COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 6th/7th July 2020.

The UK added 581 cases today and now has reported a total of 286,349 confirmed cases of COVID-19. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we reported the loss of another 155 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 44,391 losses of life in all settings. ONS figures including suspected cases total over 55,000 people succumbed in the UK. 

England 246,386 / 39,815

Northern Ireland 5,761 / 554

Scotland 18,302 / 2,488

Wales 15,900 / 1.534

Rep. Of Ireland 25,531 cases and 1,741 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 11,818,570 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 542,818. Already 6,796,453 people have recovered.

The ONS (Office for National Statistics) figures for England and Wales today show that for the 2nd week running, the total number of deaths was lower than the 5 year average. It was lower in hospitals and care homes, but still more people died at home than usual. GO TO HOSPITAL if you are unwell. 

Edit to blog 6 / 7 The ONS have also published some detailed data on the random swab testing (do I have it right now?) that has been completed so far among people living in the community:
"Over the whole study period, an estimated 0.32% (95% confidence interval: 0.26% to 0.38%) of the 36,061 people providing swab test results have ever tested positive for COVID-19

"There is no evidence of differences in COVID-19 infection rates over the study period by sex and age bands, and only limited evidence of differences by ethnic groups."

They say they can't have confidence because their sample size is too small and started in April, when it was centred more towards urban and less affluent areas, but their figures show around twice as many people from BAME groups test positive for antibodies than white, and we are reminded:

"Recent analysis of COVID-19 related deaths shows that the mortality rate for those of White ethnic background was generally lower than for other ethnic groups. In particular, the rate of deaths involving COVID-19 for Black males was 3.3 times greater than that for White males of the same age, while the rate for Black females was 2.4 times greater than for White females."

Boris has pledged £1.57b to the UK's arts. Theatres, music, dance, heritage, museums, galleries - they often run on a shoestring anyway, not being able to open to patrons has meant they can't earn, and for many there's no real end yet in sight. Our lives would be so much less rich without beauty. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 4th/5th July 2020.

Local UK testing data is now much more comprehensive (someone has bought a calculator apparently), and as a result, lots of duplicate cases have been taken off the total. Thousands of other cases have been correctly added to their own region - as a result the total is lower, but regional figures are higher. By regional, I mostly mean 'England'. 

The UK added 516 cases today and now has reported a new total of 285,416 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 205,673 tests yesterday. 2,838 people are in hospital, 231 on a ventilator.. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 22 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 44,220 losses of life in all settings.

England 245,483 / 39,647

Northern Ireland 5,747 / 554

Scotland 18,296 / 2,488

Wales 15,890 / 1,531

Rep. Of Ireland 25,527 (+18) cases and 1,741 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 11,466,228 officially reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 535,028. Already 6,487,946 people have recovered.

"We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States!"

Kanye "2020 crazy is now at level 48/10" West. 

Pubs and bars reopened in England yesterday, and judging by the news reports and the videos, anyone watching would assume we were just leaving 3 years of temperance. No we weren't. Alcohol sales have never been prohibited in England, and we haven't had a shortage. People really were just that desperate to go out and see their mates. Social distancing was, as anticipated,  appalling in some busy places, but reports are that most people behaved sensibly. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) haven't been able to find any benefit from using hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir with hospitalised patients, so there's no point carrying on with those trials - especially when we know we definitely can get improved results from Dexamethasone and Remdesivir. 

"These interim trial results show that hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir produce little or no reduction in the mortality of hospitalized COVID-19 patients when compared to standard of care. Solidarity trial investigators will interrupt the trials with immediate effect."

According to NBC News, the USA public message is going to change from next week, stressing the potential longevity of the pandemic, but giving a really negative message that I'm pretty sure will make many world leaders despair, "We need to live with it". 

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

The UK added 544 cases today and now has reported a total of 284,276 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 205,673 tests yesterday.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 137 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 44,131 losses of life in all settings.

England 244,412 / 39,567

Northern Ireland 5,747 / 552

Scotland 18,276 / 2,487

Wales 15,841 / 1,525

Rep. Of Ireland 25,489 cases and 1,738 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 11,080,565 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 526,250. Already 6,206,650 people have recovered.

Boris Johnson's spokesman: "The reopening of pubs and bars specifically comes into force at 6am. That would just be in the event anybody would attempt to try to open at midnight."

Lots of English stuff reopens tomorrow - including some pubs from 6am for breakfast. Then you'll be able to go and get your hair done, browse round the shops, pick a book from the library, grab some tea and finish off with a pint in a pub, before retiring to your hotel or campsite tent. Last year that would have sounded almost normal. PLEASE be cautious. COVID is still out there, and recklessness could make you poorly. If enough people aren't careful enough, we will have a second wave in August.... and we've only just opened the beaches... 

Seems the English government have realised it wasn't sensible to impose a quarantine on everyone arriving in England, especially from countries with COVID well under control. Grant Shapps has announced a traffic light system for overseas arrivals. Currently 59 countries will be exempt from quarantine from 10th July. 

"You do not have to self-isolate on arrival in England if these are the only places you have been to or stopped in during the previous 14 days." (Full list at the bottom of the post).

Obviously just because we don't have a quarantine doesn't mean they won't. Many arrangements will be one-way until both countries concerned have a very low level of Covid-19, and of course are subject to change at short notice. 

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.