The UK’s hospital death toll reached 9, 875 on Saturday with the virus claiming a further 917 lives – a day after the Department of Health announced the highest daily death toll for hospitalised coronavirus patients in Europe.
While Downing Street says Boris Johnson “continues to make very good progress”, Matt Hancock has sparked anger among medics with his “insulting” suggestion that NHS workers are overusing personal protective equipment (PPE), which the British Medical Association warns is at “dangerously low levels”.
Home secretary Priti Patel is to hold her first daily government briefing amid questions over her recent absence, hours after publishing guidance on new immigration reforms branding many key workers “low-skilled”, which Labour called a “slap in the face”.
Donald Trump has threatened to take “action” against the World Health Organization next week, as the United States surpassed 500,000 confirmed cases.
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Police apologise after man purportedly dropping food to vulnerable family members arrested and threatened with pepper spray
Greater Manchester Police has apologised after an officer was filmed threatening to pepper spray a man who refused to give his details while he purportedly dropped supplies to vulnerable family members.
When a woman tries to intervene and suggests the "bored" officer may have more pressing issues to attend to, he can be heard replying: "Listen... you'll be next."
"Although the matter is being investigated fully by our professional standards branch, our initial review shows that the incident wasn't dealt with in the professional way we would expect and we apologise for that," the force said.
"A senior member of the force is speaking to the man and his family today. We would ask that the public understand the stresses that our officers are working under at present and we hope this apology will be welcome to those involved."
Greater Manchester Police has apologised after an officer was filmed threatening to pepper spray a man who refused to give his details while he purportedly dropped supplies to vulnerable family members.
When a woman tries to intervene and suggests the "bored" officer may have more pressing issues to attend to, he can be heard replying: "Listen... you'll be next."
"Although the matter is being investigated fully by our professional standards branch, our initial review shows that the incident wasn't dealt with in the professional way we would expect and we apologise for that," the force said.
"A senior member of the force is speaking to the man and his family today. We would ask that the public understand the stresses that our officers are working under at present and we hope this apology will be welcome to those involved."
'End of the tunnel still far away,' Italy's coronavirus chief says
"The virus has not been defeated, but we are on the right path. We see the indicators, but not the end of the tunnel. In fact, the end of the tunnel is still far away," said Italy's special commissioner for the virus emergency.
Domenico Arcuri says the next phase, a gradual reopening, would be complex and require discipline to prevent another wave of contagion.
He added: ''This dramatic emergency will only be behind us when an efficient and effective vaccine is discovered."
"The virus has not been defeated, but we are on the right path. We see the indicators, but not the end of the tunnel. In fact, the end of the tunnel is still far away," said Italy's special commissioner for the virus emergency.
Domenico Arcuri says the next phase, a gradual reopening, would be complex and require discipline to prevent another wave of contagion.
He added: ''This dramatic emergency will only be behind us when an efficient and effective vaccine is discovered."
Home Secretary to hold first Downing Street briefing amid questions over her absence and anger at immigration reforms
Priti Patel is expected to hold Downing Street's daily briefing at 4pm today for the first time, hours after pushing forward with immigration reforms branded a "slap in the face" to key workers.
The home secretary has been forced to field questions over her absence since the crisis began, and is accused of refusing to appear in front of a select committee to discuss the coronavirus outbreak multiple times.
Some had suggested she may be keeping a low profile amid an outpouring of support for those in the jobs the Home Office had labelled "unskilled" in its new plans for a points-based immigration system.
These suspicions appeared to be off the mark, however, with Priti Patel yesterday pushing forward with the plans - publishing guidance for employers which outlines the new system.
“These last few weeks have been a stark reminder, not that one should be needed, of the incredibly important contribution frontline workers make in our communities," said shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds.
“Workers like nurses, carers, supermarket staff and refuse collectors are playing a vital role in saving lives and keeping our country running, often at risk to themselves.
"It will be a slap in the face to many of these workers to see themselves classed as low skilled and unwelcome in Britain.”
Priti Patel is expected to hold Downing Street's daily briefing at 4pm today for the first time, hours after pushing forward with immigration reforms branded a "slap in the face" to key workers.
The home secretary has been forced to field questions over her absence since the crisis began, and is accused of refusing to appear in front of a select committee to discuss the coronavirus outbreak multiple times.
Some had suggested she may be keeping a low profile amid an outpouring of support for those in the jobs the Home Office had labelled "unskilled" in its new plans for a points-based immigration system.
These suspicions appeared to be off the mark, however, with Priti Patel yesterday pushing forward with the plans - publishing guidance for employers which outlines the new system.
“These last few weeks have been a stark reminder, not that one should be needed, of the incredibly important contribution frontline workers make in our communities," said shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds.
“Workers like nurses, carers, supermarket staff and refuse collectors are playing a vital role in saving lives and keeping our country running, often at risk to themselves.
"It will be a slap in the face to many of these workers to see themselves classed as low skilled and unwelcome in Britain.”
Matt Hancock denies claims he is failing to social distance at work
A senior NHS official, who claimed to have witnessed the health secretary holding video calls surrounded by up to 20 colleagues, was quoted by the Health Service Journal as saying: “It looks like the health secretary and his colleagues think ‘social distancing’ is for other people and that coming into the office is necessary for senior leaders.”
The anonymous official accused the meetings of “encouraging presenteeism” — unnecessary attendance for the sake of appearance — and said they made it difficult to “send the right messages about… staying home and staying safe”.
Mr Hancock dismissed the claims, telling the BBC: “I work from home whenever I can, I’m at home now. But I do have to go into the office and sometimes the best way to get something one is to have some of the key people in the room and obviously some on video.
“I’ve spread out the chairs in the office precisely to follow the social distancing rules, so we do follow the rules in the office."
Read Kate Ng's report here:
A senior NHS official, who claimed to have witnessed the health secretary holding video calls surrounded by up to 20 colleagues, was quoted by the Health Service Journal as saying: “It looks like the health secretary and his colleagues think ‘social distancing’ is for other people and that coming into the office is necessary for senior leaders.”
The anonymous official accused the meetings of “encouraging presenteeism” — unnecessary attendance for the sake of appearance — and said they made it difficult to “send the right messages about… staying home and staying safe”.
Mr Hancock dismissed the claims, telling the BBC: “I work from home whenever I can, I’m at home now. But I do have to go into the office and sometimes the best way to get something one is to have some of the key people in the room and obviously some on video.
“I’ve spread out the chairs in the office precisely to follow the social distancing rules, so we do follow the rules in the office."
Read Kate Ng's report here:
Trump mulls 'biggest decision ever' on reopening US as public health experts warn against lifting restrictions
With more than half a million cases confirmed the United States, Donald Trump mulled the enormity of the decision ahead of him, with restrictions currently set to run until 30 April.
"I'm going to have to make a decision, and I ... hope to God that it's the right decision," he said. "It's the biggest decision I've ever had to make."
Mr Trump said the facts would determine the next move. Asked what metrics he would use to make his judgment, he pointed at his forehead: "The metrics right here, that's my metrics."
Seeking re-election in November, the president has said he wants life to return to normal as soon as possible and has warned of the economic and public health cost of such restrictions.
But public health experts have warned that the US death toll could spike to 200,000 over the summer if unprecedented stay-at-home orders that have closed businesses and kept most Americans indoors are lifted after 30 days.
Mr Trump said he will unveil a new advisory council next week that will focus on the process of reopening the US economy.
With more than half a million cases confirmed the United States, Donald Trump mulled the enormity of the decision ahead of him, with restrictions currently set to run until 30 April.
"I'm going to have to make a decision, and I ... hope to God that it's the right decision," he said. "It's the biggest decision I've ever had to make."
Mr Trump said the facts would determine the next move. Asked what metrics he would use to make his judgment, he pointed at his forehead: "The metrics right here, that's my metrics."
Seeking re-election in November, the president has said he wants life to return to normal as soon as possible and has warned of the economic and public health cost of such restrictions.
But public health experts have warned that the US death toll could spike to 200,000 over the summer if unprecedented stay-at-home orders that have closed businesses and kept most Americans indoors are lifted after 30 days.
Mr Trump said he will unveil a new advisory council next week that will focus on the process of reopening the US economy.
NHS nurse shouts at ‘absolute idiots’ drinking beer in park
A NHS nurse has filmed herself confronting a group of six young men drinking beer in a park behind her home in Basingstoke.
“I have to go to work every day fearing I’m going to bring it home to my family because of people like you. You are absolute idiots,” Louise Ann can be heard saying.
Read Chiara Giordano's report here:
A NHS nurse has filmed herself confronting a group of six young men drinking beer in a park behind her home in Basingstoke.
“I have to go to work every day fearing I’m going to bring it home to my family because of people like you. You are absolute idiots,” Louise Ann can be heard saying.
Read Chiara Giordano's report here:
Labour adds to mounting calls for inquiry into deaths of BAME doctors
Labour has joined the British Medical Association's calls for an inquiry after the first 10 doctors to die with coronavirus were all from ethnic minorities, despite BAME staff accounting for 44 per cent of the NHS workforce.
Shadow equalities secretary, Marsha de Cordova, said: "The disproportionate number of black, Asian and minority ethnic doctors who have died from coronavirus is deeply disturbing.
"It reflects the shocking underlying inequalities facing BAME communities as a whole, who are disproportionately represented in the numbers of people getting the virus.
"The government must urgently investigate why BAME communities are more vulnerable to this virus."
Labour has joined the British Medical Association's calls for an inquiry after the first 10 doctors to die with coronavirus were all from ethnic minorities, despite BAME staff accounting for 44 per cent of the NHS workforce.
Shadow equalities secretary, Marsha de Cordova, said: "The disproportionate number of black, Asian and minority ethnic doctors who have died from coronavirus is deeply disturbing.
"It reflects the shocking underlying inequalities facing BAME communities as a whole, who are disproportionately represented in the numbers of people getting the virus.
"The government must urgently investigate why BAME communities are more vulnerable to this virus."
Research into the first British patients to contract Covid-19 has also shown that BAME people are more likely to be seriously impacted and end up in critical care.
The study of data from 286 ICUs across the UK, conducted by the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre, found that out of nearly 2,000 coronavirus patients, 35 per cent were non-white.
BAME people make up 13 per cent of the UK population as a whole.
The study of data from 286 ICUs across the UK, conducted by the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre, found that out of nearly 2,000 coronavirus patients, 35 per cent were non-white.
BAME people make up 13 per cent of the UK population as a whole.
UK hospital death toll nears 10,000 after virus claims further 917 lives
Follow our breaking story here:
Follow our breaking story here:
England's hospital death toll rises by 823
Those who died aged were between 11 and 102 years old, and 33 had no known underlying health condition, NHS England said.
The virus has now claimed at least 8,937 lives in England.
Those who died aged were between 11 and 102 years old, and 33 had no known underlying health condition, NHS England said.
The virus has now claimed at least 8,937 lives in England.
‘It’s going to be a death sentence’: Refugee camps and the coronavirus catastrophe waiting to happen
After years of adversity and suffering, with months spent on the road and at sea, the coronavirus outbreak has brought new uncertainty and danger into the lives of refugees.
Samuel Lovett speaks with those living and working in the Greek refugee camp of Moria, and hears from an expert on the situation in Cox's Bazar, which is home to more than a million refugees.
Read his report here:
After years of adversity and suffering, with months spent on the road and at sea, the coronavirus outbreak has brought new uncertainty and danger into the lives of refugees.
Samuel Lovett speaks with those living and working in the Greek refugee camp of Moria, and hears from an expert on the situation in Cox's Bazar, which is home to more than a million refugees.
Read his report here:
US and African officials criticise discrimination against black people in China
Africans have reported being evicted and discriminated against in Guangzhou, where the police and public health bureau admitted officials had been forced to discredit rumours that "300,000 black people in Guangzhou were setting off a second epidemic," which "caused panic".
But the US embassy alleged that "police ordered bars and restaurants not to serve clients who appear to be of African origin" and local officials have launched mandatory testing and self-quarantine for "anyone with 'African contacts."'
African diplomats in Beijing have met with Chinese foreign ministry officials and "stated in very strong terms their concern and condemnation of the disturbing and humiliating experiences our citizens have been subjected to," Sierra Leone's embassy said, adding that the diplomats reminded officials of their support of China in the pandemic's early days.
Separately, in an unusually open critique, Nigeria's House of Representatives speaker tweeted a video of himself pressing the Chinese ambassador on the issue, saying: "It's almost undiplomatic the way I'm talking, but it's because I'm upset about what's going on."
China's foreign ministry said China's most urgent task is to prevent "overseas imports" of the virus but acknowledged that "there might be some misunderstandings in the implementation of measures", adding that China treats all foreigners equally.
Africans have reported being evicted and discriminated against in Guangzhou, where the police and public health bureau admitted officials had been forced to discredit rumours that "300,000 black people in Guangzhou were setting off a second epidemic," which "caused panic".
But the US embassy alleged that "police ordered bars and restaurants not to serve clients who appear to be of African origin" and local officials have launched mandatory testing and self-quarantine for "anyone with 'African contacts."'
African diplomats in Beijing have met with Chinese foreign ministry officials and "stated in very strong terms their concern and condemnation of the disturbing and humiliating experiences our citizens have been subjected to," Sierra Leone's embassy said, adding that the diplomats reminded officials of their support of China in the pandemic's early days.
Separately, in an unusually open critique, Nigeria's House of Representatives speaker tweeted a video of himself pressing the Chinese ambassador on the issue, saying: "It's almost undiplomatic the way I'm talking, but it's because I'm upset about what's going on."
China's foreign ministry said China's most urgent task is to prevent "overseas imports" of the virus but acknowledged that "there might be some misunderstandings in the implementation of measures", adding that China treats all foreigners equally.
Call to emergency services every 15.5 seconds in virus-stricken New York — and more ambulance requests than during 9/11 terror attack
The city has more confirmed cases than any country in the world — meaning authorities have started sending text and tweet alerts urging people to only call 911 "for life-threatening emergencies."
Yet operators are picking up a new call every 15.5 seconds. Panicked voices tell of loved ones in declining health. There are multitudes of cardiac arrests and respiratory failures and others who call needing reassurance that a mere sneeze isn't a sign they've been infected.
The Fire Department says the volume of ambulance requests average 5,500 per day — about 40% higher than usual, eclipsing the total call volume on September 11, 2001.
"When you hang up with one call, another one pops in," 911 operator Monique Brown told the Associated Press. "There's no time for a minute's rest."
The city has more confirmed cases than any country in the world — meaning authorities have started sending text and tweet alerts urging people to only call 911 "for life-threatening emergencies."
Yet operators are picking up a new call every 15.5 seconds. Panicked voices tell of loved ones in declining health. There are multitudes of cardiac arrests and respiratory failures and others who call needing reassurance that a mere sneeze isn't a sign they've been infected.
The Fire Department says the volume of ambulance requests average 5,500 per day — about 40% higher than usual, eclipsing the total call volume on September 11, 2001.
"When you hang up with one call, another one pops in," 911 operator Monique Brown told the Associated Press. "There's no time for a minute's rest."
Why New Zealand’s prime minister's plan is working
Jacinda Ardern has expertly focused on the human as much as the economic consequences of the changes that would come as the country went into lockdown, writes Alastair Campbell:
Jacinda Ardern has expertly focused on the human as much as the economic consequences of the changes that would come as the country went into lockdown, writes Alastair Campbell:
Delta updates guidelines after 'keep it secret from colleagues' Covid-19 order
“Please refrain from notifying other crew members on your own,” read the email.
“Please refrain from notifying other crew members on your own,” read the email.
Man accused of biting police officer will face crown court
A man accused of biting a police constable during the Covid-19 lockdown has appeared before magistrates.
The Greater Manchester Police officer was also allegedly punched, along with a colleague, as they responded to a street disturbance in Rochdale on Thursday.
Christopher Hill, 29, of Rossendale, Lancashire, was arrested after he was said to have attempted to visit his partner's address.
Charged with attempted assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of criminal damage, he was remanded in custody until his next hearing at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on 7 May.
Johnson 'making very good progress'
Boris Johnson is making "very good progress" as he battles against his coronavirus, Downing Street says.
In a daily update, a No 10 spokeswoman said: "The prime minister continues to make very good progress."
Boris Johnson is making "very good progress" as he battles against his coronavirus, Downing Street says.
In a daily update, a No 10 spokeswoman said: "The prime minister continues to make very good progress."
He was admitted to hospital almost a week ago and spent three nights in intensive care.
French police turn back private jet of holidaymakers from UK, reports say
None of the group — who were Croatian, German, French, Romanian and Ukrainian — had a valid reason for travelling to the area during the coronavirus pandemic, according to BFM TV.
“Three luxury helicopters were waiting for them on the tarmac to make the journey to the villa,” the head of Marseille-Provenance’s border police told local media.
Read more details here:
Seven men aged between 40 to 50, and three women in their twenties, were reportedly onboard and hoping to go to a villa in Cannes last weekend, Zoe Tidman reports.
Authorities had not given the jet permission to land before it touched ground at the Marseille Provenance airport, according to French media.
Authorities had not given the jet permission to land before it touched ground at the Marseille Provenance airport, according to French media.
None of the group — who were Croatian, German, French, Romanian and Ukrainian — had a valid reason for travelling to the area during the coronavirus pandemic, according to BFM TV.
“Three luxury helicopters were waiting for them on the tarmac to make the journey to the villa,” the head of Marseille-Provenance’s border police told local media.
Read more details here:
Bus company criticised for 'shower curtain' protections for drivers
Transport union RMT has criticised First South West Buses for providing movable "shower curtains" as barriers to protect drivers, after receiving complaints over the clear plastic film being used as a screen.
The union said it had asked for protective Perspex screens to be installed, similar to how supermarkets have been protecting checkout staff.
Video footage sent to the RMT shows a driver moving a transparent piece of plastic film which covers their door but does not continue up to the windscreen, leaving a large gap.
"It won't actually cover you properly, you've got to fight the bloody door to get into it and it doesn't actually cover that much," the driver said.
First Bus did not respond to a request for comment from the PA news agency.
Transport union RMT has criticised First South West Buses for providing movable "shower curtains" as barriers to protect drivers, after receiving complaints over the clear plastic film being used as a screen.
The union said it had asked for protective Perspex screens to be installed, similar to how supermarkets have been protecting checkout staff.
Video footage sent to the RMT shows a driver moving a transparent piece of plastic film which covers their door but does not continue up to the windscreen, leaving a large gap.
"It won't actually cover you properly, you've got to fight the bloody door to get into it and it doesn't actually cover that much," the driver said.
First Bus did not respond to a request for comment from the PA news agency.
99-year-old WWII veteran clapped out of hospital
Albert Chambers, a former Coldstream Guard who survived three years in a German prisoner of war camp, has been clapped out of hospital after recovering from Covid-19.
Mr Chambers was admitted to Doncaster Royal Infirmary after breaking his arm in a fall, but showed signs of coronavirus after he was moved to Tickhill Road for rehabilitation.
Liverpool fan Mr Chambers, from Doncaster, said he was "a very lucky man" as he was discharged on Friday, adding: "When I get home I'm going to tell all of my neighbours how marvellous the nurses are here. I want to say thank you very much to them.
"I appreciate every bit of what they have done for me. They couldn't have been any better."
Stephen Gater, said strawberry trifles kept his grandfather going: "My grandad is amazing. He's pretty incredible. He's not only survived the war and being in prison camp, now he's won the battle with coronavirus."
Albert Chambers, a former Coldstream Guard who survived three years in a German prisoner of war camp, has been clapped out of hospital after recovering from Covid-19.
Mr Chambers was admitted to Doncaster Royal Infirmary after breaking his arm in a fall, but showed signs of coronavirus after he was moved to Tickhill Road for rehabilitation.
Liverpool fan Mr Chambers, from Doncaster, said he was "a very lucky man" as he was discharged on Friday, adding: "When I get home I'm going to tell all of my neighbours how marvellous the nurses are here. I want to say thank you very much to them.
"I appreciate every bit of what they have done for me. They couldn't have been any better."
Stephen Gater, said strawberry trifles kept his grandfather going: "My grandad is amazing. He's pretty incredible. He's not only survived the war and being in prison camp, now he's won the battle with coronavirus."
Narendra Modi has decided to extend India's nationwide lockdown, the chief minister of Delhi state has said, without disclosing how long the extension would be for.
Hours previously, the prime minister held a video conference call with several state ministers to decide on the future plans, with the current 21-day lockdown set to end on Tuesday.
Arvind Kejriwal said Mr Modi had "taken [the] correct decision to extend lockdown", but did not give further details.
The number of coronavirus infections in India rose to 7,447 on Saturday, with the capital city New Delhi and financial hub Mumbai fast emerging as hotspots. There have been 239 deaths.
Hours previously, the prime minister held a video conference call with several state ministers to decide on the future plans, with the current 21-day lockdown set to end on Tuesday.
Arvind Kejriwal said Mr Modi had "taken [the] correct decision to extend lockdown", but did not give further details.
The number of coronavirus infections in India rose to 7,447 on Saturday, with the capital city New Delhi and financial hub Mumbai fast emerging as hotspots. There have been 239 deaths.
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