Britain has reached the peak of its coronavirus outbreak, Matt Hancock has said in an address to MPs, shortly before his department announced that 18,100 have now succumbed to Covid-19 in hospital. It came as the government faced increasing scrutiny over its approach to curbing the epidemic, particularly in care homes where thousands are feared to have died.
The health secretary’s announcement was made shortly after European Union figures said the UK had had “ample opportunity” to sign up to its ventilator purchase scheme, despite repeated insistence by ministers that they had missed an email about it.
Human trials of a coronavirus vaccine are to begin tomorrow at Oxford University. Mr Hancock made the announcement at last night’s news briefing, with another large rise in Britain’s death toll underscoring the urgency; researchers believe they may be able to begin production as early as September. Germany has also approved human trials.
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Social distancing could last for at least another year unless vaccine found, chief medical officer suggests
Virus makes Heathrow expansion unlikely - Caroline Lucas
Caroline Lucas, the UK’s sole Green MP, told Evan Davis on Radio 4’s PM programme that expansion at Heathrow airport was now unlikely as a result of the coronavirus pandemic – which has seen levels of aviation fall by 90 per cent.
The Brighton MP said: “I don’t think that runway is going to be built, I don’t think many roads are going to be built.”
A Heathrow airport statement says: “Expanding Heathrow, Britain’s biggest port and only hub, is essential to achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of Global Britain. We will get it done the right way, without jeopardising the planet’s future.”
Caroline Lucas, the UK’s sole Green MP, told Evan Davis on Radio 4’s PM programme that expansion at Heathrow airport was now unlikely as a result of the coronavirus pandemic – which has seen levels of aviation fall by 90 per cent.
The Brighton MP said: “I don’t think that runway is going to be built, I don’t think many roads are going to be built.”
A Heathrow airport statement says: “Expanding Heathrow, Britain’s biggest port and only hub, is essential to achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of Global Britain. We will get it done the right way, without jeopardising the planet’s future.”
Social distancing could last for at least another year unless vaccine found, chief medical officer suggests
Social distancing measures could remain in place for at least another year unless a vaccine for coronavirus is found, the chief medical officer has said.
More below:
Social distancing measures could remain in place for at least another year unless a vaccine for coronavirus is found, the chief medical officer has said.
More below:
Social distancing could last for at least another year unless vaccine found, chief medical officer suggests
Social distancing measures could remain in place for at least another year unless a vaccine for coronavirus is found, the chief medical officer has said.
Whitty - likely to see high number of deaths in care homes
Professor Whitty said there were likely to be a high number of deaths in care homes because those living in them were in a vulnerable category.
"In care homes, what we have is a large number of people of the most vulnerable age for this virus," he said.
Professor Whitty said there were likely to be a high number of deaths in care homes because those living in them were in a vulnerable category.
"In care homes, what we have is a large number of people of the most vulnerable age for this virus," he said.
He said current statistics, that suggest 826 people in care homes have died, were likely to be an "underestimate".
"When we look back over this epidemic, and I want to be really clear we are not anywhere near being able to say, 'Right, that's done we can no look back', when we are at that stage I'm sure we will see a high mortality rate in care homes sadly because this is a very vulnerable group and people are coming in and out of care homes and that cannot, to some extent, be prevented," he added.
PPE shortages fluctuating
Proffesor Whitty said PPE stocks were "tight at different times for different items of PPE".
"Different things at different points have been very, very close to the line."
Proffesor Whitty said PPE stocks were "tight at different times for different items of PPE".
"Different things at different points have been very, very close to the line."
But he said: "At this point in time we are still close to the line, but at a national level, we are not under water on anything that I am aware of."
He added that he could not promise that shortages of protective equipment would be over in the next few days.
Raab says virus has strained the nation
Three to four thousand soldiers involved in response so far
Between three and four thousand members of the military have been deployed during the coronavirus outbreak to respond to domestic issues - chief military official Nick Carter has said.
Between three and four thousand members of the military have been deployed during the coronavirus outbreak to respond to domestic issues - chief military official Nick Carter has said.
Bolstered by reservists, servicemen and women have been deployed across a range of services including setting up hospitals, engaging in testing and tackling disinformation online.
Raab - Virus has been an immense physical, economic and mental strain on the country
Dominic Raab has said he acknowledges lockdown measures have been an immense physical, economic and mental strain on the public as people are forced to disrupt their lives and distance from their loved ones.
Dominic Raab has said he acknowledges lockdown measures have been an immense physical, economic and mental strain on the public as people are forced to disrupt their lives and distance from their loved ones.
He added that it was important lockdown measures continue to ensure there was no need for a secondary closure of society in the immediate future
Coming up - Raab to lead Downing Street briefing
Dominic Raab is due to lead today's Downing Street briefing - one that is again likely to involve much discussion of PPE.
He will be joined by chief of defence staff Nick Carter and chief medical officer Chris Whitty.
Greta Thunberg says climate protests will be all the stronger after lockdown
The world's young climate activists will come out of the coronavirus crisis even stronger and more motivated than before, their figurehead Greta Thunberg has predicted.
In an online video conversation on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the Swedish 17-year-old said members of the Fridays for Future movement - students who strike each week to demand action to curb global warming - retain a "big sense of resistance".
Lockdowns and other restrictions imposed by governments to stem the spread of Covid-19 - which has killed about 180,000 people this year - have forced activists to go online with digital protests, virtual meetings and educational webinars.
"We have just changed the way we do things, and we are maybe just saving it for later," she said
"People are thinking we will get out of this and when we do, we will continue and we will do everything we can... to continue to push even harder".
The world's young climate activists will come out of the coronavirus crisis even stronger and more motivated than before, their figurehead Greta Thunberg has predicted.
In an online video conversation on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the Swedish 17-year-old said members of the Fridays for Future movement - students who strike each week to demand action to curb global warming - retain a "big sense of resistance".
Lockdowns and other restrictions imposed by governments to stem the spread of Covid-19 - which has killed about 180,000 people this year - have forced activists to go online with digital protests, virtual meetings and educational webinars.
"We have just changed the way we do things, and we are maybe just saving it for later," she said
"People are thinking we will get out of this and when we do, we will continue and we will do everything we can... to continue to push even harder".
Millions of Britons may have to cancel holidays after coronavirus due to expired passports
When lockdown is lifted and overseas travel is once again allowed, millions of British holidaymakers and business travellers may find that they cannot leave the country because their passports have expired.
Normal passport renewals ended in March, when the issuing offices around the UK closed.
At present, the Home Office says: “Do not apply unless you need a passport urgently for compassionate reasons, for example if a family member has died, or for government business.”
When lockdown is lifted and overseas travel is once again allowed, millions of British holidaymakers and business travellers may find that they cannot leave the country because their passports have expired.
Normal passport renewals ended in March, when the issuing offices around the UK closed.
At present, the Home Office says: “Do not apply unless you need a passport urgently for compassionate reasons, for example if a family member has died, or for government business.”
Simon Calder has more:
Millions of Britons may have to cancel holidays after coronavirus due to expired passports
Exclusive: Half a million passports have expired since UK lockdown began
Spanish PM announces lockdown to be relaxed - does not provide timeframe
Spain's prime minister says confinement rules for the coronavirus outbreak will be relaxed gradually but according to scientific targets and not calendar dates.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told parliament the government has been working on the plan for the past three weeks.
Mr Sanchez foresees restrictions lifted at different speeds in different places, such as urban or rural areas, because the pandemic is "asymmetrical."
Epidemiologists will help determine the pace, based on how the pandemic ebbs. Mr Sanchez says the criteria include the capacity of the public health system in the area and the local number of infections and deaths.
Spain has recorded more than 208,000 infection cases and 21,700 deaths.
Spain's prime minister says confinement rules for the coronavirus outbreak will be relaxed gradually but according to scientific targets and not calendar dates.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told parliament the government has been working on the plan for the past three weeks.
Mr Sanchez foresees restrictions lifted at different speeds in different places, such as urban or rural areas, because the pandemic is "asymmetrical."
Epidemiologists will help determine the pace, based on how the pandemic ebbs. Mr Sanchez says the criteria include the capacity of the public health system in the area and the local number of infections and deaths.
Spain has recorded more than 208,000 infection cases and 21,700 deaths.
US accuse china of failing to report virus in time
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said the United States strongly believes that China's ruling communist party failed to report the outbreak of the new coronavirus in a timely manner to the World Health Organisation.
Speaking at a State Department news conference, Mr Pompeo also accused China of failing to report human-to-human transmission of the virus "for a month until it was in every province inside of China."
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said the United States strongly believes that China's ruling communist party failed to report the outbreak of the new coronavirus in a timely manner to the World Health Organisation.
Speaking at a State Department news conference, Mr Pompeo also accused China of failing to report human-to-human transmission of the virus "for a month until it was in every province inside of China."
The NHS workers who have died in Covid-19 pandemic
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc throughout the world, the Department of Health has identified 69 NHS workers who have died after contracting coronavirus while working on the front lines to treat patients, writes Kate Ng.
But the true number is thought to be higher. The PA news agency has verified 74 deaths since 25 March, with more than a dozen yet to be confirmed, and the Nursing Notes website says it has tracked 100 deaths.
These are the names of, and tributes paid to, the NHS workers known to have died of coronavirus.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc throughout the world, the Department of Health has identified 69 NHS workers who have died after contracting coronavirus while working on the front lines to treat patients, writes Kate Ng.
But the true number is thought to be higher. The PA news agency has verified 74 deaths since 25 March, with more than a dozen yet to be confirmed, and the Nursing Notes website says it has tracked 100 deaths.
These are the names of, and tributes paid to, the NHS workers known to have died of coronavirus.
Doctors ask Welsh government to make use of second homes illegal
The use of second homes should be made illegal during the pandemic, a group of doctors has told the Welsh Government.
In a letter, 17 clinicians from across Wales warn that non-essential travel to such properties is "highly likely" to increase the presence of Covid-19 in rural areas.
On Monday, first minister Mark Drakeford said ministers were considering strengthening regulations on people travelling to second homes.
The doctors, who all lead health clusters in different parts of Wales, called on Mr Drakeford to do three things:
- Make second home use illegal until the risk posed by the virus has ended
- Prolong lockdown measures in rural tourist hotspot areas of Wales, specifically targeting non-essential travel to these areas
- Give Wales's police forces the power to force those breaking the rules to return to their main home
The use of second homes should be made illegal during the pandemic, a group of doctors has told the Welsh Government.
In a letter, 17 clinicians from across Wales warn that non-essential travel to such properties is "highly likely" to increase the presence of Covid-19 in rural areas.
On Monday, first minister Mark Drakeford said ministers were considering strengthening regulations on people travelling to second homes.
The doctors, who all lead health clusters in different parts of Wales, called on Mr Drakeford to do three things:
- Make second home use illegal until the risk posed by the virus has ended
- Prolong lockdown measures in rural tourist hotspot areas of Wales, specifically targeting non-essential travel to these areas
- Give Wales's police forces the power to force those breaking the rules to return to their main home
Migrants' remittances to drop by one-fifth
Remittances sent home by migrants from low- and middle-income countries are expected to drop by 20 per cent this year because of the pandemic, the World Bank said on Wednesday.
Job losses and lost hours and wages are expected to leave migrants in wealthier nations unable to send as much money home to poorer countries already suffering from coronavirus shutdowns, the body estimated.
The flow of remittances to poorer countries in Europe and Central Asia is expected to drop 27.5 per cent, followed by sub-Saharan Africa with 23.1 per cent, South Asia at 22.1 per cent, the Middle East and North Africa at 19.6 per cent, Latin America and the Caribbean with 19.3 per cent and East Asia and the Pacific with 13 per cent.
The Covid-19 effect is already dealing a heavy blow to families and entire economies in the developing world. From South Asia to Latin America, relatives of workers who send money from wealthier countries are already reporting difficulty meeting basic daily needs after cuts in remittances.
Remittances sent home by migrants from low- and middle-income countries are expected to drop by 20 per cent this year because of the pandemic, the World Bank said on Wednesday.
Job losses and lost hours and wages are expected to leave migrants in wealthier nations unable to send as much money home to poorer countries already suffering from coronavirus shutdowns, the body estimated.
The flow of remittances to poorer countries in Europe and Central Asia is expected to drop 27.5 per cent, followed by sub-Saharan Africa with 23.1 per cent, South Asia at 22.1 per cent, the Middle East and North Africa at 19.6 per cent, Latin America and the Caribbean with 19.3 per cent and East Asia and the Pacific with 13 per cent.
The Covid-19 effect is already dealing a heavy blow to families and entire economies in the developing world. From South Asia to Latin America, relatives of workers who send money from wealthier countries are already reporting difficulty meeting basic daily needs after cuts in remittances.
Mother arrested for breaking into playground in lockdown protest
An mother who allowed her children to use a playground was arrested for violating a city-wide ban on using park equipment.
The mother of two, Sara Brady, was arrested and charged with one count of misdemeanour trespassing, Idaho's Meridian Police Department said in a press release on Tuesday.
An mother who allowed her children to use a playground was arrested for violating a city-wide ban on using park equipment.
The mother of two, Sara Brady, was arrested and charged with one count of misdemeanour trespassing, Idaho's Meridian Police Department said in a press release on Tuesday.
Government urged not to 'discriminate' against elderly in lifting lockdown
Lord Lamont, the Tory former chancellor, has urged the government not to "discriminate" against the elderly when it comes to lifting the coronavirus lockdown.
The Conservative peer said older people "feel acutely" the enforced separation from loved ones during the current pandemic.
However, responding, the health minister Lord Bethell stressed it was the disease which was the "discriminator", not the government.
People aged 70 and over have been advised to stay at home, as they are especially vulnerable to Covid-19.
Lord Lamont, the Tory former chancellor, has urged the government not to "discriminate" against the elderly when it comes to lifting the coronavirus lockdown.
The Conservative peer said older people "feel acutely" the enforced separation from loved ones during the current pandemic.
However, responding, the health minister Lord Bethell stressed it was the disease which was the "discriminator", not the government.
People aged 70 and over have been advised to stay at home, as they are especially vulnerable to Covid-19.
More than 300,000 applications to government furlough scheme
There have been 309,000 applications to the government's coronavirus furlough scheme worth £2.6bn and covering 2.2 million employees, according to the latest figures from Downing Street.
The job retention scheme opened for applications on Monday morning.
There have been 309,000 applications to the government's coronavirus furlough scheme worth £2.6bn and covering 2.2 million employees, according to the latest figures from Downing Street.
The job retention scheme opened for applications on Monday morning.
Malaria drug touted by Trump does more harm than good
A malaria drug widely touted by Donald Trump for treating the new coronavirus showed no benefit in a large analysis of its use in US veterans' hospitals.
There were more deaths among those given hydroxychloroquine versus standard care, researchers reported.
The nationwide study was not a rigorous experiment. But with 368 patients, it’s the largest look so far of hydroxychloroquine with or without the antibiotic azithromycin for Covid-19, which has killed more than 171,000 people as of Tuesday.
A malaria drug widely touted by Donald Trump for treating the new coronavirus showed no benefit in a large analysis of its use in US veterans' hospitals.
There were more deaths among those given hydroxychloroquine versus standard care, researchers reported.
The nationwide study was not a rigorous experiment. But with 368 patients, it’s the largest look so far of hydroxychloroquine with or without the antibiotic azithromycin for Covid-19, which has killed more than 171,000 people as of Tuesday.
