How are you getting on? How is your mental health? Some of us have got into a routine and it's working okay, but for a lot of people the day-to-day is not getting any easier. It's Mental Health Awareness Week coming up, and the theme is Kindness. If we can all just reach out to one other person, it'll spread a warm glow around the UK. 

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.

Image from the Royal College Of Nurses

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.

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.


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?).

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...