COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 6th June 2020.

The UK added 1,557 cases today and now has reported a total of 284,868 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 218,187 tests yesterday.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 204 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 40,465 losses of life in all settings.

England 154,680 / 36,127

Northern Ireland 4,790 / 536

Scotland 15,603 / 2,409

Wales 14,356 / 1,393

Rep. Of Ireland 25,183 (+20) cases and 1,678 (+8) losses of life. 

There have now been a total of 6,914,107 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 399,910. Already 3,384,451 people have recovered.

No UK briefings at weekends any more, they're taking the weekend off, and I'm taking tomorrow off too! 

The WHO have updated their advice on facemasks:

1. They advise medical masks for all people working in clinical areas of a health facility, whether they work with COVID-19 patients or not. 

2. In areas where there is community transmission, people over 60, or those with medical condition, should wear a medical mask when physical distancing is not possible. 

3. "In light of evolving evidence, WHO advises that governments should encourage the general public to wear masks where there is widespread transmission, and physical distancing is difficult, such as on public transport, in shops or in other crowded or confined environments. 

4. Based on new evidence, "WHO advises that fabric masks should consist of at least 3 layers of different material. 

There's a reminder: "Masks are not a replacement for physical distancing, hand hygiene and other public health measures. 

Councils have been quick to react to news that the R in the North West seems likely to be around or even above 1. Authorities in Bury, Tameside, Bolton and Wigan are among those advising schools not to reopen to more pupils this week, and other authorities are making decisions in coming days. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 5th June 2020.

The UK added 1,650 cases today and now has reported a total of 283,311 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 207,231 tests yesterday.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 357 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We are now the second country worldwide to have lost over 40,000 people. We now very sadly have a total of 40,261 losses of life, among those who have tested positive in all settings.

England 154,258 / 35,948

Northern Ireland 4,776 / 535

Scotland 15,582 / 2,395

Wales 14,314 / 1,383

Rep. Of Ireland 25,142 cases and 1,664 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 6,767,303 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 395,189. Already 3,297,237 people have recovered.

"Like so many, I am appalled at the death of George Floyd, and I understand why people are deeply upset - but we are still facing a health crisis, and coronavirus remains a real threat. And the reason that it's vital people stick to the rules this weekend, is to protect themselves and their family from this horrific disease. Please, for the safety of your loved ones, do not attend gatherings, including demonstrations, of more than 6 people."

Matt Hancock, UK Health Secretary. 

Today's England briefing was with Matt Hancock on his own. He asked for people who have had confirmed coronavirus to come forward, to donate blood plasma for people who are currently sick with COVID-19. 

Masks are to be worn far more in hospital settings:

Everyone visiting hospital, including outpatients, now has to wear a face covering. 

All hospital staff will have to wear a mask at all times and in all areas, except COVID-secure areas. 

Public asked about zoos. Matt had no idea, but is from Chester, so fingers crossed it causes some chatter, and they at least consider helping them out. 

He says they're using regionally focussed data already, and the flare up in Weston Super Mare seems to have been brought under control. 

Press asked about the Public Health England report (see below) which says the R number may be around 1 in certain areas. He admits the R is high, but says it remains below 1, between 0.7 and 0.9. Local measures will be considered if necessary. 

Public Health England have published estimated R numbers for UK regions. This data was modelled by a team from PHE and statistical modellers at the MRC Biostatistics Unit (BSU), University of Cambridge, and it is what SAGE use to make their own decisions about government advice. We aren't being good enough guys:

East of England 0.94 (range 0.73 - 1.14)

London 0.95 (0.72 - 1.20)

Midlands 0.90 (0.73 - 1.07)

North East and Yorkshire 0.89 (0.75 - 1.04)

North West 1.01 (0.83 - 1.18)

South East 0.97 (0.78 - 1.17)

South West 1.00 (0.77 - 1.29)

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update June 4th 2020.

The UK added 1,805 cases today and now has reported a total of 281,661 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 220,057 tests yesterday. We have now completed or sent out over 5 million tests. 

7,312 people are in hospital, down 15% from this time last week. (The peak was 20,699 on 12th April.)

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 176 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 39,904 losses of life in all settings.

England 153,807 / 35,605

Northern Ireland 4,773 / 534

Scotland 15,553 / 2,386

Wales 14,238 / 1,379

Rep. Of Ireland 25,142 (+31) cases and 1,664 (+5) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 6,638,912 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 389,816. Already 3,204,546 people have recovered.

"We stand on the verge of a new transport revolution. This time not limited to one particular means of travel, but rather to all forms of transport. A green transport revolution which will help us rebuild a stronger, more prosperous Britain, as well as a cleaner and healthier one too." Grant Shapps, UK Transport Minister. 

Today's UK briefing was led by Grant Shapps, Transport Minister and Sir Peter Hendy, Chair of Network Rail.

Grant said as long as conditions are okay, we are reopening further on Monday 15th June, with more children returning to high school and reopening of inessential shops. This will increase demand on transport, you MUST work from home if you can, and avoid public transport whenever possible. If you have to use public transport, please try and avoid peak hours. 

As of Monday 15th June face coverings are mandatory on all public transport in England. It is a condition of travel, you cannot travel without it. 

These shouldn't be surgical masks, they can be simple face coverings, including those made from cloth or a scarf. There are exemptions for very young children, disabled people and those with breathing difficulties. You can be refused travel if you don't comply, and fined if you are awkward about it. Wearing a face covering helps protect others if you are asymptomatic or haven't realised you have COVID-19. Staff will also wear face coverings. Social distancing must still be adhered to whenever possible - face coverings do not make you bombproof! 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 3rd June 2020.

The UK added 1,871 cases today and now has reported a total of 279,856 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 171,829 tests yesterday. 7,485 people are in hospital, down 16% from this time last week. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 359 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 39,728 losses of life in all settings.

England 153,376 / 35,456

Northern Ireland 4,740 / 526

Scotland 15,504 / 2,375

Wales 14,203 / 1,371

Rep. Of Ireland 25,111 (+45) cases and 1,659 (+1) losses of life. 

There have now been a total of 6,513,890 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 384,642. Already 3,100,971 people have recovered.

I forgot to mention yesterday that on 31st May the UK had reported 38,489 losses, and on 1st June we reported another 111 for a total 39,045. This was due to an additional 445 losses being added on separately as they'd been missed earlier. 

Today's UK briefing was with that man who, since February, has had a divorce, a baby and a nasty case of COVID-19 - Boris Johnson. 

He explained that we are seeing cases drop, it is improving, we are moving from a national lockdown to local lockdowns and isolation. If you have symptoms, it's important you order a test immediately and isolate. If a contact tracer tells you to isolate, stay home for 14 days. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update June 2nd 2020.

The UK added 1,613 cases today and now has reported a total of 277,985 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 135,643 tests yesterday. 7,607 people are in hospital, down from 8,811 this time last week. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 324 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 39,369 losses of life in all settings.

England 152,914 / 35,128

Northern Ireland 4,732 / 524

Scotland 15,471 / 2,363

Wales 14,121 / 1,354

Rep. Of Ireland 25,066 (+4) cases and 1,658 (+8) losses of life. 

There have now been a total of 6,427,911 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 379,503. Already 2,943,309 people have recovered.

All 4 of the UK's Chief Medical Officers are believed to have refused to bring the alert level down to 3, which is why the English government ministers keep referring to 'moving towards level 3'. 

It's Tuesday and the Office For National Statistics (ONS) has released more accurate figures for the week ending 22nd May.

Up until 22nd May, a total of 48,106 people have died with COVID-19 mentioned on the death certificate. (The official daily reported numbers only include people with a positive test.)

During that week, the number of people who died from COVID-19 (2,589) was higher than the number of deaths above normal average (2,348). 

Deaths from all causes is expected to be below average for 2020, as COVID-19 is particularly severe among groups who are already very ill or frail.

The ONS also looked at the social impact of COVID-19:

"Across Great Britain, 80% of adults were worried about the effect that the coronavirus (COVID-19) was having on their life; this varied from 76% in the East Midlands and in Scotland, to 87% in the North East. We found those aged 16 to 34 years in the North East were particularly worried."

"About 86% of people in each country and region of Britain said they had felt either stressed, anxious or worried about the future or that their mental health had become worse."

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 1st June 2020.

The UK added 1,570 cases today (lowest number since 25th march) and now has reported a total of 276,332 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 128,437 tests yesterday. 7,541 people are in hospital, down from 8830 this time last week. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 111 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 39,045 losses of life in all settings.

England 152,470 / 34,813

Northern Ireland 4,728 / 523

Scotland 15,418 2,362

Wales 14,054 / 1,347

Rep. Of Ireland 25,062 (+72) cases and 1,652 losses of life. 

There have now been a total of 6,315,908 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 374,955. Already 2,875,258 people have recovered.

Turns out the director of Primary Care for NHS England, Nikita Kanani, wasn't made aware of changes to shielding before the government announced it - her advice is no change, remain shielded.

Thank you to all of the teaching and school support staff in England, who no doubt had a very emotional day today, however many pupils you taught. I hope all of the children and grown ups had a really good start to an excellent week. 

Everyone else, depending where you are, you can meet up with some people who hopefully live less than 5 miles away, to watch live TV horse racing or snooker, or visit an outdoor market, but remember you are still socially distancing from anyone who isn't in your own household. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 31st May 2020.

The UK added 1,936 cases today and now has reported a total of 274,762 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 115,725 tests yesterday. 7,639 people are in hospital, down 15% from this time last week.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 113 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 38,489 losses of life in all settings.

England 152,176 / 34,272

Northern Ireland 4,716 / 522

Scotland 15,400 / 2,353

Wales 13,995 / 1,342

Rep. Of Ireland 24,990 (+61) cases and 1,652 (+1) losses of life. 

There have now been a total of 6,209,364 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 372,067. Already 2,770,322 people have recovered.

"In my opinion the rules are clear and they have always been clear. In my opinion they are for the benefit of all. And in my opinion they apply to all."

Prof Jonathon Van Tam, UK briefing 30/05. 

Luckily very little news yesterday, so it was a good day for a day off. Sadly Boris and Dom didn't take a day trip as far as we know, but Jonathan Van Tam made the above remark, which I'm incredibly relieved about. Our scientific advisors cannot allow fact to be overruled by politics, or we cannot trust them.

The 2.2 million very high risk people who’ve been shielding in England and Wales can go outside from Monday, but you are still shielded and must maintain social distancing and avoid busy places etc. In a bizarre and very sudden UK govt. announcement at 10pm last night, you can now go outside with your own household or meet 1 other person if you live alone. 

(This is against what Public Health England said the day before, and there's no obvious science behind it. I believe it to be a mental health move, which may be temporary, and may also be because they believe restrictions may last for a long time yet. Please continue to be really cautious about social distancing, stay outdoors, get changed when you get home if you have been near anyone else, through gates, sat on a bench etc. Treat everyone else as if they have the plague. Wash your hands.)

Other changes tomorrow, 1st June, vary by country. In England competitive sport, including horse racing. can resume with no spectators. Some children can return to school. Outdoor shops and markets can reopen, and car showrooms. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 29th May 2020.

The UK added 2,095 cases today and now has reported a total of 271,222 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 131,458 tests yesterday.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 324 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 38,161 losses of life in all settings.

England 151,982 / 34,010

Northern Ireland 4,696 / 518

Scotland 15,327 / 2,316

Wales 13,827 / 1,317

Rep. Of Ireland 24,876 (+35) cases and 1,645 (+6) losses of life. 

There have now been a total of 5,970,911 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 364,291. Already 2,629,624 people have recovered.

Today's UK briefing was with Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, and Steve Powys of NHS England.

The furlough scheme will be in place until October. Employers are being asked to contribute towards the wages of their staff. 

In June and July the furlough scheme continues as before. 

In August the taxpayer contribution stays at 80% and employers are asked to pay employer pension contributions and National Insurance. 

In September taxpayers will pay 70% and employers contribute 10%

In October employers 60% and taxpayers pay 20%. 

Then the furlough scheme will close. 

You must be registered by June 10th to benefit from furlough.

Flexible Furlough is being introduced from July 1st. Employers have flexibility for themselves and their staff. You can go back part time while it's quiet, and do more hours later for example. 

Self-employed people who are affected can also apply for another payment of 70% of 3 months average profit, up to £6,570. 

Press said Downing Street admitted this morning that we are still at Alert Level 4, but we are beginning to relax restrictions, which we said we'd do only when we were at Alert Level 3? Are we still 'following the science'? Did we 'press ahead regardless?'. Rishi talked lots and said little. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 28th May 2020.

Better news today, as the UK's weekly losses of life to COVID-19 has fallen below 1,000 for the first time, and London has lost less than 100 people. 

The UK added 1,887 cases today and now has reported a total of 269,127 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 119,587 tests yesterday. 8560 people are in hospital, down 11% from this time last week. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 377 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 37,837 losses of life in all settings.

England 151,422 / 33,710

Northern Ireland 4,679 / 516

Scotland 15,288 / 2,304

Wales 13,725 / 1,307

Rep. Of Ireland 24,803 cases and 1,631 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 5,854,248 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 359,812. Already 2,539,969 people have recovered.

England and Scotland's Test And Trace has launched. The app. has some problems, so isn't yet live, but around 25,000 human contact tracers are now working, to inform people when you've been in contact with someone who has tested positive. This could be in your home, workplace, school or other location. Contact is currently defined as a distance of less than around 2m/8ft for 15 minutes or more.