The World Health Organisation (WHO) has responded to Donald Trump's threat to withhold funding, arguing "now is not the time" to cut contributions to the institution, which has played a key role in the global response to coronavirus.
Dr Hans Kluge, WHO's regional director for Europe, has also said the European Covid-19 outbreak is "still very concerning" and “we still have a long way to go” in the fight against the pandemic.
Meanwhile, UK government ministers have warned it is unlikely that the country's nationwide lockdown will be lifted soon, as the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the virus was first identified, began to return to some form of normality on Wednesday.
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Who is currently being tested for coronavirus and when will tests become available for everyone?
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, questions have continually been asked concerning how patients are being tested for the virus and when tests will be more widely distributed.
On 11 March, the NHS outlined plans for 10,000 coronavirus tests to be conducted every day. The prime minister later told the House of Commons that this number would be increased to 25,000, going on to state in a press conference that it could eventually rise to 250,000.
However, no date has yet been fixed as to when antigen and antibody tests — the former assesses if a person has the virus while the latter should be able to determine if an individual has recovered from infection — may become available for mass distribution.
More below:
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, questions have continually been asked concerning how patients are being tested for the virus and when tests will be more widely distributed.
On 11 March, the NHS outlined plans for 10,000 coronavirus tests to be conducted every day. The prime minister later told the House of Commons that this number would be increased to 25,000, going on to state in a press conference that it could eventually rise to 250,000.
However, no date has yet been fixed as to when antigen and antibody tests — the former assesses if a person has the virus while the latter should be able to determine if an individual has recovered from infection — may become available for mass distribution.
More below:
Who is currently being tested for coronavirus and when will tests become available for everyone?
Foreign secretary Dominic Raab recently insisted government is still on track to deliver 100,000 tests a day in the coming weeksMeet the sustainable fashion brand making scrubs for NHS staff
The coronavirus pandemic is causing a strain in areas of the NHS many had never imagined.
Members of the health service, who have been applauded by the nation twice in the past fortnight, are facing a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Hospital scrubs are a vital part of keeping staff and their families, as well as other patients, safe.
Now one company is stepping up to help.
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Meet the sustainable fashion brand making scrubs for NHS staff
“Anyone could get involved whether they’re a novice or experienced”
'Anyone can get coronavirus – but how you fare depends a lot on who and where you are'
As we head into week three of lockdown, coronavirus has made common knowledge Britain’s worst-kept secret: that where you live, what you do, how much money you have and your ethnicity directly affect how healthy you are - writes Dr Alexis Paton & Dr Agomoni Ganguli-Mitra
Over the weekend, the government warned that it would introduce tougher lockdown measures if people continued to flout the guidelines.
Such measures may be justified to slow the spread of the pandemic, but lockdowns do not affect people equally. Not everyone has a garden, a partner with whom to share childcare, or the money to compensate for the lack of supermarket choice that panic-buying has created.
As we head into week three of lockdown, coronavirus has made common knowledge Britain’s worst-kept secret: that where you live, what you do, how much money you have and your ethnicity directly affect how healthy you are - writes Dr Alexis Paton & Dr Agomoni Ganguli-Mitra
Over the weekend, the government warned that it would introduce tougher lockdown measures if people continued to flout the guidelines.
Such measures may be justified to slow the spread of the pandemic, but lockdowns do not affect people equally. Not everyone has a garden, a partner with whom to share childcare, or the money to compensate for the lack of supermarket choice that panic-buying has created.
More below:
Opinion: Anyone can get coronavirus – but how you fare depends a lot on who and where you are
Many of the measures being taken to stymie the pandemic will intensify existing health inequalities, putting parts of the population at demonstrably greater risk
Women in England can now get abortion pills by post as lockdown continues
Women requiring a medical abortion in England, Scotland and Wales can now access a “pills by post” system during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) confirmed to The Independent that the telemedicine was now available for women to take up to week 10 of pregnancy – later terminations may still require a surgical abortion in a clinic.
Women requiring a medical abortion in England, Scotland and Wales can now access a “pills by post” system during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) confirmed to The Independent that the telemedicine was now available for women to take up to week 10 of pregnancy – later terminations may still require a surgical abortion in a clinic.
Women in England can now get abortion pills by post as lockdown continues
The Department of Health has already backtracked on the policy once before
Malta confirms first death
Malta has recorded its first death linked to the coronavirus.
Malta has recorded its first death linked to the coronavirus.
The country's health minister identified the victim as a 92-year-old woman who suffered from renal and cardiac complications, and was also diabetic. She died in the hospital on the island of Gozo.
Malta has confirmed 299 cases of people being infected by the virus — including a 1-month-old — since 7 March.
Travel agents breaking the law by refusing to refund holidaymakers, says Which?
Travel agents that are refusing to refund customers for cancelled holidays are breaking the law, according to a Which? investigation.
Holidaymakers have been in touch with the consumer champion to report that some travel firms are insisting they accept a rebooking or future travel voucher, rather than returning their money, after trips were derailed by the global coronavirus pandemic.
The Package Travel Regulations mean those who have booked package trips including accommodation and travel are entitled to a full refund within two weeks of a cancellation by their agent or tour operator.
More below:
Travel agents that are refusing to refund customers for cancelled holidays are breaking the law, according to a Which? investigation.
Holidaymakers have been in touch with the consumer champion to report that some travel firms are insisting they accept a rebooking or future travel voucher, rather than returning their money, after trips were derailed by the global coronavirus pandemic.
The Package Travel Regulations mean those who have booked package trips including accommodation and travel are entitled to a full refund within two weeks of a cancellation by their agent or tour operator.
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Travel agents breaking the law by refusing to refund holidaymakers, says Which?
Some companies are only offering credit vouchers for cancelled tripsLondon mayor - government must provide funding for abuse victims
Sadiq Khan has called on the government to provide funding abuse victims amid a surge in appeals for help.
He said: "Helplines set up by charities and frontline services supporting victims of violence against women and girls have told me that demand on them is increasing.
"It’s vital that the government takes urgent action to address this issue, and that ministers to do everything in their power to provide help to victims and to the critical frontline services and staff that are providing crisis support."
He said: "Helplines set up by charities and frontline services supporting victims of violence against women and girls have told me that demand on them is increasing.
"It’s vital that the government takes urgent action to address this issue, and that ministers to do everything in their power to provide help to victims and to the critical frontline services and staff that are providing crisis support."
Read his article in The Independent below:
Sadiq Khan: The government must make financial support available to all domestic abuse victims
During this coronavirus crisis ministers have to protect victims and ensure that we have zero tolerance to domestic abuse
Jewish Chronicle and Jewish News to enter into liquidation
The Jewish Chronicle and Jewish News are to cease printing and enter into voluntary liquidation as a result of the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
The London-based publications, which agreed to a merger in February, released a statement on Wednesday stating the liquidation could be finalised in the next two to three weeks.
Whereas other news outlets have opted to furlough journalists, the parent company for the two newspapers has conceded that neither “will be able to survive the impact” of the Covid-19 outbreak.
More below:
The Jewish Chronicle and Jewish News are to cease printing and enter into voluntary liquidation as a result of the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
The London-based publications, which agreed to a merger in February, released a statement on Wednesday stating the liquidation could be finalised in the next two to three weeks.
Whereas other news outlets have opted to furlough journalists, the parent company for the two newspapers has conceded that neither “will be able to survive the impact” of the Covid-19 outbreak.
More below:
Jewish Chronicle and Jewish News to enter into liquidation
Management concedes that both newspapers ‘will not be able to survive the impact’ of Covid-19 outbreak
UN Chief hits back at Donald Trump threats
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has responded to US President Donald Trump's threatened cutoff of funding to the World Health Organisation, saying the UN agency "is absolutely critical to the world's efforts to win the war against COVID-19" and must be supported.
The UN chief said the coronavirus pandemic "is unprecedented in our lifetime and requires an unprecedented response."
"Obviously, in such conditions, it is possible that the same facts have had different readings by different entities," he added.
Once the pandemic ends, he said, there must be an investigation of how it emerged and spread so quickly as well as the reactions of all those involved in the crisis so lessons can be learned.
"But now is not that time. Now is the time for unity, for the international community to work together in solidarity to stop this virus and its shattering consequences."
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has responded to US President Donald Trump's threatened cutoff of funding to the World Health Organisation, saying the UN agency "is absolutely critical to the world's efforts to win the war against COVID-19" and must be supported.
The UN chief said the coronavirus pandemic "is unprecedented in our lifetime and requires an unprecedented response."
"Obviously, in such conditions, it is possible that the same facts have had different readings by different entities," he added.
Once the pandemic ends, he said, there must be an investigation of how it emerged and spread so quickly as well as the reactions of all those involved in the crisis so lessons can be learned.
"But now is not that time. Now is the time for unity, for the international community to work together in solidarity to stop this virus and its shattering consequences."
Prisons: 129 inmates infected along with 24 staff
A total of 129 inmates have tested positive for coronavirus in 47 prisons as of 5pm on Tuesday, the Ministry of Justice said.
Some 24 prison staff have also contracted the virus in 13 prisons as well as five prisoner escort and custody services employees.
A total of 129 inmates have tested positive for coronavirus in 47 prisons as of 5pm on Tuesday, the Ministry of Justice said.
Some 24 prison staff have also contracted the virus in 13 prisons as well as five prisoner escort and custody services employees.
WHO works to move past Trump criticism
The World Health Organisation's top official attempted to move past criticism and threats of funding cuts from Donald Trump over the health agency's response to the coronavirus, telling a press conference: "Why would I care about being attacked when people are dying?"
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus dodged questions about Mr Trump's comments a day earlier, but said the agency was made up of humans "who make mistakes," and said his key focus was saving lives, not playing politics.
"Please quarantine politicizing COVID," he said.
The World Health Organisation's top official attempted to move past criticism and threats of funding cuts from Donald Trump over the health agency's response to the coronavirus, telling a press conference: "Why would I care about being attacked when people are dying?"
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus dodged questions about Mr Trump's comments a day earlier, but said the agency was made up of humans "who make mistakes," and said his key focus was saving lives, not playing politics.
"Please quarantine politicizing COVID," he said.
"Without unity, we can assure you, every country will be in trouble. Unity at national level — no need to use COVID to score political points. You have many other ways to prove yourself."
Nurse suspended for buying protective gear for co-workers with money from GoFundMe campaign
A nurse who raised money to provide her colleagues with protective equipment in the fight against coronavirus has been temporarily suspended for distributing “unauthorised” protective gear, according to a report.
Olga Matievskaya raised more than $12,000 on a GoFundMe page to buy personal protective equipment (PPE) for her colleagues at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey.
A nurse who raised money to provide her colleagues with protective equipment in the fight against coronavirus has been temporarily suspended for distributing “unauthorised” protective gear, according to a report.
Olga Matievskaya raised more than $12,000 on a GoFundMe page to buy personal protective equipment (PPE) for her colleagues at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey.
More below:
Nurse suspended for buying protective gear for co-workers with money from GoFundMe campaign
Olga Matievskaya disciplined for "distributing unauthorised medical supplies", hospital says
Gaza runs out of testing strips
The Gaza Strip has no more coronavirus test kits, Palestinian health officials said, amid fears of disaster if the illness spreads in the blockaded, densely packed enclave.
"Testing at our central laboratory has stopped, after coronavirus test kits completely ran out," Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said.
The impoverished coastal strip has for years been under a blockade led by neighbouring Israel.
The Gaza Strip has no more coronavirus test kits, Palestinian health officials said, amid fears of disaster if the illness spreads in the blockaded, densely packed enclave.
"Testing at our central laboratory has stopped, after coronavirus test kits completely ran out," Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said.
The impoverished coastal strip has for years been under a blockade led by neighbouring Israel.
Virgin resorts to remain closed until end of May at earliest
Virgin Limited Edition – Sir Richard Branson's collection of retreats and luxury hotels – has announced that all properties will close to the end of May at the earliest - our Simon Calder reports.
The portfolio includes The Lodge in Verbier, Kasbah Tamadot in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, and Sir Richard’s personal island, Necker. Jon Brown, the CEO of Virgin Limited Edition, said: “In my 40 years of hospitality, I can honestly say I have never experienced anything like this and I appreciate there are uncertain times ahead for many. However, what I do know is that the travel industry is resilient and we will all emerge from this situation together, and stronger than ever before.
"At this moment in time though, it is with a heavy heart that we have had to make the decision to temporarily close all of our properties across the collection until 31 May 2020. “As well as flight cancellations, border controls and government advisories, our priority right now has to be that of our people – our staff, their families, guests, as well as the communities in which we work. Some in the most vulnerable of locations.
“We stay optimistic that we will be able to re-open our doors on 1 June 2020, but we will only do this when it is safe to do so, and government advice allows.”
Virgin Limited Edition – Sir Richard Branson's collection of retreats and luxury hotels – has announced that all properties will close to the end of May at the earliest - our Simon Calder reports.
The portfolio includes The Lodge in Verbier, Kasbah Tamadot in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, and Sir Richard’s personal island, Necker. Jon Brown, the CEO of Virgin Limited Edition, said: “In my 40 years of hospitality, I can honestly say I have never experienced anything like this and I appreciate there are uncertain times ahead for many. However, what I do know is that the travel industry is resilient and we will all emerge from this situation together, and stronger than ever before.
"At this moment in time though, it is with a heavy heart that we have had to make the decision to temporarily close all of our properties across the collection until 31 May 2020. “As well as flight cancellations, border controls and government advisories, our priority right now has to be that of our people – our staff, their families, guests, as well as the communities in which we work. Some in the most vulnerable of locations.
“We stay optimistic that we will be able to re-open our doors on 1 June 2020, but we will only do this when it is safe to do so, and government advice allows.”
Curve beginning to flatten - NHS chief
The number of coronavirus infections and hospital admissions in Britain is beginning to show signs of flattening, Stephen Powis, medical director of the NHS, has said.
"We are starting to see a plateauing - the first signs of a plateauing of infections and hospitalisations," Mr Powis told the daily press conference.
"We are beginning to see the benefits I believe but the really critical thing is that we have to continue following instructions - we have to continue following social distancing, because if we don't the virus will start to spread again."
The number of coronavirus infections and hospital admissions in Britain is beginning to show signs of flattening, Stephen Powis, medical director of the NHS, has said.
"We are starting to see a plateauing - the first signs of a plateauing of infections and hospitalisations," Mr Powis told the daily press conference.
"We are beginning to see the benefits I believe but the really critical thing is that we have to continue following instructions - we have to continue following social distancing, because if we don't the virus will start to spread again."
UK could have Europe’s highest coronavirus death toll, study suggests
The UK could become the worst-hit country in Europe during the coronavirus outbreak with up to 66,000 deaths, a study has suggested, though a statistics expert cautioned the model could change dramatically as the outbreak progresses.
Approximately 151,680 people will die across Europe during the “first wave” of the pandemic, researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine said.
Modelling suggested the UK, along with Germany, Norway and Greece, was still in the early stages of the outbreak and would witness a fast-rising death toll through a peak in the second and third weeks of April.
The UK could become the worst-hit country in Europe during the coronavirus outbreak with up to 66,000 deaths, a study has suggested, though a statistics expert cautioned the model could change dramatically as the outbreak progresses.
Approximately 151,680 people will die across Europe during the “first wave” of the pandemic, researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine said.
Modelling suggested the UK, along with Germany, Norway and Greece, was still in the early stages of the outbreak and would witness a fast-rising death toll through a peak in the second and third weeks of April.
More below:
UK could have Europe’s highest coronavirus death toll, study suggests
Other experts more sceptical, figures 'based on assuming a rather simple mathematical model for whole course of epidemic'
Virus spread not accelerating
Professor Angela McLean has told the press conference the spread of the virus is not accelerating.
She said: "This count of new cases in the UK, day by day over the last few weeks, is not accelerating out of control.
Professor Angela McLean has told the press conference the spread of the virus is not accelerating.
She said: "This count of new cases in the UK, day by day over the last few weeks, is not accelerating out of control.
"Yesterday, there were 5,492 new cases and the spread of the virus is not accelerating and that is good news."
Boris Johnson is ‘improving’ and ‘sitting up in bed’, Rishi Sunak says
Boris Johnson’s condition is “improving” and he is now “sitting up in bed”, the chancellor has revealed.
Rishi Sunak gave the optimistic update, two days after the prime minister was admitted to intensive care when his coronavirus symptoms worsened.
“The latest from the hospital is that he remains in intensive care, where his condition is improving,” he told the daily Downing Street briefing.
“The latest from the hospital is that he remains in intensive care, where his condition is improving,” he told the daily Downing Street briefing.
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Boris Johnson is ‘improving’ and ‘sitting up in bed’, Rishi Sunak says
Boris Johnson’s condition is “improving” and he is now “sitting up in bed”, the chancellor has revealed.
Rishi Sunak announces £750m rescue fund for charities
A £750m rescue package has been unveiled for charities after stark warnings that coronavirus was about to send many to the wall.
“This will ensure our key charities can continue to deliver the services that millions of people up and down the country rely on, the chancellor Rishi Sunak pledged.
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A £750m rescue package has been unveiled for charities after stark warnings that coronavirus was about to send many to the wall.
“This will ensure our key charities can continue to deliver the services that millions of people up and down the country rely on, the chancellor Rishi Sunak pledged.
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Rishi Sunak announces £750m rescue fund for charities
A £750m rescue package has been unveiled for charities after stark warnings that coronavirus was about to send many to the wall.
Rishi Sunak announces support for charities
The chancellor has announced £750million for charities - including £370million for small local charities working with vulnerable people through the national lottery communities fund.
The chancellor has announced £750million for charities - including £370million for small local charities working with vulnerable people through the national lottery communities fund.
£360m will also be directly handed out by the government directly, with funds earmarked for the St John's Ambulance service and the Citizens Advice Bureau among others
"We depend on each other - when you need it, when you fall on hard times, we will all be there for you", he said.
He added that "one of our greatest strengths as a country is our civil society" and told charities they had "not been forgotten".
"We depend on each other - when you need it, when you fall on hard times, we will all be there for you", he said.
He added that "one of our greatest strengths as a country is our civil society" and told charities they had "not been forgotten".
