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Friday, 15 May 2020

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

The UK added 3,560 cases today and now has reported a total of 236,711 positive cases of COVID-19. Yesterday we completed 133,784 tests, and all together we have tested 1,663,492 people.

10,024 people are in hospital, down from 11,041 yesterday and a 13% fall since last Friday.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 384 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 33,998 losses of life in all settings.

England 141,387 / 30,364

Northern Ireland 4,317 / 454

Scotland 14,260 / 2,007

Wales 11,960 / 1,173

Rep. Of Ireland 23,827 cases and 1,506 losses of life. Not yet reported today.

There have now been a total of 4,586,274 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 306,063. Already 1,734,903 people have recovered.

"Through solidarity, through trust, through working together;

we have a chance to turn a tragic pandemic into a beacon of hope for the future of our planet" - Dr Mike Ryan, World Health Organisation.

The ONS (Office for National Statistics) have published data on care homes:

"Since the beginning of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic (between the period 2 March and 1 May 2020, registered up to the 9 May 2020) there were 45,899 deaths of care home residents (wherever the death occurred); of these 12,526 involved COVID-19, which is 27.3% of all deaths of care home residents."

"The Care Quality Commission collect information on recipients of domiciliary care in England, between 10 April 2020 and 8 May 2020 there were 3,161 deaths of recipients of domiciliary care, this was 1,990 deaths higher than the three-year average (1,171 deaths)." (Domicillary Care is extra help for people who live in their own homes.)

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

The UK added 3,446 cases today and now has reported a total of 233,151 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 126,064 tests yesterday. 11,041 people are in hospital.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 428 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 33,614 losses of life in all settings.

England 140,275 / 30,028

Northern Ireland 4,291 / 449

Scotland 14,117 / 1,973

Wales 11,834 / 1,164

Rep. Of Ireland 23,401 cases and 1,497 losses of life. Not yet reported today.

There have now been a total of 4,485,940 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 has met another unwelcome milestone, at 300,674. Already 1,687,565 people have recovered.

Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary, took today's UK briefing, with Prof Jonathan Van-Tam, Deputy Chief Medical Officer.

The transport system will have to change. You should walk or cycle whenever you can. If you can't, and you have access to a car, please use it. Public Transport is going to be a mess while social distancing occurs.

He explained that while we've been at home, they've done absolutely tons of work on the transport infrastructure. They've done loads of big jobs, including 419 upgrades to Network Rail over Easter. The A14 upgrade has been completed 7 weeks early. £96m of improvements occurred on Northern train lines over April.

They're working on filling potholes for cyclists and the upcoming scooter trials (available to any local authority who wants them). He announced a £2b package for upgrading roads.

We want to retain some of the air quality improvements we've noticed and are already benefiting from. We want to move on. We've already learned a lot is possible. We need to continue to think outside the box and use the skills we've gained over the last few weeks to make improvements.

Sounds like there may in future be incentives for electric car use. Don't forget if you want to get a bike to go to work, your employer can help - Google Cycle To Work Scheme.

No age group is more or less likely to catch COVID-19. Children catch it as much as adults of any age. See below.

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

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

The UK added 3,242 cases today and now has reported a total of 229,705 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 87,063 tests yesterday. We have 11,327 people in hospital, down 15% from last week.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 494 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 33,186 losses of life in all settings.

England 139,086 / 29,673
Northern Ireland 4,253 / 447
Scotland 13,929 / 1,912
Wales 11,706 / 1,154

Rep. Of Ireland 23,401 cases and 1,497 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 4,394,058 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 295,647. Already 1,636,843 people have recovered.

The lockdown in England reduces today, so you can now do more things as long as you stay at least 6ft / 2m from anyone who isn't in your household whenever you can. And don't use public transport unless you really have to. And work from home if at all possible. And eat cake because you deserve it. .

Today's UK briefing was with Robert Jenrick, Housing and Communities Secretary, and Dr Jenny Harries, Deputy Chief Medical Officer.
He announced a Support Package for Care Homes, with £600m funding (some of which has been brought forward from future plans). The Government previously gave £3.2billion to local councils for Adult Social Care.
The UK housing market can open up again. Estate and letting agents can reopen immediately. House viewing should be virtual wherever possible and no 'open house' viewings should take place. Social distancing and particular cleaning should occur, including washing hands before entry and all door handles. Anyone shielded or isolating should not really be moving house.

Construction sites in the UK can apply to extend working hours to facilitate safety of workers and staggered start/finish times.

The Lancet report that using Public Health England data, at least 20% of the population falls within the high-risk mortality category for COVID19: 13·7% based on age over 70 and a further 6·3% based on having one or more underlying conditions.
Without any restrictions, they estimate excess mortality because of COVID-19 over the entire year would have been 146,996 excess deaths with a reproductive rate of 1·5, 293,991 with an RR of 2·0, and 587,982 with an RR of 3·0. The reproductive rate was between 3 and 4 when we locked down.

UK education unions are not happy about schools reopening, as they don't feel they can guarantee the safety of pupils or teachers, or the parents and wider community. They've issued a joint statement asking the Government to reconsider:
“We call on the government to step back from the 1st June and work with us to create the conditions for a safe return to schools based on the principles and tests we have set out.”
The principles and tests include:
- Safety and welfare of pupils and staff as the paramount principle
- No increase in pupil numbers until full rollout of a national test and trace scheme
- A national Covid-19 education taskforce with government, unions and education stakeholders to agree statutory guidance for safe reopening of schools
- Consideration of the specific needs of vulnerable students and families facing economic disadvantage
- Additional resources for enhanced school cleaning, PPE and risk assessments
- Local autonomy to close schools where testing indicates clusters of new covid-19 cases

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

The UK added 3,403 cases today and now has reported a total of 226,463 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 85,293 tests yesterday. We have 11,605 people in hospital, up from 11,465 yesterday.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 627 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 32,692 losses of life in all settings.

England 137,940 / 29,260

Northern Ireland 4,193 / 438

Scotland 13,763 / 1,862

Wales 11,573 / 1,132

Rep. Of Ireland 23,242 (+107) cases and 1,488 (+21) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 4,309,359 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 290,361. Already 1,555,092 people have recovered.

Image from the Royal College Of Nurses

This afternoon UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak made this announcement:

"The job retention scheme will be extended for 4 months, until the end of October. By that point we will have provided 8 months of support to British people and businesses.

Until the end of July there will be no changes whatsoever. Then from August to October the scheme will continue for all sections and regions of the UK , but with greater flexibility to support the transition back to work. Employers currently using the scheme will be able to bring furloughed employees back part time, and we will ask employers to start sharing, with the government, the cost of paying people's salaries."

Employers will, from August, be asked to put money towards the furlough, in order to continue paying people 80% wages.

It's Tuesday, so the UK's ONS (Office for National Statistics) mortality figures are out:

Week ending 1 May 2020 (Week 18):

"The number of deaths registered in England and Wales was 17,953, a decrease for the second week running, but 8,012 more than the five-year average for Week 18."

"Of the deaths registered in Week 18, 6,035 mentioned “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which was 33.6% of all deaths."

The number of deaths registered in the whole UK was 20,033, of which 6,676 deaths involved COVID-19.

Yearly totals:

"Of deaths involving COVID-19 registered up to Week 18, 68.5% (22,873 deaths) occurred in hospital, with the remainder mainly occurring in care homes (8,312), private homes (1,562) and hospices (386)."

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

The UK added 3,877 cases today and now has reported a total of 223,060 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 100,490 tests yesterday.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 210 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 32,065 losses of life in all settings.

England 135,982 / 28,467

Northern Ireland 4,119 / 430

Scotland 13,486 / 1,847

Wales 11,344 / 1,111

Rep. Of Ireland 23,135 (+139) cases and 1,467 (+9) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 4,227,461 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 285,294. Already 1,512,701 people have recovered.

After Boris' message last night, media was full of photos of traffic jams in London and busy commuter trains first thing this morning. Once that lot were all clocked in at work, Dominic Raab went on the morning telly and radio, to make it clear that the return to work shouldn't happen until Wednesday. Shame Boris hadn't mentioned that minor detail. Massive oops.

I'm wasn't waiting until after 7pm for today's press conference, because, sheesh, how much UK Govt. news today?! But I accidentally did, so there are the only new points made below:

11,401 people are in hospital.

Public asked if we can see friends and family at the park? If we see them, should we say hello and leave? We shouldn't meet up with multiple people at once. We can arrange to meet 1 person, but not 2, 3 or many. We literally just don't want 1 person to accidentally infect an entire other household suddenly at once. If that happened to many people, we could suddenly have 600,000 cases and overwhelmed hospitals in 2 weeks time.

Step 2 aims to reopen Primary Schools for 1 month before the end of term.

The English government have indeed published a 50-page document detailing their strategy - and they ARE advising you wear face coverings!!

There's also a shortened, more user-friendly version giving major points. I'll add links to both below in the comments.

Social Distancing IS STILL IN PLACE and any leisure activity can only be carried out alone, with members of your household, or with one other person from outside your household, while keeping two metres apart at all times.

If you have symptoms of Coronavirus, you should isolate until you are well again, as before, isolating your household for 14 days until they've all caught it and got better too (or miraculously escaped it).

"...people should aim to wear a face-covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible and they come into contact with others that they do not normally meet, for example on public transport or in some shops."

"Face-coverings are not intended to help the wearer, but to protect against inadvertent transmission of the disease to others if you have it asymptomatically."

They stress that surgical masks and respirators must continue to be reserved for those who need them. Face-coverings should not be used by children under 2, those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly, or those with respiratory conditions. It is important to use facecoverings properly and wash your hands before putting them on and taking them off. I'll add a link to their advice on 'making your own home made cloth face coverings' in the comments below! (There are no sew options).

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

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

The UK added 3,923 cases today and now has reported a total of 219,183 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 92,837 tests yesterday.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 269 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 31,855 losses of life in all settings.

England 135,982 / 28,467
Northern Ireland 4,119 / 430
Scotland 13,486 / 1,847
Wales 11,344 / 1,111

Rep. Of Ireland 22,996 (+236) cases and 1,458 (+12) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 4,152,885 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 282,733. Already 1,465,595 people have recovered.

"Important we take one step at a time towards the new normal. We’re not out of the woods. It’s about steady progress rather than making a dash for the exit."
Arlene Foster, First Minister for Northern Ireland.

We had Boris's long-awaited and pre-recorded gig at 7pm today, so this report is a little late.
He said what an excellent job we've done, because the reasonable worst case scenario was 500,000 losses of life. He also said that we can't throw away what we've already achieved.
We have a plan, but it is conditional and we cannot move forward unless we satisfy the 5 tests.
We are establishing a new 'COVID Alert Level', which will have 5 levels, from "we have no COVID in the UK" at 1, to "the NHS is in danger of or being overwhelmed" at 5. Throughout lockdown we have been at level 4, but we are looking towards level 3.
In order for this to work, we need world class testing.
The R level is between 0.5 and 0.9, but potentially not far below 1, so it is not yet time to reduce the lockdown.
Work from home if you can, but if you can't, please try to go to work.
Avoid public transport if at all possible.
Employers are receiving guidance on how to make workplaces safe.
From Wednesday people can take unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise. Social distancing rules must be adhered to, but you can drive there, and you can play sports with members of your household.
In order that social distancing is taken seriously, fines will be increased for those who break social distancing rules.
If we keep to these rules, then in the weeks and months ahead, we can look at reducing restrictions, depending always on the data.
"In step 2, at the earliest by June 1st, after half term, we believe we may be in a position to begin the phased reopening of shops, and to get primary pupils back into school, in stages, beginning with Reception, Year 1 and Year 6. It is our ambition that secondary pupils facing exams next year will get at least some time with their teachers before the holidays."
Step 3 at the earliest by July, we will hope to reopen at least some hospitality and other public places, as long as it's safe, socially distanced and the numbers support it.
Quarantine for arrivals to the UK by air will occur when cases here are lower.
If we can't proceed on those dates, we will simply wait until the time is right.

AD | COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 9th May 2020.

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

The UK added 3,896 cases today and now has reported a total of 215,260 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 96,878 tests yesterday. We have 11,809 people in hospital.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 346 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 31,587 losses of life in all settings.

England 134,975 / 28,250
Northern Ireland 4,078 / 427
Scotland 13,305 / 1,811
Wales 11,121 / 1,099

Rep. Of Ireland 22,541 cases and 1,429 losses of life (not yet reported today).

There have now been over 4 million cases worldwide. The total reported cases is 4,057,900. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 277,946. Already 1,414,731 people have recovered.

How to survive quarantine World Health Organisation

Today's UK briefing was with Grant Shapps, Minister For Transport, who talked about changes in order to maintain public transport for essential workers. In many parts of the network, we will only be able to have 1/10th of the passengers due to social distancing. When people start to return to work, we can't go back to how we were, we simply can't fit. And we can't all go in a car or it'll be horrific. More people will need to cycle or walk to work. Popularity of scooters will also increase (https://www.vulyplay.com/en-AU/scooters).

During the crisis, a lot of people have discovered the benefits of walking or cycling for exercise. It would be great if that could continue. There is a £2b package for cycle and walking in the UK. We will build pop-up bike lines, wider pavements, cycle lanes. Employees who want to cycle and don't have a bike can take advantage of the Bike To Work scheme, there will also be vouchers for bike maintenance, and bike fixing facilities around the country.
A trial of Electric Scooter rental schemes which was due to start next year will be brought forward and will take place in any local authority who wants to take part.
(Anyone else ever have a dream which involved Greta Thunberg, 12 monkeys and David Attenborough as an evil genius? Just me?).

Ad | What To Do With Your Bigger Kids (age 7+) While You Are At Home

Everyone who would usually keep you busy out of the house will need to hold on to some of their plans for a while until it's safe for everyone, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do. A lot of folk are still determined to entertain you and they have temporarily moved online, so here are some of the sights you can still see....virtually...

Dotted through the post are some free printables from Puffin that you can click on, save and print off on A4 paper...

Heritage Open Days is running from 11 - 20 September - and it is the largest volunteer led festival in the UK. They have some great FREE events that would be ideal for families who are looking to save money but still have a great time with their kids.

The theme this year (which is optional) is Hidden Nature, and it's an opportunity to explore nature on our doorstep and further afield, and embrace the benefits of being outdoors. This year, for the first time, there are digital events, so audiences can tune into fascinating talks, tours and exhibitions from all over the country. This means that no matter where you are, you can access events and activities.

You can see what's on here https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting

Z-Arts aren't open to the public, but the creative teams behind their fantastic arts projects are busy behind the scenes putting together loads of things you can do at home.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre are doing 'Build At Home' Sessions with Masterbuilder James over on Facebook on Fridays at 3pm
If you have the same bricks as James you can follow his build, or work with whatever you have to create your own awesome version. Each video will be posted on LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester's Facebook page. If you can't make it live, it will stay there for you to access whenever suits.

HOME Manchester have the Manchester Open Exhibition online, and are creating a series of works "Artists In Isolation".

People’s History Museum in Manchester may be closed, but you can still explore their collections and take part in digital events and activities using their Ideas Worth Exploring online resources.

The Science Museum Group have put together an awesome site where you can view loads of the exhibits from National Collections Centre, National Railway Museum, National Science & Media Museum, Science & Industry Museum and the Science Museum.

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

The UK added 4,649 cases today and now has reported a total of 211,364 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 97,029 tests yesterday. We have 11,788 people in hospital, down from 12,688 yesterday, and going down slowly, but mostly steadily (18% in the last week).

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 626 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 31,241 losses of life in all settings.

England 133,626 / 27,967

Northern Ireland 4,022 / 422

Scotland 13,149 / 1,762

Wales 11,003 / 1,090

Rep. Of Ireland 22,541 cases and 1,429 losses of life.

There have now been 3,975,593 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 273,893. Already 1,371,641 people have recovered.

"On this day 40 years ago, smallpox was made history. It's the only human disease to be eradicated so far.

A lesson we must take is: when the Earth unites behind science and public health measures we can defeat diseases and protect lives and livelihoods." (The World Health Organisation.)

Smallpox was able to be beaten partly due to the invention by Edward Jenner of the first ever vaccine in 1796. It took 184 years before it was announced officially eradicated worldwide.

"The decisive factor in the victory over smallpox was global solidarity. At the height of the Cold War, the Soviet Union and the United States of America joined forces to conquer a common enemy.

They recognized that viruses do not respect nations or ideologies"-

(Dr Tedros, Head of The World Health Organisation.)

The Queen has another message for everyone tonight at 9pm, after which there'll be a national croonalong from the windows. War isn't exactly my thing, and nor is Vera Lynn, but I imagine I'll have a tear or two. We are all encouraged to sing "We'll Meet Again". Particularly poignant for all of us.

Today's UK briefing was with George Eustice, Environment Secretary. He talked mostly about emergency food parcels and food delivery slots for vulnerable, shielded and isolated people, and announced a £16m fund to support frontline food charities.

As someone messaged to tell me, I have to mention the 'errrms' at today's UK briefing. It would make an excellent drinking game - if you wanted to get utterly slaughtered within half an hour. Press questions were quite involved and didn't get exact answers, or just asked about things already covered... errrr. Erm. Yep.

Garden centres are opening in Wales. They are hoping to soon reopen libraries and recycling centres.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 7th May 2020.

The UK added 5,614 cases today and now has reported a total of 206,715 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 86,583 tests yesterday.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 539 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 30,615 losses of life in all settings.

Cases:

England 131,932

Northern Ireland 3,984

Scotland 12,924

Wales 10,851

Rep. Of Ireland 22,385 (+137) cases and 1,403 (+28) losses of life.

There have now been 3,872,855 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 267,871. Already 1,327,610 people have recovered.

WHO Health Workers take care of yourselves

Yesterday Boris made a vague suggestion, that subject to the 5 tests and the the science, on Sunday some UK lockdown restrictions could be eased. The press have leapt on this, and made all sorts of assumptions and predictions. That's all they are. If you think carefully, he genuinely didn't say anything we don't already know.

Today's UK briefing was with Dominic Raab.

He stressed the lockdown restrictions remain in place until they are lifted.

The R (reproductive) level is between 0.5 and 0.9 (higher end not lower) - "the virus is not beaten yet."

We are in a position to start to think about the next steps in this pandemic. We can start to look at how life will work going forward, in order to be safe. Boris will make an announcement on Sunday at 7pm. The roadmap for going forward will be subject to conditions. The government have set milestones, and everything will also be subject to the 5 tests. Every step will be cautious. If people abandon social distancing the virus will grow again, threatening overwhelming the NHS and risking a second peak, and a second lockdown.

Jenny Harries did the slides and the loss of life decline is clear now. It's steadily going down, but it's a slow slide.

Today's Newbie is Sir Ian Diamond, Chief Statistician at the Office for National Statistics, who answered questions about the UK's R (reproduction) rate. Although it's below 1, and cases are dropping, it's actually higher than 2 weeks ago because of the huge loss of life in care settings. In the community the rate is dropping steadily.

Nicola Sturgeon has said there will be NO RELAXATION of the lockdown in Scotland. She will "not be pressured into lifting restrictions prematurely", and would prefer the UK act together, but will respect Boris' decisions and won't criticise. (She'll be the only one).

Kirsty Williams, the Welsh Education Secretary has confirmed there will be NO CHANGE to the school situation in Wales on June 1st.

About The Brick Castle

COVID-19 UK and World News Updates every couple of weeks. (I couldn't do 7 days a week forever!)

Play and entertainment for children and young people from tiny to teen and beyond. Skilled at Lego building, reviewing big kid toys and mending all things trodden on.
My family lost our 16 year old to suicide in August 2014. I write about this occasionally, and I collect smiles as often as possible.
Mainly my own content with an occasional guest post to put food on the table. If I didn't write it, they'll have certainly paid me to host it.

Pages

Friday, 15 May 2020

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

Thursday, 14 May 2020

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

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

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

Tuesday, 12 May 2020

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

Monday, 11 May 2020

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

Sunday, 10 May 2020

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

Saturday, 9 May 2020

AD | COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 9th May 2020.

Ad | What To Do With Your Bigger Kids (age 7+) While You Are At Home

Friday, 8 May 2020

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

Thursday, 7 May 2020

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 7th May 2020.

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