of tests for NHS workers was putting services at risk.

An increase in demand for coronavirus tests has led to local shortages, with some people being directed to test sites hundreds of miles from their homes.

'How am I supposed to get my family of eight tested?'

NHS staff 'off work due to testing shortages'
Three government claims on testing fact-checked

Call for mini lockdowns as coronavirus cases mount

People have told the BBC of their frustration at being turned away from a walk-in test centre in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

A woman attending the walk-in centre said staff told her that labs were struggling to turn tests around.

One parent questioned whether he would have to keep his child - who has a high temperature and a cough - off school indefinitely until they could get a test.

Another parent, who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung problems, said he was "really concerned" about the testing problems after his daughter was sent home from school due to a classmate contracting the virus.

On Saturday, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told the BBC that the government was working to boost testing capacity through investment in new testing centres and so-called lighthouse labs.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she is hopeful that a backlog in test results will be resolved shortly, after "constructive" talks with Mr Hancock.

The UK government announced 3,105 new lab-confirmed cases on Tuesday, bringing the total number of positive tests to 374,228. Another 27 people have died within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test, bringing the overall death toll to 41,664.

The number of patients in mechanical ventilation beds across the UK has passed 100 for the first time in nearly two months. There were 106 patients on ventilation in the UK on Monday - the first time the figure has been over 100 since 24 July.

UK-wide figures for today are yet to be published but there were 101 patients on ventilation in England alone on Tuesday.
Chart showing daily coronavirus cases remain high

Chart showing UK daily deaths remain low
Around 220,000 tests are processed each day, according to government figures released last week, with a testing capacity of more than 350,000 - which includes swab tests and antibody tests. The aim is to increase that to 500,000 a day by the end of October.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Hancock said there were "operational challenges" with testing which the government was "working hard" to fix.

He said throughout the pandemic they had prioritised testing according to need.
Mr Hancock said the "top priority is and always has been acute clinical care", followed by social care, where the government is sending "over 100,000 tests a day" due to the virus risks in care homes.

Conservative chairman of the Health and Social Care Committee Jeremy Hunt was among the MPs to question Mr Hancock on testing, saying a number of his constituents had to travel for tests, while one key worker had to wait a week for her results.

"A week ago today, the secretary of state told the Health Select Committee that he expected to have this problem solved in two weeks," Mr Hunt said.

"Is the secretary of state, given the efforts that his department is making, still confident that in a week's time we will have this problem solved

"I think that we will be able to solve this problem in a matter of weeks," Mr Hancock replied.

He said demand was "high" but "record capacity" was being delivered, with plans to ensure tests are prioritised for those that need them most.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54163683
 
Here's what you need to know in the UK this morning:

The UK's inflation rate fell sharply to 0.2% in August from 1% in July as the effect of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme pushed down restaurant prices, figures show

Ministers are to publish details in the coming days of plans to prioritise coronavirus tests, with NHS staff and patients and those in care homes set to be at the top of the list

The Archbishop of Canterbury has encouraged ministers not to direct coronavirus efforts purely from Westminster, allowing local authorities to have a greater role in fighting the pandemic

The Unite union has called on the government to say it will extend its furlough scheme or face "redundancy floodgates" opening in the UK

With young people bearing the brunt of rising unemployment, BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat has spoken to some young people about losing their jobs during lockdown

And a protective device to help ear, nose and throat doctors reduce their exposure to coronavirus is to be provided free to the NHS
 
British PM Johnson does not want second national coronavirus lockdown

Prime Minister Boris Johnson have said he did not want to see a second national lockdown to combat the coronavirus pandemic, saying it would be completely wrong for Britain and be financially disastrous.


"I don't want a second national lockdown," he told a parliamentary committee.

"I think it would be completely wrong for this country and we are going to do everything in our power to prevent it ... I very much doubt that the financial consequences would be anything but disastrous."
 
UK coronavirus cases rise by 3,395

Coronavirus cases in the UK have risen by 3,395, government figures show. That is down from the 3,991 cases recorded yesterday.

It takes the total number of cases to 381,614.

A further 20 people who had a positive coronavirus test in the last 28 days have died.
 
Coronavirus: Tighter national rules considered by government

New England-wide measures which could see hospitality businesses forced to shut are being considered by the UK government to try to slow a second surge of coronavirus cases.

A short period of national rules - a "circuit break" of a few weeks - could be announced in the next week, BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said.

Schools and most workplaces would be kept open during those weeks.

But no final decisions have yet been reached on the next course of action.

At a meeting on Wednesday night, the government's chief scientific adviser and medical officer predicted another serious outbreak of the disease.

They forecast that there would be a significant number of deaths by the end of October if there were no further interventions.

The possible measures being discussed include asking some hospitality businesses to close, or limiting the opening hours of some pubs and restaurants nationwide.

The virus is now understood to be doubling every seven to eight days, with more than 3,300 new cases reported on Thursday.

It comes as nearly two million people in north-east England are the latest to face local lockdown rules, which came into force on Friday. The restrictions will ban people from meeting other households, and restaurants and pubs will have to shut at 22:00 BST.

New local lockdown rules are also set to be brought in for Lancashire - with the exception of Blackpool - the BBC understands.

The four nations of the UK are all in charge of their own lockdown restrictions, with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland implementing slightly different rules to England.

Options for ministers
Under the so called "circuit break", restrictions could be reintroduced in some public spaces nationwide for a period of a few weeks, but schools and workplaces would be kept open.

One of the ideas suggested by the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) is that some parts of the hospitality sector could be asked to close.

No 10 is also considering the possibility of limiting the opening hours of pubs and restaurants across the country, as has already happened in some areas.

However Prime Minister Boris Johnson is understood to be deeply reluctant to order another national lockdown, where everyone would be asked to stay at home and businesses to close.

This week he described the potential impact of a second national lockdown on the economy as "disastrous".

On Thursday morning, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is understood to have presented warnings of the damage to the economy.

And ministers are also concerned about the impact of more restrictions on daily life on those who need treatment for non-Covid related illnesses.

However, the government has not yet taken any final decisions about the next course of action.

It is not yet clear what impact this week's new rule banning social gatherings of more than six people will have on the rate of increase, and No 10 is continuing to monitor the data and take scientific advice.

But it seems increasingly likely that within the next week, the prime minister will tighten the national rules again, our correspondent said.

On Friday, parts of north-east England joined other areas across the UK in being under local lockdown rules.

The measures affect Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Northumberland, South Tyneside, North Tyneside and the County Durham council area.

As well as the ban on households mixing and early closures for pubs and restaurants, people should also only use public transport for essential travel and care homes are closed to visitors.

An announcement on a possible lockdown in north-west England is expected from the government later on Friday.

The restrictions for Lancashire, but not Blackpool, are expected to include a similar ban on households mixing and a requirement for hospitality businesses to close early.

It is not yet known when the measures will be introduced although the BBC understands it will be imminent.

There are also local lockdown restrictions elsewhere in the UK - including Birmingham, Greater Manchester, Caerphilly, and the Belfast council area.

In other key developments:

The number of new weekly cases in Europe has exceeded the number reported during the first peak of the pandemic, the head of the World Health Organization in Europe has warned
The head of the UK government's testing system - which has faced criticism in recent weeks - said demand for booking tests was three to four times the number available
People arriving into England and Scotland from Singapore and Thailand will need to quarantine from Saturday morning
Figures show nearly two thirds of adults are now travelling to work again
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54199642.
 
Boris Johnson is considering the introduction of new national restrictions - possibly as soon as next week - as the prime minister races to try and get a handle on the spread of coronavirus.

With COVID-19 cases now doubling every seven to eight days, the government is looking at introducing nationwide restrictions for a short period to try to "short-circuit" the virus and slow the spread of the disease.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson departs 10 Downing Street, Westminster, London, to attend Prime Minister's Questions at the Houses of Parliament.

Government figures stressed the plans being drawn up stopped short of a full national lockdown, as seen in the spring, when the country was told to "stay at home".

Proposals being worked up for such a "circuit break" could see essential travel to schools and workplaces contining, but restaurants and bars would shut - or perhaps run on restricted hours - and different households would be asked not to mix.

The restrictions could be put in place for two weeks, but the timing and duration of the measures has yet to be finalised.

It comes amid fears that daily coronavirus case numbers could, in a few weeks, hit the figures seen in March and April if the government doesn't take decisive action now and "hammer down" on the disease.

Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer and Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, warned the prime minister at a meeting on on Wednesday evening that the disease was now doubling every seven to eight days.

It is understood they warned the UK is now about six weeks behind France and Spain and in danger of seeing a substantial increase in the number of cases by mid-October if the virus is left unchecked.

Matt Hancock, the health secretary, on Friday told Sky News that a national lockdown was the "last line of defence".

And while the prime minister has refused to rule out such drastic measures, No 10 is loathed to have to return such draconian measures, astutely aware of the damage it would do the economy and to public health in the longer term.

"The PM is in a very difficult situation because it all rests on him," one senior ministers told me this week.

"The instinct of the PM is that he has to keep this virus under control, because if there is a spike, it falls on his shoulders. I do feel for him."

The prime minister also met with his chancellor Rishi Sunak and Business Secretary Alok Sharma on Thursday morning to discuss the economic situation amid anxiety in government over the looming spike in unemployment when the furlough scheme winds up in October.

Terri from Harlow

People have been turned away from COVID-19 testing centres - despite having booked appointments.
The Treasury, along with many of Mr Johnson's backbencher and others in his cabinet, is of the view that the country cannot go back to a full lockdown and must exhaust all other options in order to avoid such a situation.

Local lockdowns have already been broadened to cover ten million people as the number of people testing positive increases.

Coronavirus cases are rising across the UK with a further 3,395 confirmed inflections and 21 deaths reported on Thursday.

According to the Financial Times, experts on the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M) have suggested a new national lockdown.

This could coincide with the October school half-term in order to limit the impact on children's education, the newspaper added.

Dido Harding

Baroness Dido Harding, head of the National Institute for Health Protection, says that access to testing must be prioritised.
On Thursday, localised restrictions were introduced in northeast England, which means more than 10 million people across the UK are now in some form of local lockdown.

New restrictions covering the whole of Lancashire, with the exception of two thirds of the seaside resort of Blackpool, are expected to be announced on Friday.

Mr Hancock confirmed the government would be "making further announcements" on localised action later in the day.

"We do have to recognise that the number of cases is rising and we do have to act because we know, especially from looking at other countries, that inexorably leads to more hospitalisations and sadly more deaths," he said.

"And that is what we want to minimise and we want to protect people's livelihoods at the same time."

Pressed on how close the UK might be to a second national lockdown, the health secretary replied: "Sometimes we can't say exactly what the future holds because we're in a pandemic.

"But I can give this hope, which is that if everybody follows the rule of six, if everyone follows self-isolation if they have tested positive or if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, and if everybody in the local lockdown areas follows the rules near them, then we can control this virus together.

"But only by the country pulling together."

Mr Hancock pointed to the example of Belgium as offering "hope" for the UK, adding: "They had a start of a second spike, quite similar to what we've seen over the last few weeks here, and then they took action and then it came down.

"It came down because the country, once again, came together to tackle the virus.

"In Belgium, for example, they introduced the rule of five, we've introduced a rule of six."

Responding to reports the government could be considering further national restrictions, Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: "Labour warned months ago that unless the government spent the summer fixing the testing regime then we would face a bleak winter.

"The government ignored that advice, the testing regime is collapsing and so it is not surprising national restrictions are back on the table."

https://news.sky.com/story/coronavi...nt-rule-out-second-national-lockdown-12074721
 
People with disabilities account for nearly 60% of deaths - ONS

Robert Cuffe

BBC head of statistics

People with health conditions that limit their activities count for nearly 60% of Covid-19 deaths - but just 16% of the population.

That's according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics covering deaths in England and Wales between March and July.

That definition of disability is based on responses to the 2011 census. People under the age of nine or those who have entered the country since 2011 were excluded from the analysis.

The ONS estimates that people whose daily activities are limited a lot or a little by health problems, which are expected to last for at least a year, accounted for almost six in 10 (59%) coronavirus deaths.

Analyses that adjusted for age, region and some measures of wealth/poverty showed that women whose activities are limited a lot by health conditions were 2.4 times more likely to die with Covid in the time period.

For men, the data suggested they were two times more likely to die.

For men and women whose daily activities are limited a little by a health condition, their risk was 1.6 times that of men and women without any such limitations.
 
The traditional New Year's Eve fireworks display in London will not take place this year.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan confirmed the move in an interview with LBC. He said it was decided it would be too risky to have people gathering in the city centre in big numbers.

He said there would be an alternative televised event people could enjoy from their own homes, wherever they are in the UK.
 
We have some further detail for those in the Midlands and in West Yorkshire.

In Wolverhampton and Oadby and Wigston, residents will be banned from socialising with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens from Tuesday.

All parts of Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale will also be subject to this restriction from Tuesday. Some wards in these areas had been exempt from restrictions on gatherings introduced at the start of August, but these wards will now also be subject to the ban, the UK government says.

Those who are shielding in Leicester City will no longer need to from 5 October.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock says: “I know these restrictions will make everyday life harder for many, but I know that residents will work together and respect the rules so we can reduce rates of transmission."
 
Major increase' in Covid cases in north-west England, Yorkshire and parts of the Midlands

The government says there has been "major increases" in Covid-19 cases in "large areas" of north-west England, Yorkshire and "small parts of the Midlands".

In Merseyside, Warrington, Halton and Lancashire (excluding Blackpool and Greater Manchester), from Tuesday 22 September:

Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens
Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only
Late night operating hours will be restricted, with leisure and entertainment venues including restaurants, pubs, and cinemas, required to close between 22:00 BST to 05:00.
A statement says residents in these areas should only use public transport for "essential purposes" such as travelling to school or work and avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spactators.

Separate restrictions are already in place in Bolton and Greater Manchester.

Those who are shielding in parts of north-east Blackburn will no longer need to from 5 October, the statement says.
 
Complete and utter shambles. It makes a mockery of the west's idea of itself as being "developed" or "first world"..they are just rich. End of and like any fat rich gangster think they are better than everyone because they are rich. but Allah swt gave us covid to equalise their thinking..some are still too stupid..
 
the Great Khan said:
Complete and utter shambles. It makes a mockery of the west's idea of itself as being "developed" or "first world"..they are just rich. End of and like any fat rich gangster think they are better than everyone because they are rich. but Allah swt gave us covid to equalise their thinking..some are still too stupid..
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Nothing to do with “the west” and all to do with the incompetent Johnson and his useless Cabinet.

Compare Germany which has a quarter the deaths. They are led by a science PhD.
 
R number indicates virus 'spreading widely'

It's estimated that the R number - which is the number of people that an infected person will pass the virus on to, on average - for the whole of the UK is now between 1.1 and 1.4.

This means that on average every 10 people infected will infect between 11 and 14 other people.

The estimated growth rate means the number of new infections is growing by between 2% and 7% every day.

Sage, the scientific body which advises the UK government on the epidemic, says the rise in the R number "shows that we are moving to wider spread growth in transmission at a faster rate".

Last week the R number was between 1 and 1.2 - the first time since March that the number had risen above one.

Pre-lockdown, the R number was around three and cases were doubling every three to four days.
 
UK records highest daily number of COVID-19 since early May

The United Kingdom recorded 4,322 new positive cases of COVID-19, an increase of nearly a thousand on Thursday's tally and the highest since May 8, according to official statistics.
 
The UK is "now seeing a second wave" of Covid-19, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said, adding "it's been inevitable we'd see it in this country".

Mr Johnson also said he did not "want to go into bigger lockdown measures", but that tighter social distancing restrictions may be necessary.

It comes as new rules were confirmed for Lancashire, Merseyside, parts of the Midlands and West Yorkshire.

On Friday, the UK recorded a further 4,322 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

"Clearly when you look at what is happening, you've got wonder whether we need to go further than the rule of six that we brought in," the PM said during a trip to Oxford.

He added that "the British people have done an amazing job - they've brought that peak down by discipline" but that "people find it difficult to keep this up, it's difficult to maintain that discipline for a long time".
 
UK records further 4,322 coronavirus cases

A further 4,322 coronavirus cases and 27 deaths have been reported in the UK, according to the government's daily figures.

This is the highest number of cases reported since 8 May, when there were 4,649 cases.
 
I think for months now more people have died of the flu in the UK.

Much of the UK public is waking up to this over reaction and idiotic lockdown but sadly too many are still being fooled. Yes it exists but is not the threat made out to be.

Reason - Desperate for mankind to be vaccinated. Many will refuse.
 
KingKhanWC said:
I think for months now more people have died of the flu in the UK.

Much of the UK public is waking up to this over reaction and idiotic lockdown but sadly too many are still being fooled. Yes it exists but is not the threat made out to be.

Reason - Desperate for mankind to be vaccinated. Many will refuse.
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What an idiotic post - sums up your mentality and capability. I’ve personally seen over 800 people die in under 2 weeks where I practise. That number is normally, maybe 120 if I look back over the 12 years I’ve been consulting.

This is not the flu, a bad night out or a road accident - this is unlike anything I have ever seen and if you have the slightest bit of first hand exposure to this you would know that.

For your families and loved one sake, I hope you wake up.
 
Thulsa said:
What an idiotic post - sums up your mentality and capability. I’ve personally seen over 800 people die in under 2 weeks where I practise. That number is normally, maybe 120 if I look back over the 12 years I’ve been consulting.

This is not the flu, a bad night out or a road accident - this is unlike anything I have ever seen and if you have the slightest bit of first hand exposure to this you would know that.

For your families and loved one sake, I hope you wake up.
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Where did you learn medicine in Bollywood?

97% of people with Covid recover. You dont ruin an economy for this.
 
I would revert with. ‘Where did you learn...’ response in kind, but I suspect ‘rubber dinghy rapids’ is more your level. And even that’s pushing it.

As for your last part, what an astoundingly moronic point - when/if you or someone you care for is afefected by it - you’ll change your tune.
 
Thulsa said:
I would revert with. ‘Where did you learn...’ response in kind, but I suspect ‘rubber dinghy rapids’ is more your level. And even that’s pushing it.

As for your last part, what an astoundingly moronic point - when/if you or someone you care for is afefected by it - you’ll change your tune.
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If you're a proffesional Ill eat a rubber dingy.

Address the point.

Is it correct around 97% people recover from Covid19?
 
It's looking bad in the UK sadly. A second wave is here, and a second national lockdown very likely.
 
Markhor said:
It's looking bad in the UK sadly. A second wave is here, and a second national lockdown very likely.
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I dont see the point, those who are vunerable should stay home , the rest carry on their business.

Some of the rules are so stupid it feels like they are just making things up while trying to destroy the economy.

You can meet in a pub but in your house. Which scientist believes pubs are cleaner than homes, perhaps some are but I would assume most are not.
 
London mayor: Lockdown "increasingly likely"

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said it is “increasingly likely” lockdown restrictions will be required in London, following suit with other parts of the UK.

He said: “The Prime Minister has said that we are now seeing the start of a second wave of Covid-19 across the UK.

“Londoners should also know that I am extremely concerned by the latest evidence I’ve seen today from public health experts about the accelerating speed at which Covid-19 is now spreading here in London.

“This is made worse by the uncertainty caused by the lack of testing capacity in the capital.

“This afternoon I held an emergency meeting with London council leaders, the Government and Public Health England to discuss the next steps.

“It is increasingly likely that, in London, additional measures will soon be required to slow the spread of the virus.

“We will be considering some of the measures which have already been imposed in other parts of the UK.

“I am of the firm view that we should not wait, as happened six months ago, for this virus to again spiral out of control before taking action.

“The best thing for both public health and the economy is new restrictions imposed early, rather than a full lockdown when it’s too late - but the government must urgently ensure there is a fully functioning testing system.

“I strongly urge all Londoners to be as cautious as possible over this weekend. Please think very carefully about your actions - strictly follow social distancing rules, regularly wash your hands and wear a face covering to help reduce the spread of the virus.”
 
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PM urged to take COVID action 'today' to curb rise in UK cases

Boris Johnson needs to act now, not next week, to tackle a second wave of coronavirus infections across the UK, a senior university lecturer has said.

Asked if he thought a second national lockdown is on the cards, Dr Bharat Pankhania, senior clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter, told Sky News: "I hope it will never happen because I don't think the United Kingdom has got the stamina for a national lockdown. It's words.

"It is blindingly obvious that if you wanted to keep case numbers down you keep your movements amongst fellow human beings to a minimum.

"It's as simple as that.

"This is a human-to-human spread of infection, so we have invented all manner of things like the 'the rule of six', the curfew at 10pm, and all of that.

"And the one thing, the elephant in the room, that we don't address is 'keep your distance away from fellow human beings - move around with as few human beings as is possible'.

"That is as straightforward as it is."

Proposals are being worked up for a "circuit break" of nationwide restrictions for a short period, which could see essential travel to schools and workplaces continuing, but restaurants and bars would shut - or perhaps run on restricted hours - and different households would be asked not to mix at all.

Asked if this would work and slow the spread of the virus, he replied: "I would love to say yes, but what we learnt from the first lockdown was that the base number, meaning the background level of circulating virus, continued to hover at an uncomfortably high level.

"So where is the evidence that a 'circuit break', meaning a short, sharp shutdown, is going to reduce case numbers?

"Our case numbers have resisted in going down because we just can't have a full lockdown in the way the United Kingdom has been running.

"So unless you have a really, really strict South Korea-style or even China-style shutdown and people don't move around between groups, it is not going to happen."

He continued: "Furthermore, we have got another conundrum, schools are open and we know, we all accept, that the schools need to run, so if schools are open it means a lot of things are open. It also means there will be a generation of new cases in the school environment.

"I think my most simple measure over a long period of time is one good measure... why not just give the good public health advice which is, 'this is human-to-human spread, keep your circulation low amongst fellow human beings'.

"The bottom line is we take personal and mutual responsibility, we say to ourselves 'every action I'm about to take, is this risky?' If it is, don't do it."

"My advice to Prime Minister Boris Johnson is, don't sit there and say 'we are going to do something next week'. It's tomorrow, it's today.

"You say, 'as of today please reduce your circulation in pubs, restaurants, transport, offices and all those places where infection transmits'.

"It's as straightforward as that."

Source SKY
 
Covid: PM considering new restrictions amid second coronavirus wave

Boris Johnson is spending the weekend considering whether to tighten Covid-19 measures in England, after saying the UK was "now seeing a second wave".

The government is understood to be looking at a ban on households mixing, and reducing opening hours for pubs.

At least 13.5 million people, roughly one in five of the UK population, are already facing local restrictions.

Former government adviser Prof Neil Ferguson said new measures were needed "sooner rather than later".

The scientist, whose advice was crucial to the decision to go into lockdown in March, said: "If we leave it another two to four weeks, we will be back at [infection] levels we were seeing more like mid-March.

"That's clearly going to cause deaths because people will be hospitalised," he told the BBC.

Mr Johnson only has direct power over restrictions in England. The devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can set their own rules.

Widespread growth of the virus has been recorded across the country, with cases doubling every seven to eight days.

There were a further 4,322 confirmed cases on Friday - the first time the daily total of positive tests has exceeded 4,000 since 8 May.

In Bolton, one returning holidaymaker, who did not self-isolate and instead went on a pub crawl, is being partly blamed for the town's spike in cases.

Meanwhile, governments across Europe have announced new restrictions to tackle the surge in infections.

Speaking on Friday, Mr Johnson said he did not "want to go into bigger lockdown measures" but that tighter social distancing rules might be necessary.

He added: "Clearly when you look at what is happening, you have got to wonder whether we need to go further than the rule of six that we brought in on Monday."

The government is understood to be considering a short period of tighter rules across England - "a circuit break" - which could involve closing hospitality venues.

However, schools and workplaces would stay open.

No 10 is also looking at limiting the opening hours of pubs and restaurants across the country, as has already happened in many areas of north-east England, where pubs had to close at 22:00 BST on Friday.

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner called for the government to hold an emergency Cobra meeting, look at the science and improve its communication so "people can do the right thing".

"If the government are able to do that, we will back them," she told the BBC.

She also said it had been "shocking" to see how "monumentally" the government's test and trace system had failed.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford are also calling for a Cobra meeting.

Ms Sturgeon said the next few days would be "critical" to avoid another full-scale lockdown in Scotland.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was extremely concerned by evidence of the accelerating speed with which coronavirus was spreading in the capital.

"We will be considering some of the measures which have already been imposed in other parts of the UK," he said.

"I am of the firm view that we should not wait, as happened six months ago, for this virus to again spiral out of control before taking action."

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Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54214752
 
UK reports biggest increase in COVID cases since May 8

The United Kingdom reported 4,422 daily cases of coronavirus, 100 more new cases than on Friday and the highest daily total since May 8.
 
London police order anti-lockdown protest to disperse

London's police has tried to break up a protest attended by more than a thousand people opposed to lockdown measures.

Demonstrators gathered in Trafalgar Square in central London carrying banners saying "Freedom Not Fear" and "Scam" and chanting at police: "Choose your side".

Shortly before 14:00 GMT police ordered protesters to leave, saying the demonstration was putting other members of the public at risk.

"This, coupled with pockets of hostility and outbreaks of violence towards officers, means we will now be taking enforcement action to disperse those who remain in the area," London's Metropolitan Police said in a statement.
 
The number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK has jumped by 4,422 - the highest daily rise in over four months.

Saturday's figure is exactly 100 more cases than were confirmed the previous day, meaning both are the highest since 8 May.

A further 27 deaths of people with COVID-19 have also been recorded, taking the total to 41,759.
 
The government has announced people in England who test positive for COVID-19 will have a “legal obligation” to self-isolate from 28 September.
 
Covid: £10,000 fines for self-isolation breaches

People in England who refuse an order to self-isolate could be fined up to £10,000, the government has said.

The new legal duty requires people to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus, or are traced as a close contact, from 28 September.

New measures also include a one-off £500 support payment for those on lower incomes, and a penalty for employers who punish those told to self-isolate.

It comes as the PM considers tightening restrictions after a surge in cases.

A further 4,422 new Covid-19 cases and 27 deaths were reported on Saturday.

There were 350 new cases reported in Scotland, the highest daily increase since May, 212 new cases in Wales, and 222 in Northern Ireland.

Fines will initially start at £1,000 rising to £10,000 for repeat offenders, and for "the most egregious breaches". Up until now, advice to self-isolate has been guidance only.

Announcing the new rules for England, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the best way to fight the virus was for everyone to follow the rules.

"So nobody underestimates just how important this is, new regulations will mean you are legally obliged to do so if you have the virus or have been asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace. People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines.

"We need to do all we can to control the spread of this virus, to prevent the most vulnerable people from becoming infected, and to protect the NHS and save lives", he said.

At-a-glance: What are the new rules?
People in England who are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace face fines of £1,000 - up to £10,000 for the worst offenders - if they fail to do so
This includes those who test positive and those identified as close contacts of confirmed cases
It also includes employers who force staff to ignore an order to self-isolate
NHS Test and Trace will make regular contact with those isolating to check compliance
The measures apply from 28 September and will be enforced by police and local authorities
Those in receipt of benefits or on low income and who cannot work from home may receive a £500 one-off payment if self-isolating
Those attracting the highest penalties are described as including those who stop other people from self-isolating, such as an employer who insists a staff member comes to work in violation of an order.

The penalties are in line with those for people who fail to quarantine for 14 days after returning to the UK from a country not on the list of low risk nations.

In Bolton, one returning holidaymaker, who did not self-isolate and instead went on a pub crawl, is being partly blamed for the town's spike in cases.

The prime minister is concerned that existing regulations are too often being flouted - and he has been frustrated that they are not always effectively enforced.

The government's scientific advisers have suggested as many as four out of five people who should be self-isolating bend or break the rules.

So, from 28 September in England, fines can be levied.

But this iron fist is encased in a velvet glove.

Following pilot schemes in some parts of Lancashire, a £500 lump sum will be available to people on benefits who have to self-isolate - or who are on low incomes and who cannot work from home.

Regional political leaders, such as Greater Manchester's Mayor Andy Burnham, have been pressing for this.

But compliance isn't the only problem.

Delays in delivering test results can affect how quickly the contacts of infected people isolate, even if they want to, or are paid to do the right thing.

Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds welcomed the "belated" announcement of additional financial assistance to support those who have to self-isolate.

However, she added that "it shouldn't have taken months for the penny to finally drop that people on low incomes needed more help".

The UK government hopes the new measures will be replicated in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - which all have powers to set their own coronavirus rules.

Officials said NHS Test and Trace would be in regular contact with individuals told to self-isolate and would report any suspicions that people were not complying to the police and local authorities.

Police will also check compliance in Covid-19 hotspots and among groups considered to be "high-risk" as well as following up reports from members of the public of people who have tested positive but are not self-isolating.

Prosecutions could follow in "high-profile and egregious" cases of non-compliance.

As with other coronavirus rules, there will be specific exemptions for those who need to escape from illness or harm during their isolation, and for those who require care.

Changes to support for those in receipt of benefits or on a low income will initially affect up to four million people who cannot work from home in England, the government said.

The one-off payment of £500 is above both statutory sick pay of £95.85 per week and a previously-announced additional award of £182 for those told to self-isolate in highest risk areas of intervention.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54221953.
 
Households might as well start individual lockdowns today, because another national lockdown is obviously coming.
 
Covid restrictions in England will get tougher if rules are not followed, Matt Hancock has warned, as the government introduces £10,000 fines for people who fail to self-isolate.

The health secretary told the BBC's Andrew Marr show the country was facing a "tipping point and we have a choice".

"If everybody follows the rules then we can avoid further national lockdown."

The prime minister is understood to be considering a ban on households mixing, and reducing opening hours for pubs.

The move could take the form of a two-week mini lockdown in England - being referred to as a "circuit breaker" - in an aim to stem a recent surge in cases.
 
Second total lockdown' looms without effective Test and Trace system, warns top scientist

Sir David King, who has been critical of the easing of lockdown measures tells Sky News: "Unless we can get a functioning Test and Trace system up and running quickly it means we have to go into second total lockdown.

"You only go into a lockdown if you don't have a Test and Trace capability of picking up most of the new cases and making sure that everyone and their contacts are isolated."

Sir David, who was chief scientific adviser between 2000 and 2007, is the chairman of Independent SAGE - a rival group that is separate to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies which advises Downing Street.

He says the government needs to abandon its attempts to bring in private companies with no healthcare experience.

"You have failed us in the middle of the worst epidemic in 100 years in trying to do this," he said.

"If you put some of that finance into the public sector, we know that within a week at most, maybe two weeks, we can have a fully functioning system operating at the local level."

In the meantime, he says, "we ought to take some extreme measures right away".

"I would say publicans should not be allowed to serve indoors in pubs and equally in restaurants - no indoor public eating," he says.

"The second thing is, work at home if at all possible - we should be instructed on that. No return to workplaces should take place if they are not COVID safe.

"And for those employees who can't go back to work because their workplace isn't COVID safe, it means financial support must be provided."

He continues: "If we look back at the beginning of June, when the prime minister started talking about people going back to work, people relaxing the lockdown procedures, suddenly where the epidemic had been falling at a rate of halving every seven or eight days, suddenly we found it was no longer falling at that rate.

"It was quite clear, as soon as we opened pubs and restaurants, that we were going to get another burst of the pandemic."
 
Official figures show the UK has recorded 18 new COVID-19 related deaths and 3,899 new cases
 
Went to the supermarket today and it was extremely busy. Not at pre-lockdown panic-buying levels (yet), but much busier than I have seen it for months. The secret is out. UKers are preparing for and anticipating a second national lockdown.
 
Covid restrictions in England will get tougher if rules are not followed, Matt Hancock has warned, as the government introduces £10,000 fines for people who fail to self-isolate.

The health secretary told the BBC's Andrew Marr show the country was facing a "tipping point and we have a choice".

"If everybody follows the rules then we can avoid further national lockdown."

The prime minister is understood to be considering a ban on households mixing, and reducing opening hours for pubs.

Asked if England could face another national lockdown, Mr Hancock said: "I don't rule it out, I don't want to see it."

In the BBC interview, he also:

Said he would call the police on people who refused to self-isolate
Denied the government was overreacting given deaths and hospital admissions remain relatively low
Said there was still hope a vaccine would get "over the line" this year
The move under consideration by PM Boris Johnson could take the form of a two-week mini lockdown in England - being referred to as a "circuit breaker" - in an aim to stem a recent surge in cases.

On Sunday, a further 3,899 new Covid-19 cases and 18 deaths were reported in the UK.

Meanwhile, visitors have flocked to Blackpool this weekend, despite police warning against having a "last blast" in the resort before tighter restrictions come into force in the rest of Lancashire on Tuesday.

London 'catching up' with Covid-19 hotspots
Can a 'circuit break' halt the second Covid wave?
People in England who refuse an order to self-isolate could be fined up to £10,000 from 28 September.

The new legal duty requires people to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus, or are traced as a close contact.

New measures also include a one-off £500 support payment for those on lower incomes, and a penalty for employers who punish those told to self-isolate.

Fines will initially start at £1,000 rising to £10,000 for repeat offenders, and for "the most egregious breaches".

Until now, advice to self-isolate has been guidance only.

More than 19,000 fines have been issued in England and Wales for alleged breaches of coronavirus laws, the attorney general said earlier this week, but more than half have not been paid so far.
 
How will government fines work?

From 28 September, people must self-isolate by law if they test positive or are contacted by a test and trace service.
If they fail to comply, they will face tougher penalties than before.

Fines for breaches will start at £1,000 - but could rise to £10,000 for repeat offences and the most serious breaches.

The penalties can also be given to those preventing others from self-isolating - such as bosses who threaten staff who cannot go to work with redundancy.

Test and trace call handlers will make "regular contact" and report anyone who is failing to the local council and police.

A £500 lump sum is being offered to those who need to isolate and will lose money as a result of not working, are on benefits and cannot do their job from home.
 
Latest UK figures released

3,899 new UK coronavirus cases and 18 COVID-related deaths have been reported by the government today.

That's down from 4,422 cases reported on Saturday and 4,322 on Friday - which was the highest since 8 May.

All of the 18 deaths were in England. There were 27 across the UK reported yesterday.

Figures are often lower on weekend days due to reporting delays.

For comparison, 3,330 cases were reported last Sunday.

Total deaths, according to the government, are now 41,777.
 
KingKhanWC said:
I dont see the point, those who are vunerable should stay home , the rest carry on their business.

Some of the rules are so stupid it feels like they are just making things up while trying to destroy the economy.

You can meet in a pub but in your house. Which scientist believes pubs are cleaner than homes, perhaps some are but I would assume most are not.
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Why would any sane government deliberately destroy their own economy by putting these necessary measures in place, this pandemic is Very much TRUE.
 
James said:
Households might as well start individual lockdowns today, because another national lockdown is obviously coming.
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Can't see that, if we go in to a second national lockdown then we got a whole 6-7 months of winter months ahead which could be worse than the first . Also mental health issues will go through the roof so everything has to be planned well, in my opinion best way is have extended lockdowns in worse affected areas during the school hoildays
 
Manunited18 said:
Why would any sane government deliberately destroy their own economy by putting these necessary measures in place, this pandemic is Very much TRUE.
Click to expand...

This sane government has now said.

"Boris Johnson ‘considering lifting rule of six for Christmas Day’"

Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2020/09/20/bori...f-six-for-christmas-day-13298872/?ito=cbshare

Please explain why Xmas day would be exempt? Rudolph will be brining a vaccine with him?

We had Tory far right idiots saying Muslims need to be careful with Eid but if you're white its fine even though Xmas is not a religous day any longer in reality but a good day for a booze up.
 
Coronavirus: UK firms voluntarily return £215m in furlough cash

UK firms have voluntarily returned more than £215m to the government in furlough scheme payments they did not need or took in error.

According to HMRC figures, some 80,433 employers have returned cash they were given to help cover workers' salaries.

The money returned is only a fraction of the £3.5bn officials believe may have been paid out in error or to fraudsters under the scheme.

HMRC said it welcomed employers who have voluntarily returned grants.

Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) - or furlough scheme - workers placed on leave have received 80% of their pay, up to a maximum of £2,500 a month.

At first this was all paid for by the government, but firms are now having to make a contribution to wages as well.

As of 15 September, companies and other bodies had returned £215,756,121 in grants, according to data obtained by the PA news agency through a freedom of information request.

Some of the money was returned, while other firms simply claimed smaller payouts the next time they were given furlough cash.

It is a tiny part of the £35.4bn claimed under CJRS up until 16 August, the latest date for which statistics are available.

HMRC said: "HMRC welcomes those employers who have voluntarily returned CJRS grants to HMRC because they no longer need the grant, or have realised they've made errors and followed our guidance on putting things right."

The CJRS was launched in April to support businesses that could not operate, or had to cut staffing levels, during lockdown. But companies have been urged to repay the taxpayer cash they receive if they feel they can afford to do so.

Choosing to repay
Housebuilders Redrow, Barratt and Taylor Wimpey have both returned all the furlough money they have claimed. So too have Ikea, Games Workshop, distribution giant Bunzl and the Spectator magazine.

Others such as Primark and John Lewis have said they will not claim money under the Jobs Retention Bonus, which pays firms £1,000 for every employee they bring back from furlough and keep employed until the end of January.

The government has rejected calls to extend the furlough scheme when it ends on 31 October, despite warnings that it could trigger a wave of job cuts.

HMRC said: "To tackle the impact the pandemic had on people's jobs, businesses and livelihoods, the government introduced one of the most generous and comprehensive packages of support in the world, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

"So far, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has helped 1.2 million employers across the UK furlough 9.6 million jobs, protecting people's livelihoods."
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54228890.
 
Covid: UK at 'critical point' in pandemic, top scientists to warn

The UK is at a "critical point" in the coronavirus pandemic and "heading in the wrong direction", the government's chief medical officer will warn later.

Prof Chris Whitty believes the country is facing a "very challenging winter period" and will hold a televised briefing at 11:00 BST.

It comes after the prime minister spent the weekend considering whether to introduce further measures in England.

On Sunday, a further 3,899 daily cases and 18 deaths were reported in the UK.

The prime minister is understood to be considering a two-week mini lockdown in England - being referred to as a "circuit breaker" - in an effort to stem widespread growth of the virus.

He held a meeting at Downing Street on Sunday, along with Prof Whitty, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Matt Hancock, to discuss possible measures.

At the briefing later, Prof Whitty will be joined by the government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, to present the latest data.

Prof Whitty is expected to say: "The trend in the UK is heading in the wrong direction and we are at a critical point in the pandemic.

"We are looking at the data to see how to manage the spread of the virus ahead of a very challenging winter period."

The two scientists are expected to explain how the virus is spreading and the potential scenarios as the winter approaches.

They are also expected to share data on other countries who are experiencing a second wave, and explain how the UK could face similar situations.

Prof Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance were the mainstays of the Downing Street press conferences when the virus was at its peak.

So you can assume that their briefing on the latest data will not convey good news.

The two men spent much of Sunday afternoon behind Downing Street's black door, poring over the data with the health secretary, the chancellor, senior officials and the prime minister himself.

What has been concerning some of those inside No 10 are predictions that there could be a significant number of deaths a day from Covid by the end of next month unless further action is taken.

Ministers agree that there should not be a full national lockdown, but there are tensions around the cabinet table over precisely which, more limited measures, to take.

On Sunday, Mr Hancock said that with hospital admissions for the disease doubling "every eight days or so", further action was needed to prevent more deaths.

He warned the country was facing a "tipping point", as the government considers further restrictions.

"If everybody follows the rules then we can avoid further national lockdown," he said.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he would support any new measures but warned that a second national lockdown was becoming more likely because the Test and Trace programme was in a state of "near collapse".

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he would meet council leaders on Monday and then recommend any London-specific measures to ministers.

He believes the capital city may be just "two or three days" behind the hotspots of the North West and North East of England.

More areas in north-west England, West Yorkshire and the Midlands, will face further local restrictions from Tuesday, taking the number of people affected by increased local measures in the UK to around 13.5 million.

Over the weekend the government announced that people in England who refuse an order to self-isolate could be fined up to £10,000 from 28 September.

However, the government is facing resistance from some senior Conservative MPs who are concerned that ministers are imposing new coronavirus restrictions without giving Parliament a say.

The Coronavirus Act 2020, which became law in March, gave the government wide-ranging powers in order to manage the pandemic.

But Sir Graham Brady, who represents Tory backbenchers, said he would table an amendment which would require the government to put any new measures to a vote of MPs.

Meanwhile, Lady Hale, the former president of the Supreme Court, said Parliament had "surrendered" control to ministers during the pandemic, in an essay seen by the Guardian.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54229845.
 
England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty has warned the rate of COVID-19 infections in the UK is "heading in the wrong direction".

Later this morning, Professor Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance will deliver a televised briefing on the latest coronavirus data.
 
KingKhanWC said:
This sane government has now said.

"Boris Johnson ‘considering lifting rule of six for Christmas Day’"

Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2020/09/20/bori...f-six-for-christmas-day-13298872/?ito=cbshare

Please explain why Xmas day would be exempt? Rudolph will be brining a vaccine with him?

We had Tory far right idiots saying Muslims need to be careful with Eid but if you're white its fine even though Xmas is not a religous day any longer in reality but a good day for a booze up.
Click to expand...

Come on bro media don't half make things up, there's no chance of a normal Christmas this year, by December U.K will be under heavy heavy restrictions, it's all down to the inept Trac and trace which the government labelled as world beating lol
 
The UK could see 50,000 new coronavirus cases a day by mid-October without further action, the government's chief scientific adviser has warned.

Sir Patrick Vallance said that "would be expected to lead to about 200 deaths per day" a month after that.

The briefing at Downing St comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson considers whether to introduce further measures in England.

On Sunday, a further 3,899 daily cases and 18 deaths were reported in the UK.

Speaking alongside the government's chief medical adviser, Prof Chris Whitty, Sir Patrick stressed the figures given were not a prediction, but added: "At the moment we think the epidemic is doubling roughly every seven days.
 
BREAKING: Ten more Covid-related deaths in England

A further 10 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, NHS England has said, taking the total who have died in hospitals to 29,757.

The dates of the deaths ranged from 17 to 20 September.

The start of the week often sees lower figures due to delays in reporting over the weekend.

UK-wide figures will be published later in the day and can differ due to different reporting periods.
 
Stark warning over 50,000 cases - but what to do next?

The government’s most senior science and medical advisers are clearly concerned about the rise in cases that have been seen in recent weeks.

The warning about 50,000 cases a day by mid-October is stark. We don’t know for sure how many cases there were at the peak in spring (as there was very limited testing in place) although some estimates put it at 100,000.

However, they were also at pains to point out it was not a prediction.

Even among the government’s own advisers there is disagreement over whether what we are seeing is the start of an exponential rise or just a gradual increase in cases, which is what you would expect at this time of year as respiratory viruses tend to circulate more coupled with the reopening of society.

Instead, what was quite telling was the clear social messaging. Even those who are not at high risk of complications should, they say, play their part in curbing the spread of the virus because if it spreads then difficult decisions will be needed that have profound societal consequences.

But the big unanswered question is what ministers will do next. There is talk of further restrictions being introduced, but that is far from certain.

A couple of things are in our favour that were not in the spring. Better treatments for those who get very sick are now available, while the government is in a better position to protect the vulnerable groups.

Should ministers wait and see what happens? Or should they crack down early, knowing that will have a negative impact in other ways?
 
The UK has recorded a further 4,368 daily cases of COVID-19 up from 3,899 cases yesterday and 11 new coronavirus-related deaths.
 
BREAKING: Boris Johnson set to announce pubs, bars and restaurants throughout England will be forced to close at 10pm from Thursday.
 
Covid: Pubs and restaurants in England to have 10pm closing times

All pubs, bars, restaurants and other hospitality venues in England must have a 22:00 closing time from Thursday, to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

The sector will also be restricted by law to table service only.

The measures will be set out by the prime minister in Parliament before an address to the nation to be broadcast live at 20:00 BST on Tuesday.

It comes as the UK's Covid-19 alert level moved to 4, meaning transmission is "high or rising exponentially".

Boris Johnson is also expected to stress the need for people to follow social distancing guidelines, wear face coverings and wash their hands regularly.

And, according to newspaper reports, he will urge people to work from home where it does not negatively impact businesses.

The government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has warned there could be 50,000 new coronavirus cases a day by mid-October without further action - which, he said, could lead to more than 200 deaths per day by mid-November.

On Monday, a further 4,368 daily cases and 11 deaths were reported in the UK. There were 3,899 cases reported on Sunday.

Further restrictions will also be announced in Scotland on Tuesday, while restrictions on households mixing indoors will be extended to all of Northern Ireland.

Also from 18:00 on Tuesday, four more counties in south Wales will face new measures, including a 23:00 curfew for pubs and bars.

The UK cabinet will meet on Tuesday morning and Boris Johnson will also chair a Cobra emergency meeting - which will be attended by the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Speaking about the new closing times, a No 10 spokesperson said: "No-one underestimates the challenges the new measures will pose to many individuals and businesses.

"We know this won't be easy, but we must take further action to control the resurgence in cases of the virus and protect the NHS."

Tighter restrictions on pub and restaurant opening times are already in place in parts of north-east and north-west England, and Wales.

What difference will it make?

People are understandably asking what difference closing at 22:00 makes. Coupled with the table service law, it will be little more than a marginal gain.

But what ministers hope is that the move, along with the rule of six that came into force last week, will act as a warning to the public that efforts to curb the virus need to be redoubled.

What remains to be seen is whether any other restrictions will accompany this move.

Behind the scenes both ministers and their advisers have argued over what is the right thing to do and how much the public will be willing to tolerate.

It seems inevitable that the virus will continue to spread - that's what respiratory viruses do during winter, especially one for which there is limited immunity and no vaccine.

But how quickly and widely is something no one knows.

The risk of trying to suppress the virus is the government will soon find itself having to make another decision about further steps.

How far are ministers prepared to go? Every restriction that is taken has a negative consequence to society.

But the nature of the virus means lives will undoubtedly be lost the more it spreads. Balancing those two harms will define the next six months.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of trade body UKHospitality, said the new rules should be "applied with flexibility" and called for more support for the sector.

"A hard close time is bad for business and bad for controlling the virus - we need to allow time for people to disperse over a longer period," she said.

"Table service has been widely adopted in some parts of the sector since reopening, but it is not necessary across all businesses, such as coffee shops."

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night-Time Industries Association, said the announcement was "yet another devastating blow" and warned it would result in a "surge of unregulated events and house parties".

Christopher Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at free-market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, said the move "seems to have emerged from a random policy generator" and called on the government to publish the evidence upon which it was based.

"While mandatory table service has been part of the successful Swedish approach and may have merit, the new closing time will be devastating to a hospitality sector that was already suffering after the first lockdown," he said.

If Boris Johnson had decreed a year ago that he was going to call last orders on the pub at 22:00, the ravens might have left the Tower.

But given the terrible warnings from the government's top scientists on Monday, the kind of strict measures that ministers had been discussing - and the extent of restrictions that many people are already living with in some of our towns and cities - you might wonder if what the prime minister has ended up deciding is less stringent than it might have been.

As we have talked about many times, Downing Street is all too aware of the economic havoc the restrictions around the pandemic have caused.

Logically, therefore, it has always only wanted to take action when it has felt absolutely urgent. It is also the case that, as we enter a second surge, more is understood about the virus itself.

That means the government ought to be able to take a more sophisticated approach to managing the spread, rather than blunt, blunderbuss nationwide measures.

At least for now, the prime minister has concluded there is a narrow, but real chance to put the brakes on the outbreak before taking more draconian steps.

Read more from Laura.

New measures will also come into force in Lancashire, Merseyside, parts of the Midlands and West Yorkshire from Tuesday.

Other areas of England, Scotland and Wales are already under local lockdown, with restrictions including a ban on mixing with other households.

The prime minister's announcement on closing times comes after a series of meetings over the weekend, including with the government's chief medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty, Chancellor Rishi Sunk and Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54242634.
 
Pubs, bars and restaurants throughout England will be forced to close at 10pm from Thursday, while people have been told to work from home again if they can.

In a House of Commons statement followed by a TV address to the nation, the prime minister will unveil a range of new measures to tackle the dramatic surge in COVID-19 cases.
 
Coronavirus: UK at 'perilous turning point', says Boris Johnson

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK had reached "a perilous turning point" as he set out new restrictions to combat coronavirus which could last for up to six months.

He told MPs that hospitality businesses would close at 22:00 and weddings would be limited to a maximum of 15 people.

Face masks will be compulsory for retail staff and fines for breaking the rules will increase, he said.

Office workers are also being told to stay at home if they can.

"We always knew that while we might have driven the virus into retreat, the prospect of a second wave was real. I'm sorry to say that, as in Spain and France and many other countries, we've reached a perilous turning point," he said.

After a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee this morning, Mr Johnson told the House of Commons he would provide police and local authorities with extra funding to enforce the regulations and the option to draw on military support.

He said the new rules were "carefully judged" to achieve the maximum reduction in the R number - which measures how quickly the virus is spreading - but causing "the minimum damage to lives and livelihoods".

He said this was "by no means a return to the full lockdown of March", with no general instructions to stay at home, and businesses, schools, colleges and universities remaining open.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54250696
 
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