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.
