Scientists are to present to government their advice on whether the British public should wear face masks habitually today. The wearing of masks is being enforced in some other countries, like Austria, but doctors in the UK fear they could put healthy people at greater risk of contracting coronavirus.
It comes after the chief medical officer suggested social distancing measures may have to remain in place until 2021. Chris Whitty said the chances of having a usable vaccine by next year were “incredibly small” and that it would be unreasonable to end Britain’s lockdown completely until one was found.
And another top government adviser has warned coronavirus may circulate “indefinitely” and called for £6.5bn of global funding for a vaccine. Sir Jeremy Farrar, of the Wellcome Trust, said: “We absolutely must at least assume and prepare for, even if we can’t be sure it will happen, that this is not a discrete one-off episode. My belief is that this is now an endemic human infection.”
Nicola Sturgeon lays out how Scotland will ultimately exit lockdown
Nicola Sturgeon has set out a blueprint for how Scotland will begin to ease its coronavirus lockdown, in a move that is likely to ramp up pressure on Westminster to lay out its exit strategy.
Scotland’s first minister said her government was “increasingly confident” that measures put in place to slow the spread of Covid-19 were working, but noted some measures could be kept in place for the rest of the year.
“As we start to lift the restrictions, the real risk is that Covid-19 runs rampant again,” Ms Sturgeon said.
“So a return to normal as we knew it is not on the cards in the near future and it's really important that I am upfront with you about that.
“What we must do is find a new normal, a way of living alongside this virus but in a form that keeps it under control and stops it taking the toll we know it can do.”
More on this breaking story as it develops can be found below:
Fox News stops promoting coronavirus malaria drug once labelled by Trump as ‘gamechanger’
Fox News has appeared to have dropped its support for a would-be treatment for coronavirus promoted by Donald Trump in recent weeks.
Many of the station’s top presenters spoke of the potential benefits of the drug hydroxychloroquine in dozens of segments from mid-March to mid-April, echoing Mr Trump’s description of the drug as a “gamechanger”.
But in the past week or so, both Mr Trump and Fox News have all but stopped talking about the drug, following disappointing and at times alarming research into its effectiveness as a treatment for Covid-19.
You can find the full story below:
Fox News stops promoting coronavirus malaria drug after Trump does
After weeks of campaigning for its use, both Trump and Fox News hosts have all but stopped talking about hydroxychloroquineMore people now discharged from hospital than in hospital for Covid-19, Varadkar says
Ireland’s Taoiseach has told the Dail there is “good news” in the country’s battle against coronavirus as the number of people discharged from hospital after being treated for Covid-19 continues to rise.
“More people in Ireland have now recovered from the coronavirus than have it and more people have been discharged from hospital than are now in hospital as a consequence of coronavirus,” Leo Varadkar said.
“That means our collective national effort is working and we are suppressing the disease in our communities.
“So far, 130 people have been discharged from ICU having recovered and there is no increase number in recent days.”
He added that the government has estimated the reproduction rate of the virus is now between 0.7 and 1.0.
'Lockdown has taught me what it means to be a good parent'
After struggling with fertility for a few years, by the time my kids came along I’d had plenty of time to fantasise about what sort of mother I’d be. I wanted to be perfect – to make their childhood as idyllic as I could, writes Gillian Harvey.
That’s easy enough when all you have is a bump and a dream. But by the timemy fifth child, Robbie, was born, life was a whole lot more complicated. Even before lockdown, I would be constantly plagued by the feeling that I could be doing it better: was I giving them enough opportunities? Reading to them enough? Arranging too many playdates, or too few?
After struggling with fertility for a few years, by the time my kids came along I’d had plenty of time to fantasise about what sort of mother I’d be. I wanted to be perfect – to make their childhood as idyllic as I could, writes Gillian Harvey.
That’s easy enough when all you have is a bump and a dream. But by the timemy fifth child, Robbie, was born, life was a whole lot more complicated. Even before lockdown, I would be constantly plagued by the feeling that I could be doing it better: was I giving them enough opportunities? Reading to them enough? Arranging too many playdates, or too few?
Ireland’s coronavirus testing could be picking up only one in 10 cases, expert says
Ireland’s scale of testing for Covid-19 could be picking up only one in 10 cases in the country, a professor of immunology has warned.
Paul Moynagh, from Maynooth University, said officials need to ramp up the level of testing before considering lifting any of the current restrictions.
“In terms of community testing, if we're picking up very few cases, the primary role they're testing at the moment is for disease surveillance rather than being actively used to identify and suppress transmission,” he told RTE’s Morning Ireland.
“I think we need to address that and in fact, if you look at the WHO [World Health Organisation], they have indicated six conditions that a country must meet before considering lifting restrictions.
"At the top of them very much related to testing, and being able to test and trace every positive case and identify every contact.
"I don't think we are anywhere near that situation.”
He has called for the Irish Department of Health to increase the amount and speed of testing.
“I think we really need to look at testing in a very serious way, and begin to come up with a strategy, a road map and action plan in terms of where we're going with testing,” Mr Moynagh added.
“If we're only picking up one in 10 cases, if we're going to use testing as an active way to suppress transmission, then we definitely need that in order to lift restrictions.”
Nigerian governors ban interstate movement over coronavirus
The governors of Nigeria’s 36 states have agreed to ban interstate movement for two weeks to slow the spread of coronavirus, a joint statement has said.
Lagos and Ogun states, as well as Nigerian capital Abuja, are already under federally imposed lockdowns, while various states have instigated their own containment measures.
“Governors unanimously agreed to the implementation of an interstate lockdown in the country over the next two weeks to mitigate the spread of the virus from state to state,” the Nigeria Governors' Forum said late on Wednesday.
Only essential services will be permitted, the statement added without providing further detail.
Quarantine lifted early at ski resorts blamed for spreading Covid-19
Coronavirus quarantine measures have been lifted early at an Austrian ski resort town believed to have acted as an early hotspot for the virus from which thousands of international cases have stemmed, writes Andy Gregory.
Ischgl, a resort town near the junction of Switzerland and Italy, previously dubbed by some as “the Ibiza of the Alps” has since become known as something of a byword for mishandling the outbreak.
Coronavirus quarantine measures have been lifted early at an Austrian ski resort town believed to have acted as an early hotspot for the virus from which thousands of international cases have stemmed, writes Andy Gregory.
Ischgl, a resort town near the junction of Switzerland and Italy, previously dubbed by some as “the Ibiza of the Alps” has since become known as something of a byword for mishandling the outbreak.
Dozens of cruise ship crew have virus
Some 48 out of more than 600 crew members aboard an Italian cruise ship docked for repairs in Nagasaki, Japan, have tested positive for coronavirus, raising concern about the strain on the city's hospitals if conditions worsen for those infected.
So far, 127 people have been tested, and the infection rate is 38 per cent. The latest tests showed on Thursday that 14 people aboard, all either cooks or those serving food, were infected with the virus, an official in Nagasaki prefecture said. One patient who had been taken to hospital previously was now in serious condition and on a ventilator, he told a live-streamed news conference.
Those showing mild or no symptoms remain on board, and officials said they hoped to complete testing of all 623 crew this week.
Some 48 out of more than 600 crew members aboard an Italian cruise ship docked for repairs in Nagasaki, Japan, have tested positive for coronavirus, raising concern about the strain on the city's hospitals if conditions worsen for those infected.
So far, 127 people have been tested, and the infection rate is 38 per cent. The latest tests showed on Thursday that 14 people aboard, all either cooks or those serving food, were infected with the virus, an official in Nagasaki prefecture said. One patient who had been taken to hospital previously was now in serious condition and on a ventilator, he told a live-streamed news conference.
Those showing mild or no symptoms remain on board, and officials said they hoped to complete testing of all 623 crew this week.
Damage to manufacturing laid bare
Manufacturers are taking a "sharp hit" because of the economic shutdown, with a huge fall in output and investment plans put on ice, a study has suggested.
A survey of 330 firms by the CBI revealed the quickest fall in new orders since 2009, with business optimism plunging at a record pace. The quarterly Industrial Trends Survey also showed falls in domestic and export orders.
Manufacturers said they expected the fast fall in output in the quarter to April would be followed by a sharper contraction over the next three months.
Manufacturers are taking a "sharp hit" because of the economic shutdown, with a huge fall in output and investment plans put on ice, a study has suggested.
A survey of 330 firms by the CBI revealed the quickest fall in new orders since 2009, with business optimism plunging at a record pace. The quarterly Industrial Trends Survey also showed falls in domestic and export orders.
Manufacturers said they expected the fast fall in output in the quarter to April would be followed by a sharper contraction over the next three months.
China cases may be quadruple the official figure, claims study
The number of coronavirus cases in mainland China may have been more than four times the official figure, a new study has said, writes Rory Sullivan.
Academics at Hong Kong University’s school of public health have estimated that there could have been 232,000 infections in China by 20 February, rather than the 55,508 cases Chinese authorities reported by that date.
The researchers, whose findings are published in The Lancet, claim the true number of cases would have been much higher if China had applied a wider case definition of Covid-19 from the outset of the virus.
The number of coronavirus cases in mainland China may have been more than four times the official figure, a new study has said, writes Rory Sullivan.
Academics at Hong Kong University’s school of public health have estimated that there could have been 232,000 infections in China by 20 February, rather than the 55,508 cases Chinese authorities reported by that date.
The researchers, whose findings are published in The Lancet, claim the true number of cases would have been much higher if China had applied a wider case definition of Covid-19 from the outset of the virus.
Deputy chief medical officer weighs in on masks
Dr Jenny Harries has said the issue of whether members of the public should wear face masks is "difficult".
The deputy chief medical officer told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "So I think you will have heard the CMO yesterday saying that where we've got absolute clear evidence, we don't usually have these sorts of debates - so the fact that there is a lot of debate means that the evidence either isn't clear or is weak.
"The points where we are absolutely clear that face masks are needed are if you are a patient and are symptomatic, that's stopping the infection at source from moving on to other people, and if you're a healthcare worker and social care worker we must preserve our face masks particularly for them, to protect them.
"But when it comes to the general public it starts to get much more difficult."
She added: "In some countries where the public are using them they are nearly always alongside other social distancing measures so it is quite difficult to tease out what the effect of the mask might be."
Dr Jenny Harries has said the issue of whether members of the public should wear face masks is "difficult".
The deputy chief medical officer told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "So I think you will have heard the CMO yesterday saying that where we've got absolute clear evidence, we don't usually have these sorts of debates - so the fact that there is a lot of debate means that the evidence either isn't clear or is weak.
"The points where we are absolutely clear that face masks are needed are if you are a patient and are symptomatic, that's stopping the infection at source from moving on to other people, and if you're a healthcare worker and social care worker we must preserve our face masks particularly for them, to protect them.
"But when it comes to the general public it starts to get much more difficult."
She added: "In some countries where the public are using them they are nearly always alongside other social distancing measures so it is quite difficult to tease out what the effect of the mask might be."
Front-line health workers never signed up to sacrifice themselves
Over the past several weeks, ethicists around the world have agonised over arguments about who can die in the pandemic. By who, they have all meant which patients, not which staff, writes Alexis Paton.
Discussions have centred almost exclusively in this domain on how to identify those patients best able to benefit from escalation of care. In short, who should get our most precious of limited resources: the ventilator.
Over the past several weeks, ethicists around the world have agonised over arguments about who can die in the pandemic. By who, they have all meant which patients, not which staff, writes Alexis Paton.
Discussions have centred almost exclusively in this domain on how to identify those patients best able to benefit from escalation of care. In short, who should get our most precious of limited resources: the ventilator.
Sage to present evidence on face masks
Scientists on the Sage expert body are to present ministers with their findings on whether the British public should wear face masks when they are outside.
Some countries, like Austria, have made the items mandatory in certain settings, but UK doctors fear they could put healthy people at risk. However, people with a cough probably ought to wear one, a leading GP said today.
Yesterday, Matt Hancock warned that the government might not be able to provide free masks to citizens if Sage recommends a change to the current official guidance:
Scientists on the Sage expert body are to present ministers with their findings on whether the British public should wear face masks when they are outside.
Some countries, like Austria, have made the items mandatory in certain settings, but UK doctors fear they could put healthy people at risk. However, people with a cough probably ought to wear one, a leading GP said today.
Yesterday, Matt Hancock warned that the government might not be able to provide free masks to citizens if Sage recommends a change to the current official guidance:
Merkel says vaccine must be global effort
Speaking to Germany's parliament in a session where lawmakers sat apart from one another in line with the country's social distancing regulations, Angela Merkel has said scientists are busily researching the virus at home but that "international cooperation against the virus is extremely important".
"Science is never national, science serves mankind," the long-serving chancellor said. "Thus it goes without saying that when medication or a vaccination is found, tested, released and is ready for use, it must be available all around the world and affordable for the whole world."
Donald Trump has announced he plans to halt funding for the World Health Organisation (WHO) to review how it has handled the outbreak, but Mrs Merkel lauded the agency's work in the fight against the coronavirus.
"For the German government, I emphasise the WHO is an indispensable partner and we support them in their mandate," she said.
Speaking to Germany's parliament in a session where lawmakers sat apart from one another in line with the country's social distancing regulations, Angela Merkel has said scientists are busily researching the virus at home but that "international cooperation against the virus is extremely important".
"Science is never national, science serves mankind," the long-serving chancellor said. "Thus it goes without saying that when medication or a vaccination is found, tested, released and is ready for use, it must be available all around the world and affordable for the whole world."
Donald Trump has announced he plans to halt funding for the World Health Organisation (WHO) to review how it has handled the outbreak, but Mrs Merkel lauded the agency's work in the fight against the coronavirus.
"For the German government, I emphasise the WHO is an indispensable partner and we support them in their mandate," she said.
Nurse who treated Boris Johnson 'shocked' by public praise
Wearing mask in public 'makes sense' - but not if you're healthy
The chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners has said it “makes complete sense” to advise the general public to wear masks if they are coughing to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus, writes Kate Ng.
Professor Martin Marshall’s comments come as the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies is expected to present its findings on the usage of masks on Thursday.
However, he also warned that there is no evidence that healthy people would benefit from wearing a mask, and may even become more at risk of contracting an infection.
The chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners has said it “makes complete sense” to advise the general public to wear masks if they are coughing to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus, writes Kate Ng.
Professor Martin Marshall’s comments come as the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies is expected to present its findings on the usage of masks on Thursday.
However, he also warned that there is no evidence that healthy people would benefit from wearing a mask, and may even become more at risk of contracting an infection.
World's biggest transport plane brings PPE supplies to Ukraine
The world's biggest cargo plane brought more than 100 tonnes of medical equipment to Ukraine from China on Thursday, in what Ukraine's [president Volodymyr Zelenskiy claimed was the biggest cargo shipment by volume in history.
The Ukrainian-designed Antonov-225 Mriya aircraft is typically used to lift large and heavy loads for industry. On Thursday it brought 12 million masks, 260,000 protective glasses and 100,000 gowns to help protect Ukrainian medics treating coronavirus patients.
Only one of the giant craft was ever built.
"This is a record for the volume of cargo, which can be included in the Guinness Book of Records," Zelenskiy told reporters after it landed. Reuters was not able to verify this.
Zelenskiy said several more flights were planned for the near future.
China has been providing high profile assistance to eastern European countries fighting coronavirus as part of a diplomatic push in the region.
The world's biggest cargo plane brought more than 100 tonnes of medical equipment to Ukraine from China on Thursday, in what Ukraine's [president Volodymyr Zelenskiy claimed was the biggest cargo shipment by volume in history.
The Ukrainian-designed Antonov-225 Mriya aircraft is typically used to lift large and heavy loads for industry. On Thursday it brought 12 million masks, 260,000 protective glasses and 100,000 gowns to help protect Ukrainian medics treating coronavirus patients.
Only one of the giant craft was ever built.
"This is a record for the volume of cargo, which can be included in the Guinness Book of Records," Zelenskiy told reporters after it landed. Reuters was not able to verify this.
Zelenskiy said several more flights were planned for the near future.
China has been providing high profile assistance to eastern European countries fighting coronavirus as part of a diplomatic push in the region.
Romania update
The number of coronavirus infections in Romania rose by 386 new cases on Thursday to 10,096 confirmed cases, the government has said. It said 2,478 persons had recovered so far and 527 others had died.
Romanians have had to carry written permission notes if they want to travel during the European Union's state of emergency, which has been extended to 15 May.
The number of coronavirus infections in Romania rose by 386 new cases on Thursday to 10,096 confirmed cases, the government has said. It said 2,478 persons had recovered so far and 527 others had died.
Romanians have had to carry written permission notes if they want to travel during the European Union's state of emergency, which has been extended to 15 May.
We must prepare for second virus wave, NI health minister says
Northern Ireland's health minister has said that in the absence of a vaccine, planning must be done for a second wave of Covid-19 later this year.
"Modelling has indicated that we are now in the peak of the first wave of the pandemic but it's too early to confirm whether the current figures represent the peak," Robin Swann said.
"And in the absence of a vaccine we will have to plan for a potential second wave of Covid-19 cases later in the year. The outbreak has not yet reached the point where some of the restrictions can be relaxed."
He added that progress achieved by adherence to social distancing could be "lost very quickly" if restrictions are lifted haphazardly.
Northern Ireland's health minister has said that in the absence of a vaccine, planning must be done for a second wave of Covid-19 later this year.
"Modelling has indicated that we are now in the peak of the first wave of the pandemic but it's too early to confirm whether the current figures represent the peak," Robin Swann said.
"And in the absence of a vaccine we will have to plan for a potential second wave of Covid-19 cases later in the year. The outbreak has not yet reached the point where some of the restrictions can be relaxed."
He added that progress achieved by adherence to social distancing could be "lost very quickly" if restrictions are lifted haphazardly.
Minister unable to say how many people have been tested during fiery TV clash
A senior Tory minister was unable to say how many people have been tested for coronavirus as the government faces a race against time to meet an ambitious pledge for 100,000 daily tests, writes Lizzy Buchan.
Brandon Lewis, the Northern Ireland secretary, came unstuck during an interview with ITV's Good Morning Britain, where he failed to answer repeated questions on the number of individuals who've received Covid-19 tests.
A senior Tory minister was unable to say how many people have been tested for coronavirus as the government faces a race against time to meet an ambitious pledge for 100,000 daily tests, writes Lizzy Buchan.
Brandon Lewis, the Northern Ireland secretary, came unstuck during an interview with ITV's Good Morning Britain, where he failed to answer repeated questions on the number of individuals who've received Covid-19 tests.
