Matt Hancock, the health secretary, was questioned on Thursday night on the government's plans to protect NHS staff and help renters during the coronavirus outbreak, after Boris Johnson said the UK could "turn the tide" against the pandemic within the next 12 weeks if scientific advice is followed by the public.
Speaking from his daily press conference on Thursday, Mr Johnson urged the population to continue social distancing and stay at home if ill or if somebody in their household is ill. "I know it's tough, I know it's difficult... but please, please follow the advice," he said.
Elsewhere, Italy has overtaken China as the country with the most coronavirus-related deaths, registering 3,405 dead. This comes as the number of people infected worldwide surpassed the 200,000 mark, according to figures released by the Johns Hopkins University.
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US raises travel alert to highest level for entire world
The US has raised its travel alert to the highest level for the whole world, urging Americans not to go overseas while urging those abroad to return immediately due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“In countries where commercial departure options remain available, US citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period,” the US State Department said on Thursday.
It also asked Americans to have a travel plan that does not rely on the US government.
“If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe,” the advisory said.
Passport services are limited to those with a “qualified life-or-death emergency” and who need to travel abroad within 72 hours.
Netflix to lower streaming quality to stop internet collapse
Netflix has agreed to reduce the quality of its streaming service to help internet infrastructure cope with increased traffic during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The streaming platform has seen a significant increase in demand in recent days due to social distancing measures and lockdowns that have been introduced in various countries.
The reduction in picture quality will only affect users in Europe and may include the UK.
Our reporter, Anthony Cuthbertson, has the full story below:
Netflix to lower streaming quality to stop internet from collapsing
EU commissioner says move will 'preserve the smooth functioning of the internet during the Covid-19 crisis'The health secretary has insisted on Question Time that a "massive effort" is under way to deliver personal protective equipment to NHS staff and social care providers.
He said 2.6 million masks and 10,000 bottles of hand sanitiser have been shipped in the past 24 hours and promised that every hospital will have a fresh delivery by the end of Sunday.
A junior doctor in Weston-super-Mare appeared on the programme to tell him her colleagues are "frightened" of ending up in a situation similar to Italy's in a few weeks. She asked how vital equipment would be rationed when the NHS becomes "overwhelmed".
"I know that there are concerns on the frontline around making sure that the protective equipment keeps coming,” Mr Hancock said in response.
"I can tell you that over the last 24 hours we've shipped 2.6 million masks, 10,000 bottles of hand sanitiser, and we have a growing effort to get that equipment to the frontline.
"Overnight we're going to get 150 hospitals the next pack of protective equipment that they need. We've got all this in storage in case there's a pandemic like this and there are literally lorries on the road right now.
"Some hospitals will get it overnight tonight and then the rest will get their next load before the end of the weekend."
He said 2.6 million masks and 10,000 bottles of hand sanitiser have been shipped in the past 24 hours and promised that every hospital will have a fresh delivery by the end of Sunday.
A junior doctor in Weston-super-Mare appeared on the programme to tell him her colleagues are "frightened" of ending up in a situation similar to Italy's in a few weeks. She asked how vital equipment would be rationed when the NHS becomes "overwhelmed".
"I know that there are concerns on the frontline around making sure that the protective equipment keeps coming,” Mr Hancock said in response.
"I can tell you that over the last 24 hours we've shipped 2.6 million masks, 10,000 bottles of hand sanitiser, and we have a growing effort to get that equipment to the frontline.
"Overnight we're going to get 150 hospitals the next pack of protective equipment that they need. We've got all this in storage in case there's a pandemic like this and there are literally lorries on the road right now.
"Some hospitals will get it overnight tonight and then the rest will get their next load before the end of the weekend."
Matt Hancock has also revealed on Question Time that 1,400 companies have come forward to turn their manufacturing capabilities to make ventilators amid fears of a nationwide shortage.
Government 'caught on the hop'
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has accused the government of failing to help those people most in need amid the worsening coronavirus outbreak.
Speaking on this evening’s Question Time, the former Labour health minister said: “The government has done the least for the people who need it the most. Low income. Self employed. Not employed."
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has accused the government of failing to help those people most in need amid the worsening coronavirus outbreak.
Speaking on this evening’s Question Time, the former Labour health minister said: “The government has done the least for the people who need it the most. Low income. Self employed. Not employed."
Pointing to frontline medics, shop staff and other public-facing workers, Mr Burnham added: “They can’t follow self isolation because they need to work. They should have been the first to be looked after and not the last.”
Earlier in the day, the PM said the UK bailout will not be like in 2008 in terms of offering extensive financial help to the banks - instead, he's focussing on "the people" now.
Matt Hancock, the current health minister, also defended the government’s actions on Question Time, saying that the “response on the economic side from the chancellor has been unbelievably fast.”
Tom Solomon, a Professor of Neurology, hit back that the government appears to have been “caught on the hop”.
Earlier in the day, the PM said the UK bailout will not be like in 2008 in terms of offering extensive financial help to the banks - instead, he's focussing on "the people" now.
Matt Hancock, the current health minister, also defended the government’s actions on Question Time, saying that the “response on the economic side from the chancellor has been unbelievably fast.”
Tom Solomon, a Professor of Neurology, hit back that the government appears to have been “caught on the hop”.
In case you missed Boris Johnson's press conference, here's a reminder of what was said.
- Britain 'can turn the tide within the next 12 weeks'
- Plans to deliver up to 250,000 tests for Covid-19
- Human vaccine trials expected for April
- PM urges population to follow government advice over social distancing
Full story below:
Cannes Film Festival postponed due to pandemic
The 73rd Cannes Film Festival has been postponed over coronavirus.
The event, which is held in France and is one of the key events in the film industry calendar, had been scheduled to take place from 12 May.
However, organisers have said that they now hope that the festival will be able to take place in June or July.
The 73rd Cannes Film Festival has been postponed over coronavirus.
The event, which is held in France and is one of the key events in the film industry calendar, had been scheduled to take place from 12 May.
However, organisers have said that they now hope that the festival will be able to take place in June or July.
'#ThereWithYou'
Local newspapers across the UK are set to publish the same front page in a show of support to their readers amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Daily regional titles throughout England, Scotland and Wales have joined forces to launch the #ThereWithYou campaign to reassure the public.
Publishers Archant, Reach, JPI Media, Newsquest and Iliffe are backing the campaign, which will see the same front pages released on Friday.
The front page, bearing the headline "When you're on your own, we are there with you", focuses on community togetherness, particularly in relation to the elderly and vulnerable.
Local newspapers across the UK are set to publish the same front page in a show of support to their readers amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Daily regional titles throughout England, Scotland and Wales have joined forces to launch the #ThereWithYou campaign to reassure the public.
Publishers Archant, Reach, JPI Media, Newsquest and Iliffe are backing the campaign, which will see the same front pages released on Friday.
The front page, bearing the headline "When you're on your own, we are there with you", focuses on community togetherness, particularly in relation to the elderly and vulnerable.
Israel steps up lockdown measures
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has tightened the nation's existing lockdown policy, announcing guidelines aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus would now be enforced by police under emergency orders.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has tightened the nation's existing lockdown policy, announcing guidelines aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus would now be enforced by police under emergency orders.
"Under these orders, you, Israel's citizens, are required to stay at home. It is no longer a request, it is not a recommendation, it is an obligatory directive that will be enforced by enforcement authorities," Mr Netanyahu said in a televised address.
The measures stopped short of a total national lockdown: Mr Netanyahu said Israelis would still be allowed to shop for food and medicine, and some workers would be exempted from the restrictions.
Israel's Health Ministry has reported 573 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection. Forty-seven cases have been reported among Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Israel's Health Ministry has reported 573 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection. Forty-seven cases have been reported among Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Competition rules relaxed to allow supermarkets to collaborate in feeding UK
Supermarkets are set to collaborate as part of efforts to continue feeding the nation after the government agreed to temporarily relax competition laws.
Supermarkets are set to collaborate as part of efforts to continue feeding the nation after the government agreed to temporarily relax competition laws.
With certain restrictions lifted, retailers will be able to pool staff, share data on stock levels, and share distribution depots and delivery vans.
This comes amid nationwide panic buying which has placed supermarkets across the UK under intense strain.
The 5p plastic bag charge will also be waived for online purchases to hasten deliveries, and drivers' hours will be relaxed so more food can be delivered to stores.
Environment secretary George Eustice spoke with retailers over the phone on Thursday and confirmed elements of the law would be waived.
"We've listened to the powerful arguments of our leading supermarkets and will do whatever it takes to help them feed the nation," he said.
"By relaxing elements of competition laws temporarily, our retailers can work together on their contingency plans and share the resources they need with each other during these unprecedented circumstances."
Estate agent Foxtons told a tenant with coronavirus symptoms who was self-isolating to leave their home so potential buyers could view the property, reports Ben Chapman.
Despite NHS guidance that anyone who may be infected should stay at home, Foxtons told the tenant that potentially having the virus was not acceptable grounds to restrict access to their home for viewings.
“If you have coronavirus or have symptoms it cannot and indeed should not impact your landlord’s plans,” the company said in an undated email seen by The Independent.
“You can self-isolate anywhere, ie your boyfriend’s/parents/friends property, it does not need to be in [your own home].”
Read more below:
Read more below:
US senate Republicans to introduce new coronavirus bill
US senate majority leader Mitch McConnell is expected to introduce a massive new coronavirus stimulus bill on Thursday, but a vote on passage still appears to be days away, a senior Republican lawmaker said.
"We'll have a bill ready. Senator McConnell will introduce it today. I hope we can work with our Democratic counterparts over the next couple of days to come to a conclusion and pass it," Republican senator Lamar Alexander told reporters.
US senate majority leader Mitch McConnell is expected to introduce a massive new coronavirus stimulus bill on Thursday, but a vote on passage still appears to be days away, a senior Republican lawmaker said.
"We'll have a bill ready. Senator McConnell will introduce it today. I hope we can work with our Democratic counterparts over the next couple of days to come to a conclusion and pass it," Republican senator Lamar Alexander told reporters.
The hope for Covid-19 is that it will eventually reduce in potency to little more than a common cold, but you'll still be liable to be arrested if you happen to catch it, says political sketch writer Tom Peck...
Read his latest piece below:
Trump could warn Americans not to travel abroad under any circumstances
The Trump administration is considering upgrading its warning to Americans about international travel during the coronavirus pandemic.
US officials have said the State Department could soon issue a new alert urging Americans not to travel abroad under any circumstances, according to AP.
However, a final decision has not been made and the warning could be tempered, even if it is approved.
The department currently advises US citizens to “reconsider” all international travel under what is known as a “level three” alert.
A global “level four” warning would be unprecedented.
Death toll in Northern Ireland could be up to 15,000, health minister warns
Northern Ireland’s health minister has warned the death toll due to coronavirus in the UK region could be as high as 15,000 in a “worst case nightmare scenario”.
“If we fail as a community to take the necessary action to slow down the transmission of the virus, up to 80 per cent of the Northern Ireland population could be infected during this pandemic,” Robin Swann told PA on Thursday.
“If all the public health advice is ignored, in a worst case nightmare scenario and with a fatality rate of 1 per cent, then that could mean up to 14,000-15,000 lives lost.”
UK updates death toll to 144
The number of people in the UK who have died after contracting Covid-19 has risen to 144, up 40 per cent in a day, the Department of Health has said.
The number of positive cases has risen by 643, or 25 per cent, to 3,269.
The number of people in the UK who have died after contracting Covid-19 has risen to 144, up 40 per cent in a day, the Department of Health has said.
The number of positive cases has risen by 643, or 25 per cent, to 3,269.
UK to relax competition laws for supermarkets to protect food supply
The UK has relaxed competition laws to allow for cooperation between supermarkets, the environment minister has said, amid panic buying due to concerns about food supply during the Covid-19 outbreak.
The UK has relaxed competition laws to allow for cooperation between supermarkets, the environment minister has said, amid panic buying due to concerns about food supply during the Covid-19 outbreak.
“We've listened to the powerful arguments of our leading supermarkets and will do whatever it takes to help them feed the nation,” George Eustice said in a statement.
“By relaxing elements of competition laws temporarily, our retailers can work together on their contingency plans and share the resources they need with each other during these unprecedented circumstances.”
Dutch minister leading coronavirus response quits due to exhaustion
The minister leading the Dutch government's response to Covid-19 resigned on Thursday, a day after he collapsed from exhaustion during a parliamentary debate on the pandemic.
The minister leading the Dutch government's response to Covid-19 resigned on Thursday, a day after he collapsed from exhaustion during a parliamentary debate on the pandemic.
Medical care minister Bruno Bruins, who is 56 years old, fell to the floor in parliament on Wednesday while taking questions and later said he had fainted after weeks of intense work.
Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, said Mr Bruins had quit because it was unclear how long it would take for him to recover.
“The nature of the crisis is such that it demands a minister who can be ready to go full throttle immediately,” Mr Rutte said during a televised news conference.
Hugo de Jonge, the vice prime minister, will take over Mr Bruins' duties until a replacement is found, the government said.
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Netherlands has risen by 409 to 2,460, the National Institute for Health (RIVM) said on Thursday.
The country’s death toll stands at 76, with victims ranging from 63 to 95 years old.
A third person has died after being infected with coronavirus in the Republic of Ireland, as the country confirmed 191 new cases of Covid-19 on Thursday.
The total number of cases is now 557 in the Republic.
The total number of cases is now 557 in the Republic.
US stocks and shares stabilised on Thursday but analysis by The Independent shows that one of the main American equity market indexes over the past month has been falling even more rapidly than during the Wall Street Crash of 1929, reports Ben Chu.
The Wall Street Crash, which occurred in the autumn of 1929, marked the end a huge speculative bubble in American shares.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average – which is made up of 30 large US listed firms – fell almost 90 per cent from its peak in September 2029 to when the market finally bottomed out in July 1932.
Analysis below:
The Wall Street Crash, which occurred in the autumn of 1929, marked the end a huge speculative bubble in American shares.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average – which is made up of 30 large US listed firms – fell almost 90 per cent from its peak in September 2029 to when the market finally bottomed out in July 1932.
Analysis below:
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