COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 13th /14th June 2020.

The UK added 1,514 cases today and now has reported a total of 295,889 positive cases of COVID-19. It's only around 100 cases less than last week, which isn't as quick of a fall as you'd hope really - however it is still a drop. 

We completed 144,865 tests yesterday and in total we've reported completing 6,772,602 tests. The only countries that have tested more are the USA, Russia and China. Not testing enough at the start inevitably leads to more cases overall, and far more testing overall. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 36 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 41,698 losses of life in all settings, with a positive test result before the person succumbs. .

England 157,074 / 37,266

Northern Ireland 4,848 / 541

Scotland 15,755 / 2,447

Wales 14,742 / 1,444

Rep. Of Ireland 25,303 (+8) cases and 1,706 (+1) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 7,929,659 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 433,602. Already 4,076,120 people have recovered.

There has been a lot of speculation about the possibility of different strains of Covid-19 with slightly different features. A not yet peer reviewed study has found that in lab experiments, a specific coronavirus mutation allows it to infect more cells. If this variant causes greater infectivity in people, it could explain differences in severity of outbreaks.

The patient who has spent the longest time recovering in a US hospital, 70 year old Michael Flor, has had his bill. He spent 62 days in hospital, and the fee is a whopping $1,122,501.04. He is insured, but crikey it makes you appreciate the NHS, and just how expensive private healthcare is. 

A team from University of Manchester are investigating the effects of COVID-19 on hearing. Many diseases can cause hearing loss, and the team have identified 5 patients so far who have reported hearing problems, as well as having anecdotal evidence from COVID-19 doctors. It's unknown as to whether this is something we just haven't spotted yet (as it's not 'urgent' care) and more people will come forward over time, or if it's just random and coincidental. 

We've worked with Learning Resources a few times now, and a couple of weeks ago they sent us the GeoSafari Vega 360 Telescope to review. This is a very portable refractor telescope with a tripod stand, and magnifications of up to 20x 40x and 80x. Ideal for stargazing, bird-watching and just looking at the distant horizon... 

Inside the box everything is really neatly packaged, with minimal plastic. It's a really sturdy set of boxes and great for storage or transportation. 

There is some simple assembly required, which my 10 and 11 year old boys managed between them (after putting the telescope on backwards at first). 

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

The UK added 1,541 cases today and now has reported a total of 292,950 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 193,253 tests yesterday.

The number of people in hospital is down to 5,607 (from 7,036 this time last week). The number of people on a ventilator is down to 392 (from 571 this time last week). 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 202 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 41,481 losses of life in all settings.

England 156,410 / 37,069

Northern Ireland 4,838 / 538

Scotland 15,709 / 2,439

Wales 14,658 / 1,435

Rep. Of Ireland 25,250 (+13) cases and 1,705 (+3) losses of life. 

There have now been a total of 7,668,683 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 425,803. Already 3,884,232 people have recovered.

Figures today released by the official SAGE indicate the R value is likely to be 1 or over in the South West of England. Over the whole UK, the figure remains somewhere between 0.7-0.9, but in England alone it's between 0.8-1.0. 

When the reproductive rate is 1, it means 1 case passes to 1 more person, passes to 1 more person etc and COVID-19 would continue forever with the same number of cases at any time.

Over 1 and it means some people are managing to infect more than 1 other person, so numbers are going up. The higher the number, the more quickly this is happening, and the more cause for alarm.

Under 1 and cases will be going down - the further below 1, the more quickly this is happening. 

Regional coronavirus R numbers are:

SW 0.8 - 1.1

London 0.8 - 1.0

Midlands 0.8 - 1.0

NW 0.8 - 1.0

SE 0.8 - 1.0

NE & Yorks 0.7 - 1.0

EofE 0.7 - 0.9

The number of cases of COVID is still the most important factor to look at, and remember, the less cases you have, the less reliable the R number is as a guide. If Northern Ireland had 50 new cases one week and only 25 the next, their R would be 0.5, but that's not an entirely realistic picture, because there's too much random chance involved. If England had 10,000 cases one week and 5,000 the next, it's still an R of 0.5, but a much clearer improvement. 

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

The UK added 1,266 cases today and now has reported a total of 291,409 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 197,007 tests yesterday. 440 people are in hospital on a ventilator, down from 604 at the same time last week. (That's a more reassuring set of figures than yesterday's!). 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 151 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 41,279 losses of life in all settings.

England 156,018 / 36,883

Northern Ireland 4,822 / 537

Scotland 15,682 / 2,434

Wales 14,581 / 1,425

Rep. Of Ireland 25,238 (+7) cases and 1,703 (+8) losses of life. Those are harsh figures today. 

There have now been a total of 7,536,419 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 421,244. Already 3,819,891 people have recovered.

Today's UK briefing was with Matt Hancock, who reminded us not to hold protests with more than 5 other people, and maintain social distancing. 

He also told us about Test and Trace:

"Participation with the NHS Test and Trace is your civic duty." 

....along with Baroness Dido Harding - who is in charge of the whole Test and Trace shebang, and not a singer who once worked with Eminem.

From 28th May to 3rd June:

8,117 people who tested positive were referred to Test and Trace. (People in care homes, who work in hospital, or are relatives who catch it together etc. obviously don't always need to be referred). 

5,407 (67%) were able to be contacted and asked to provide contacts. 

31,794 recent contacts were identified. 

26,985 of those contacts were able to be contacted and agreed to self-isolate. 85%. Nice one. 

The only way this works is if we all work together. 4,807 didn't confirm they'd self-isolate. Some were not able to be contacted, some just didn't make it clear, but a minority don't want to self-isolate. We need to address the reasons why, and how we can make it possible for people. If they keep going out, we'll never get rid of this thing. 

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

The UK added 1,003 cases today and now has reported a total of 290,143 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 170,379 tests yesterday.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 245 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 41,128 losses of life in all settings.

England 155,714 / 36,750

Northern Ireland 4,818 / 537

Scotland 15,665 / 2,422

Wales 14,518 / 1,419

Rep. Of Ireland 25,231 cases and 1,696 losses of life. 

There have now been a total of 7,389,282 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 415,819. Already 3,643,469 people have recovered.

"The idea that there is some option that's completely safe and it's all fine is clearly not true, and I don't believe that anyone listening to (reading) this thinks that's an option..." 

"...There are no risk free options available to us."

Chris Whitty. 

Today scientists worldwide take a break for #blacklivesmatter and #shutdownSTEM, to reflect and take action on systemic inequalities in science. In support I've not included any scientific studies in today's report. (Unless you count economics as a social science.)

When Balmonds got in touch about their Intensive Hand Cream, I recognised them immediately. They used to be called Skin Salvation and have rebranded with the name of founder Natalie Balmond, who created the product for her daughter. 

My partner has had eczema on his leg since he was a child, and one of the few things he's ever found that helps is Balmonds' Skin Salvation ointment. Luckily it hasn't changed with the re-brand - even better, they've expanded their 100% natural, no sting range - and they've sent me 3 products to test - Skin Salvation Intensive Ointment, Rosehip Scar Oil and Intensive Hand Cream.

The Skin Salvation Intensive Ointment is in a 30ml tub and admittedly it isn't the prettiest colour (because of those natural ingredients - olive oil, beeswax, hemp, olive & safflower oils; plus herbal tinctures of chamomile, calendula, nettle and chickweed), but it's brilliant stuff. It moisturises really very well - and you only need a smear, so it lasts for ages. 

The ointment is suitable for sensitive skin and eczema, and any of those dry patches of skin which need a gentle touch. It's a tiny jar, ideal for a pocket or the bottom of your handbag - or in my partner's case, your bedside drawer. 

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

The UK added 1,387 cases today and now has reported a total of 289,140 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 102,930 tests yesterday. 6,348 people are in hospital, down 17% from this time last week, when it was 7,622. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 286 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 40,883 losses of life in all settings.

England 155,651 / 36,521

Northern Ireland 4,805 / 537

Scotland 15,653 / 2,415

Wales 14,480 / 1,410

Rep. Of Ireland 25,207 cases and 1,683 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 7,250,105 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 410,137. Already 3,567,503 people have recovered.

The Office for National Statistics have released latest figures for England and Wales for the year up until 29th May:

"Between Weeks 1 and 12, 138,916 deaths were registered, which was 4,822 fewer than the five-year average for these weeks. However, between Weeks 13 and 22, 157,687 deaths were registered, which was 57,961 more than the five-year average. Week 22 showed a continuation of the decreasing trend in excess deaths (both involving COVID-19 and involving other causes)."

"In England, including deaths that occurred up to 29 May but were registered up to 6 June, of those we have processed so far, the number involving COVID-19 was 44,110; the comparative number of death notifications reported by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on GOV.UK was 34,636."

Non-essential retail outlets in England will be able to open their doors from 15th June. Physical distancing must be adhered to. Naturally, all businesses have to display a notice saying they've read the guidance, because the UK think we have to have signs for everything and then it's fine. 

Guidance for all businesses such as nail bars and hairdressers will be published by 4th July at the latest, but we can't yet say exactly when they'll open. It is all currently looking pretty positive though. 

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

The UK added 1,205 cases today and now has reported a total of 287,399 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 138,183 tests yesterday. 6,403 people are in hospital, down from 7,543 this time last week. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 55 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. That is a very low figure and affected by weekend reporting, but even so, very positive and the lowest since before we locked down. We do now very sadly have a total of 40,597 losses of life in all settings.

England 155,000 / 36,244

Northern Ireland 4,802 / 537

Scotland 15,639 / 2,415

Wales 14,438 / 1,401

Rep. Of Ireland 25,207 (+9) cases and 1,683 (+4) losses of life.

There have now been over 7 million cases reported worldwide - 7,146,119.

The number of people who have lost their lives to COVID-19 is over 400,000 - 407,408

Much more positively, already over 3.5 million  people have recovered - 3,485,693

"Although the situation in Europe is improving, globally it is worsening. More than 100,000 COVID19 cases have been reported on 9 of the past 10 days. Yesterday, more than 136,000 cases were reported, the most in a single day so far. Almost 75% of yesterday’s cases come from 10 countries, mostly in the Americas and South Asia.

Most countries in the African region are still experiencing an increase in the number of COVID19 cases, with some reporting cases in new geographic areas, although most countries in the region have less than 1000 cases. We also see increasing numbers of COVID19 cases in parts of Eastern Europe and central Asia.

At the same time, we’re encouraged that several countries around the world are seeing very positive signs. In these countries, the biggest threat now is complacency."

Dr Tedros, Head of the World Health Organisation. 

Scotland have asked people who are shielding to stay home until at least 31st July, and hope to be able to enter Phase 2 of lifting restrictions on 18th June. 

Both Scotland and Northern Ireland have reported no new losses of life to COVID-19 in 2 days. (It is a weekend, but even so, this is an incredibly hopeful sign). 

England are apparently reopening pub gardens on 22nd June. 

If I was Nicola Sturgeon, I'd be out there at the border with a saw. Or a fence. Anything. Even just a sign that says "Closed. You wouldn't like it anyway, it doesn't look like the photos and it's full of midges". 

Today's England briefing was with our de facto Prime Minister Matt Hancock, and David Pearson, Chair of National COVID-19 Social Care Support Taskforce. 

The slides are really encouraging, showing clear reductions in all areas of the UK. Matt assured us that the latest data from SAGE shows the R number is below 1 in all areas. There were no reported losses of life in London yesterday too. 

The number of people dying in care homes has fallen by 79% from it's peak week ending 24th April. In total 12,739 residents have lost their lives. 29.1% of all UK COVID_19 deaths. 

Going forward we have a new plan to ensure care homes have the equipment, training and resources they need. Not just during restrictions, but afterwards. 

All elderly care home residents and staff in England have now been tested, and all remaining adult care homes can now request tests for staff and residents. 

Press asked why we have a 2 metre rule when other countries have 1 metre. Matt didn't have an answer. Healthy adult breath can travel around 6ft, coughs and sneezes 8ft - breezes affect this, as does humidity and whether you are moving etc. Personally I've never really understood why any country would go for 1 metre, except that it makes it possible to pass in corridors and on pavements, whereas 2 metres makes that very hard. 

We were sent a free screening link in order to review Sonic The Hedgehog for Paramount Home Entertainment ahead of it's release today on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD.

This is very much a family movie, which has a little nostalgia, plenty of action and even a little mild, comedy peril. Throughout the post are activity sheets which you can click on to save and print off! 

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.