COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 1st/2nd July 2020.

"Every person needs to look at your own risk. You need to be aware of what is the local transmission, you need to know 'what the transmission in my area is'. We do this every day of our lives as human beings. We manage risk, we decide when we cross the road, we decide when we fly, we decide when we have an operation or not have an operation. 

What we need is the information to make those risk based decisions. We need to gain the knowledge to be able to make good decisions. 

We decide on our proximity to other individuals. We decide on the intensity of our social engagement. We decide how long we spend in that environment. We can be advised by government, we can be advised by science, but in the end this comes down to personal motivation and personal choice. 

But in the end it comes down to individuals and communities. If it doesn't feel safe, it isn't safe for you."

Dr Mike Ryan, World Health Organisation. 

Gavin Williamson's English school reopening plan has been announced, and I for one don't like it. So there. I try and remain impartial when I report, and it's longer than War & Peace, so I'll do my best to lay out just the salient points:

1. All pupils, in all year groups, will return to school full-time from the beginning of the autumn term.

2. Office of National Statistics analysis suggests that staff in educational settings tend not to be at any greater risk from the disease. (But only keyworkers children were in school when that data was collected??)

My boys love sensory sand, and they've really enjoyed playing with So Magic indoor sand toys before, so they were keen to take a look at the So Sand DIY Ball Kit we were sent for review. Suitable for age 6+, it offers a nicely portable and self-contained sensory experience - you can play and then put it all away neatly for next time.

The packaging is lots of blown plastic and I'm never keen. Aside from the fact its unnecessary and ecologically unsound, it takes an age to cut open. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 29/30 June 2020.

The UK added 689 cases today and now has reported a total of 312,654 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 133,467 tests yesterday. On Sunday 28th June we had 3,695 people in hospital. On Friday 26th June, 268 patients were on mechanical ventilation. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 155 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 43,730 losses of life in all settings. (If you include ONS data, that figure is nearer 55,000). 

England 160,587 / 39,187

Northern Ireland 4,880 / 551

Scotland 15,822 / 2,482

Wales 15,743 / 1,510

Rep. Of Ireland 25,462 cases and 1,735 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 10,473,475 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 509,735. Already 5,715,993 people have recovered.

Guess who said it? "I want to end the current injustice that means a pupil from a London state school is now 50% more likely to go to a top university than a pupil from the West Midlands. And that is not only unjust, it is such a waste of human talent."

Today marks exactly 6 months since COVID-19 was first reported to the World Health Organisation as a cause for concern. 

"The six-month anniversary of the outbreak coincides with reaching 10 million COVID19 cases and 500 thousand deaths. This is a moment for all of us to reflect on the progress we have made and the lessons we have learned, and to recommit ourselves to doing everything we can to save lives. 

Six months ago, none of us could have imagined how our world – and our lives – would be thrown into turmoil by this new virus. The COVID19 pandemic has brought out the best and worst of humanity. 

All over the world we have seen heartwarming acts of resilience, inventiveness, solidarity and kindness. But we have also seen concerning signs of stigma, misinformation and the politicization of the COVID19 pandemic." Dr Tedros, Head of the World Health Organisation. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 27/28 June 2020.

The UK added 901 cases today and now has reported a total of 311,151 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 127,709 tests yesterday. 

Latest official figures show 4,657 people are in hospital (this was actually reported on Monday, 22 June). 276 people are using a mechanical ventilator (this was reported on Thursday 25th June). 

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 43,550 losses of life in all settings.

England 160,292 / 39,015

Northern Ireland 4,878 / 549 (Northern Ireland government's official count this teatime is 5,751 / 550.)

Scotland 15,815 / 2,482

Wales 15,602 / 1,504

Rep. Of Ireland 25,437 cases and 1,734 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

In the last five months, over ten million cases of Covid-19 have been officially reported, and over half a million people have died. 

There have now been a total of 10,169,378 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 502,797. Already 5,508,346 people have recovered.

Leicester may be about to face additional restrictions, as cases are rising rapidly, risking hospital capacity. Over 600 of their cases were reported in the 2 week period up to June 16th. 

Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday that the priority had to be driving the virus "as far as we can towards total elimination". Over the last 3 days Scotland has reported no losses of life to Covid. On the BBC Prof Devi Sridhar, of Edinburgh University said they could actually be free of Covid by the end of Summer if they continue on the same trajectory, and according to reports, are advising that visitors from England should have to quarantine on arrival. 

(In case you are reading Nicola, do it!! Protect yourselves. A bloke called Hadrian had an awesome idea to protect England from threats from Scotland...)

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 26th June 2020.

The UK added 1,006 cases today and now has reported a total of 309,360 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 165,665 tests yesterday. 

4,657 people are in hospital, 276 are using a mechanical ventilator. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 186 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 43,414 losses of life in all settings.

Scotland 15,807 / 2,482

England 159,958 / 38,888

Northern Ireland 4,876 / 547

Wales 15,531 / 1,497 

"Due to historical revisions the cumulative total for lab-confirmed UK cases is 374 higher than that obtained by adding today's daily figure to yesterday’s total. Following a de-duplication exercise by Public Health Wales, 2 deaths have been removed from the cumulative total."

(okaaaaay.... I'm not really a big fan of all of the 'historical revisions' happening this week.... )

Rep. Of Ireland 25,405 cases and 1,727 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 9,796,064 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 493,870. Already 5,299,429 people have recovered.

By this morning's data, Scotland has had no new admissions to hospital with COVID in 10 days. (Run, close the border, saw off, fly, be free!)

"COVID-19 has gone down due to the efforts of everyone but is still in general circulation.

If we do not follow social distancing guidance then cases will rise again. Naturally people will want to enjoy the sun but we need to do so in a way that is safe for all."

Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer, England, horrified at visions of thousands of people crammed onto Bournemouth beaches. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 25th June 2020.

The UK added 1,118 cases today and now has reported a total of 307,980 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 167,023 tests yesterday. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 149 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have an official confirmed total of 43,230 losses of life in all settings.

England 159,696 / 38,706

Northern Ireland 4,874 / 547

Scotland 15,802 (+5) / 2,480 (+2)

Wales 15,466 (+125) / 1,497 (+6)

Rep. Of Ireland 25,405 (+11) cases and 1,727 (+1) losses of life. 

There have now been a total of 9,623,575 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 487,353. Already 5,229,162 people have recovered.

"PLEASE stay away from crowded places - even outdoor ones. With a virus as infectious as COVID out there (and it is still out there) behaviour like this is highly dangerous and could so quickly send all our progress into reverse - with devastating consequences."

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's First Minister.  

Bournemouth Beaches on the South coast were rammed full of people yesterday, and full of rubbish this morning. It is not only dangerous, it's disgusting. If you are the sort of person who thinks it's fine to leave behind all of your rubbish, or relieve yourself at the side of a beach hut, your parents let you down. The local council have practically begged people not to start visiting until the lockdown officially eases on July 4th, and everything is reopened. (And an update below.)

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 24th June 2020.

The UK added 653 cases today and now has reported a total of 306,862 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 232,086 tests yesterday (we've completed over 8.5m in total). 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 154 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 43,081 officially reported losses of life in all settings.

England 159,435 / 38,568

Northern Ireland 4,873 / 546

Scotland 15,802 / 2,476

Wales 15,341 / 1,491

Rep. Of Ireland 25,396 (+5) cases and 1,726 (+6) losses of life. 

There have now been a total of 9,423,995 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 481,455. Already 5,093,434 people have recovered.

As the UK (England) daily briefings have stopped (we'll miss you Chris Whitty!), I'll have some time off myself from now on.  I'll do a weekend post on Sunday, then Tuesday and Thursday and Friday, as these tend to be the days that have most news. Sadly this means I will have time to actually clean my house - which has been pretty much entirely abandoned since February. 

ONS figures for the whole year to 12th June 2020 for ENGLAND AND WALES ONLY show that:

"Between Weeks 1 and 12, 138,916 deaths were registered which was 4,822 less than the five-year average for these weeks. However, between Weeks 13 and 24, 178,372 deaths were registered which was 59,252 more than the five-year average."

"Looking at the year-to-date (using the most up-to-date data we have available), the number of deaths up to 12 June was 317,260 which is 54,402 more than the five-year average. Of the deaths registered by 12 June 2020, 48,538 mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate; 15.3% of all deaths in England and Wales."

At PMQ's today, Keir Starmer was accused of using misleading coronavirus figures by Boris Johnson. Unfortunately for him they were from one of yesterday's UK briefing slides. Oops. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 23rd June 2020.

The UK added 874 cases today and now has reported a total of 306,210 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 237,142 tests yesterday. We have 340 people who are on a mechanical ventilator. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 171 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 42,927 losses of life in all settings.

England 159,328 / 38,427

Northern Ireland 4,871 / 545

Scotland 15,794 / 2,472

Wales 15,295 / 1,483

Rep. Of Ireland 25,391 (+10) cases and 1,720 (+3) losses of life. 

There have now been a total of 9,268,399 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 476,372. Already 4,992,150 people have recovered.

"We have to live alongside this virus for the forseeable future, and find a way... No decision is going to be risk-free. It's about finding a balance of risks that allows us to operate in a reasonably normal way for a prolonged period."

Chris 'he never blinks' Whitty, CMO England.

In parliament this afternoon Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a big change to ENGLAND FROM 4th JULY which is mostly due to pressure from business and has absolutely nothing to do with science. 

Wherever the 2m physical distancing rule is not possible, 1m should be observed WITH other measures. This is the 1m+ plus rule apparently and it ONLY APPLIES TO ENGLAND. Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland have already said they're sticking with 2m. (The government's advisory SAGE group study found 2m was 2 - 10 times safer than 1m.) 

In addition, in England FROM 4th July people from 2 different households can meet in any location, including indoors and even overnight, but should observe 1m physical distancing. This does mean parents can have childcare from friends and family. (It doesn't include shielded people, who will receive personalised advice from their doctor, and should observe the rules given yesterday.) 

FROM 4th JULY in ENGLAND the following can reopen, as long as social distancing and hygiene policies are observed:

1. Pubs, cafes, restaurants and bars. (You will have to give your name to the staff in case contact tracing is later necessary.)

2. Cinemas, museums and galleries.

3. Hair salons and barbers (Eh? What? How is a hairdresser going to manage 1m distance? Erm well - they have to use PPE instead - a visor for example)

4. Libraries and community centres, and places of worship (which are already open for private prayer).

5. Hotels, B&B's, holiday homes and campsites

6. Outdoor playgrounds and gyms. 

7. Funfairs, theme parks and amusement arcades. 

8. Weddings with fewer than 30 guests. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 22nd June 2020.

The UK added 958 cases today and now has reported a total of 305,289 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 139,659 tests yesterday. 4,869 people are in hospital, down from 5,512 this time last week. 330 people are using a mechanical ventilator, down from 395 on 12th June (12th June? Random. MV use = 19th June 354 / 18th June 360 / 17th June 379 16th June 385. It is going down.)

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 15 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 42,647 losses of life in all settings.

England 159,118 / 38,152

Northern Ireland 4,871 / 545

Scotland 15,784 / 2,472

Wales 15,197 / 1,478

Rep. Of Ireland 25,379 (+5) cases and 1,715 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 9,110,119 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 471,762. Already over 4,879,564 people have recovered. (Several countries, including The UK, Spain, The Netherlands and Sweden, do not report a 'recovered' figure.)

Today's UK briefing was with Matt (I'm your Prime Minister now) Hancock and Jenny Harries, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, who was wearing a perfect green frock for a Christmas tree dress up.

Today's reported numbers are very low. We have under 1,000 reported cases for the first time since the peak. We have the lowest loss of life since 15th March. This is partly artificial because weekend reporting is hit and miss, but nonetheless shows really encouraging signs that our measures are working to reduce cases. 

Around 1 in every 1,700 people in the UK has COVID. Therefore they feel that the time has come and tomorrow Boris will announce the next steps in reopening. (He was actually always going to do that. I don't know why they bother to pretend.)

The following only applies to SHIELDED PEOPLE in ENGLAND. 

From July 6th the 2.2m shielded people in England can meet up to 5 others outdoors, including from outside their household, observing social distancing. If you live alone or are a lone parent, you can also form a support bubble with another household, including staying overnight.

Shielding will pause from August 1st. You will be able to go to the shops or places of worship. You can return to work if you are unable to work from home, provided it is 'COVID-safe'. (SSP for employees staying home shielding will end.)

PLEASE still follow all guidelines - wash hands, observe distancing etc. Your risk of catching COVID is lower, but it still exists. 

We have learnt a lot about COVID, so if shielding is put back into place, your doctor and yourself can better understand your risk and put in place personalised advice. 

Children are not immune, but are very rarely severely affected. Admission to hospital is incredibly low, and only 36 children have been admitted to intensive care in the UK in total. Very few children will need to continue to shield. Your doctor will be in touch over the next few weeks. Most children will be able to return to school in September (as long as the plan carries on working). 

Food boxes or medicine deliveries will continue until the end of July. Support from NHS volunteer responders and mental health services will continue beyond that, and most major supermarkets will also give you priority deliveries ongoing. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News weekend update 20/21 June 2020.

The UK added 1,221 cases today and now has reported a total of 304,331 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 175,018 tests yesterday. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 43 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 42,632 losses of life in all settings.

England 158,940 / 38,138

Northern Ireland 4,870 / 545

Scotland 15,774 / 2,472

Wales 15,126 / 1,477

Rep. Of Ireland 25,379 (+5) cases and 1,715 (+0) losses of life. 

There have now been a total of 8,990,530 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 468,328. Already 4,782,577 people have recovered.

Northern Ireland reported no new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, for the first time since the epidemic began. It is a weekend, and some areas don't report at weekends, but an encouraging sign nonetheless. 

If you go into your phone settings and select Google /Apple Services, you'll find you already have the background technology for a COVID contact tracing app. on your phone. This is like having a telly with no buttons, and the UK (or your own) government health authority have to set up the front end - the control panel. 

In BBC telly interviews this weekend, Matt Hancock (UK face of COVID) implied he was very soon going to reduce the 2m physical distancing rule (as long as other measures are in place) and Boris Johnson (the blonde one) reasserted that venues (including pubs and restaurants) will not open until July 4th at the earliest. 

The world reported a record high of 180,874 new confirmed cases last Friday - June 19th.