It is the 15th and it's time for this month's #TBCSmiles. We all need smiles more than ever right now, and even under lockdown, it's still possible to find joy - and definitely encouraged.

Spring is here and nature is flourishing without so many cars and people to get in the way. The birds are literally having a field day, we have never had so many fledglings in our trees. The sun has been shining, and I think most of us are beginning to really appreciate our time outdoors.


It isn't only loved ones that COVID-19 is taking from us, and a lot of people are feeling a great deal of hurt right now. It might only be temporary, but it's happening now, and it can be overwhelming. You are allowed to be sad that your plans aren't going to happen, that you can't see your friends, can't just go out. You are allowed to grieve your losses.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 15th April 2020.

A good milestone today. Over half a million people have now been reported as recovered from Coronavirus.

The UK added 4,605 cases today and now has reported a total of 98,476 positive cases of COVID-19. We had all together tested 313,796 people as of 9am this morning.

As of 5pm yesterday, of those hospitalised in the UK, we have lost another 761 people to COVID-19. We now sadly have a total of 12,868 losses of life in hospitals.

Total cases and losses reported are:
England 76,371 / 11,656
Northern Ireland 2,088 / 134
Scotland 6,748 / 615
Wales 6,118 / 463
(The government haven't been reporting how many of the UK's positive testing cases have recovered.)

Rep. Of Ireland have 12,547 cases and 444 losses of life.

There have now been 2,044,221 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 131,340. Already 505,282 people have recovered.



Today's UK Press conference was hosted by Matt Hancock, Health Secretary.
He thanked us all for staying home, and thanked Captain Tom Moore! Yeeay. His 100 lap walk round his garden has now raised over £8m for the NHS.

Spare beds in critical care is now at 2,657 beds - capacity is growing faster than demand. At no point so far have we been unable to offer correct care to patients. We currently have 19,529 people in hospital with coronavirus.
We are doing incredibly well, and we can't let up now.
Regarding social care, we have given a boost of £1.6b. Today we've strengthened the rules, so every care home resident will be tested before being returned home from hospital, and any care home resident with symptoms will be tested.
Social Care staff will also be tested, this has started (over 4000 tested already).
Priority drops of PPE will happen while we roll out regular logistics via the Royal Mail.
Social Care needs more respect. It will from today have an identifiable and respected brand, and will get a lot of the benefits and discounts NHS staff currently have. We are also having a recruitment drive as we need more people in the profession.
Working with Public Health England, we are introducing new procedures so that loved ones can when possible, with the correct safety in place, be given the chance to be with a patient at the end of their life.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 14th April 2020.

The UK added 5,914 cases today and now has reported a total of 93,873 positive cases of COVID-19. We had all together tested 302,599 people as of 9am this morning.

As of 5pm yesterday, of those hospitalised in the UK, we have lost another 778 people to COVID-19. We now sadly have a total of 12,107 losses of life in hospitals. Losses of life in the community are reported by ONS with a 2 week delay - see below.

Total cases and losses reported are:
England 73,183 / 11,005
Northern Ireland 1,967 / 124
Scotland 6,358 / 575
Wales 5,848 / 403
(The government haven't been reporting how many of the UK's positive testing cases have recovered.)

Rep. Of Ireland have 11,479 cases and 406 losses of life.

There have now been 1,968,893 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 123,783. Already 464,456 people have recovered.


Today's press conference was with Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Earlier today the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimated that the UK economy will shrink by 35% if the lockdown lasts 3 months and no other changes are made. He stressed that the OBR expect the economy to bounce back pretty well, it would be temporary.
Rishi explained that the scale of what we are facing will have consequences. The Government can't protect every business and household, but our planned economic response is protecting most people while restrictions are in place, and will help ensure most business can re-open and people can go back to work.
Right now to protect the health of the economy, we need to protect the health of our people, it isn't an either/or option.
Public services have been given £14.5b in recent weeks. Business grants are with local authorities, loans are going out, and the furlough scheme is still intended to be up and paying out before the end of April - employers should be able to claim by around 20th April.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 13th April 2020.

The UK added 4,342 cases today and now has reported a total of 88,621 positive cases of COVID-19. We had all together tested 290,720 people as of 9am this morning.

As of 5pm yesterday, of those hospitalised in the UK, we have lost another 717 people to COVID-19. We now sadly have a total of 11,329 confirmed losses of life in hospitals.
(Losses of life in the community are reported by ONS with a 2 week delay.)

Total cases and losses reported are:
England 69,329 / 10261
Scotland 6,067 / 566
Wales 5,610 / 384
Northern Ireland 1,882 / 118
(The government haven't been reporting how many of the UK's positive testing cases have recovered.)

Rep. Of Ireland have 10,647 cases and 365 losses of life.

There have now been 1,897,148 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 117,702. Already 438,205 people have recovered.

"No, this pandemic is not a war. Nations do not stand against other nations, soldiers against soldiers. Rather this is a test of our humanity."
German President, Frank Walter-Steinmeier


Today's figures will reflect the fact that it is the weekend. Whilst they are much more preferable to figures during the week, sadly reporting always has delays and tends to catch up by Tuesday.

Today's UK briefing was led by Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary. He thanked all of the NHS and frontline staff working throughout the weekend. He also thanked everyone for staying home, and reminded us with no doubt, that has saved lives.
There are positive signs from the data that we are beginning to make a difference, but we have a way to go.
This week SAGE will review the effectiveness of our lockdown, but we don't expect any changes to be made.

Sir Patrick Vallance, UK Science Chief, went through the slides. He explained we have many more cases who have not been tested (ooooh, that's a bit honest!). He showed clearly the numbers of NHS and care staff who are being tested, so it is happening finally.
The number of people in hospital beds is growing at a steady rate in London, and other areas. Our epidemic isn't soaring, it is beginning to turn towards a plateau. We just don't know how long our plateau will last, before we start to see less people admitted to hospital each day.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 12th April 2020.

The UK added 5,288 cases today and now has reported a total of 84,279 positive cases of COVID-19. We had all together tested 282,374 people as of 9am this morning.

As of 5pm yesterday, of those hospitalised in the UK, we have lost another 737 people to COVID-19. We now sadly have a total of 10,612 losses of life in hospitals.
(Losses of life in the community are reported by ONS with a 2 week delay.)

Total cases and losses reported are:
England 66,330 / 9594
Scotland 5,912 / 542
Wales 5,297 / 369
Northern Ireland 1,806 / 107
(The government haven't been reporting how many of the UK's positive testing cases have recovered.)

Rep. Of Ireland have 9,655 (+727) cases and 334 (+14) losses of life.

There have now been 1,831,130 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 113,013. Already 416,980 people have recovered.

"We know that Coronavirus will not overcome us. As dark as death can be – particularly for those suffering with grief – light and life are greater. May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future." Queen Elizabeth II.


Boris has been discharged and will recuperate at home for a while before returning to work. He's done a short video which is exactly the sort of video you'd hope from someone who just nearly died and is incredibly grateful to the NHS and it's staff for saving his life. Humble. He stresses that everyone please stay home.

The Queen has recorded her first ever audio Easter message. You can find it on Royal Family social media. It is beautifully written.

Matt Hancock led today's briefing. We have now lost more than 10,000 people, which demonstrates just how much of a threat coronavirus is.
We currently have 19,945 people in hospital and 2.295 spare critical care beds. Up from yesterday. We are increasing capacity more quickly than demand.
We haven't had overwhelming of our health services, we have so far done well. We now have a total of 9975 ventilators, and over 5000 staff have returned to work at the NHS.
42,812 NHS and social care staff and their families have now been tested.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 11th April 2020.

The UK added 5,233 cases today and now has reported a total of 78,991 positive cases of COVID-19. We had all together tested 334,974 people as of 9am this morning.

As of 5pm yesterday, of those hospitalised in the UK, we have lost another 917 people to COVID-19. We now sadly have a total of 9,875 losses of life in hospitals. Losses of life in the community are reported by ONS on Tuesdays, with a 2 week delay.

Total cases and losses reported are:
England 62,658 / 8937
Scotland 5,590 / 495
Wales 4,930 / 351
Northern Ireland 1,717 / 92
(The government haven't been reporting how many of the UK's positive testing cases have recovered.)

Rep. Of Ireland have 8,089 cases and 287 losses of life (not yet reported today).

There have now been 1,756,267 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 107,028. Already 393,739 people have recovered.

"There's no easy path through a pandemic." Prof Stephen Powis


Priti Patel, Home Secretary, who has been notable in her absence so far, led today's briefing.
20,101 people who have tested positive are currently in hospital.
Boris is making good progress.
Today's briefing will discuss crime, with Martin Hewitt of the National Police Chiefs' Council. Total crime has decreased, but some crimes have risen. Fraudsters have already conned people out of over a £1.8m. Child abusers know that more young people are online. The Domestic Abuse Helpline has reported up to 120% more calls. There will be no let up for the perpetrators of these crimes. Anybody who is a victim of these crimes should report them.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and press 55 on a mobile if you are unable to talk.
Ms Patel launched a new national communications campaign to reach out to those in danger of domestic abuse, to highlight the fact you can still get out and you can access help. They have created a symbol we can all share, to show we are there to listen #YouAreNotAlone
Fujitsu are providing IT equipment so that smaller charities and support groups can work from home. The government are looking at alternative accommodation for anyone who needs it.

This Easter HARIBO have some awesome new sweets out which are ideal for Easter Egg hunts. We're working with HARIBO and so they've sent us loads of their goodies to have some fun with. Needless to say this is a popular job and I had no shortage of help.


We've been sent some of the brand new Eggs Galore! which come in different sized bags depending on how big your household is - the treat size multipacks are ideal for egg hunts. A mix of Easter Eggs and the all-time favourite Fried Eggs.


We've also been sent the Spring Time Friends, and the Chick'n'Mix and Bunny'n'Friends specially shaped packs, which have a selection of different sweets inside. Here are the sweets in the Chick'n'Mix - bunnies, chicks, sheep and eggs.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 10th April 2020.

The UK added 5,706 cases today and now has reported a total of 70,272 positive cases of COVID-19. We had all together tested 262,537 people as of 9am this morning.

As of 5pm yesterday, of those hospitalised in the UK, we have lost another 980 people to COVID-19. We now sadly have a total of 8,958 losses of life in hospitals. Losses of life in the community are reported by ONS with a 2 week delay.

Total cases and losses reported are:
England 58,817 / 8,114
Scotland 5,275 / 447
Wales 4,591 / 315
Northern Ireland 1,589 / 82
(The government haven't been reporting how many of the UK's positive testing cases have recovered.)

Rep. Of Ireland have 7,054 cases and 287 losses of life, and have not yet reported today.

There have now been 1,674,854 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 101,474. Already 371,858 people have recovered.


Sounds like Boris is capable of taking himself to the loo now, so good news there.

Today's UK briefing was hosted by Matt Hancock, Health Secretary, who started by saying this is a national effort. We all need to stay at home and avoid all of the temptations. Hospital staff are busy trying to keep people breathing, don't make their job worse. Share your responsibility.
Testing is getting better, with our highest number of tests yesterday - 19,116
There are currently 19,304 people in hospital with COVID-19.

We have capacity for all key social care and NHS staff to be tested. We've opened 15 drive through testing centres. The first of our mega-labs opened yesterday in Milton Keynes.
Stress on PPE (personal protective equipment) means we have to treat PPE as the valuable resource it is. We are shifting tons of the stuff, but there is a massive global demand and high demand in the UK, and weekly delivery has meant we've had to create a whole new supply and logistics chain. He hinted that regular public don't need PPE, if we follow advice and stay behind our front door. 742m items of PPE have already been delivered where needed, and there's a 24hr hotline to report shortages or trouble receiving supply.

Chief Nursing Officer Ruth May spoke about staying home over Easter - please. She's a nurse, she doesn't want her colleagues to have to go through any more than they already will do. They don't get a weekend, they're working saving lives. The least you can do is stay home.
She announced two more NHS Nightingale Temporary hospitals in Sunderland and Exeter.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 9th April 2020.

Today marks 100 days since the first cases of an unknown pneumonia were reported to the World Health Organisation, and today we have passed the milestone for one and a half million cases reported.

The UK added 4,344 cases today and now has reported a total of 65,077 positive cases of COVID-19. We had all together tested 243,421 people as of 9am this morning.

As of 5pm yesterday, of those hospitalised in the UK, we have lost another 881 people to COVID-19. We now sadly have a total of 7,978 losses of life in hospitals. Losses of life in the community are reported by ONS later.

Total cases and losses reported are:
England 54,554 / 7,163
Scotland 4,957 / 447
Wales 4,089 / 286 (have changed the time they report today)
Northern Ireland 1,477 / 82
(The government haven't been reporting how many of the UK's positive testing cases have recovered.)

Rep. Of Ireland have 6,574 cases and 263 losses of life.

There have now been 1,569,849 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 92,191. Already 345,917 people have recovered.


Tonight's government briefing was hosted by Dominic Raab, Foreign Secretary. He started by telling us that Boris Johnson is still in Intensive Care, but remains in good spirits and is communicating with staff. He hasn't spoken to Boris himself, because he's in intensive care.
He thanked all of the NHS staff looking after us, and the carers out in the community. He also thanked just about everyone doing those jobs which keep our lives turning. Cleaners, delivery drivers, shop workers, technicians and everyone else, and all of you volunteers.
Mr Raab explained we must keep going, and why that was important. Early signs are that our measures are working, but we can't say any more than that until the end of next week, and "we need evidence we've moved beyond the peak" before any restrictions will be relaxed. He is sorry that none of us can see our families this weekend, but "we mustn't give the coronavirus a second chance to kill more people".

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 8th April 2020.

The UK added 5,491 cases today and now has reported a total of 60,733 positive cases of COVID-19. We had in total tested 282,074 people as of 9am this morning.

As of 5pm yesterday, of those hospitalised in the UK, we have lost another 938 people to COVID-19. We now sadly have a total of 7,097 losses of life.

Total cases and losses reported are:
England 50,756 / 6,483
Scotland 4,565 / 296
Wales 4,073 / 245
Northern Ireland 1,339 / 73
(The government haven't been reporting how many of the UK's positive testing cases have recovered.)

Rep. Of Ireland have 6,074 cases and 235 losses of life.

There have now been 1,485,535 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 87,292. Already 318,876 people have recovered.

Boris Johnson "remains clinically stable and is responding to treatment" in Intensive Care. He's also described as "in good spirits".

"Tomorrow marks 100 days since WHO was notified of the first cases of “pneumonia with unknown cause” in China. It’s incredible to reflect on how dramatically the world has changed, in such a short period of time"
Dr Tedros, Head of the World Health Organisation.



At today's UK press conference, Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, told us Boris has been sitting up and talking, and his situation is improving. Good news. Rishi went on to say we have to work together and support each other. We all depend on each other to get through this.
He explained the Government can't replace every single penny that charities will lose out on this year, but some charities are doing essential work during the coronavirus crisis, and rightly need to be supported. £750m will be given to UK charities.
£370m will be donated to small, local charities supporting vulnerable people.
£360m will be given directly to charities, with up to £200m to hospices and the rest split among groups supporting vulnerable children, victims of domestic abuse and others.
The BBC have announced a 'Big Night In' on April 23rd - the Government will match whatever is raised, with a minimum of £20m to the national charities appeal. (See below).