COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 25th / 26th November 2020.

The UK added 17,555 cases today and now has reported a total of 1,574,562 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 356,026 tests yesterday. 

16,341 people were in hospital on Tuesday 24th, with 1,480 using a ventilator yesterday, Wednesday 25th November. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 498 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days. We now very sadly have a total of 57,031 officially reported losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 71,187 cases and 2,003 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 61,120,943 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 1,433,826. Already 42,291,588 people have recovered.

England Briefing today with Boris, UK Prime Minister, Prof Chris Whitty, UK Staring Contest Winner 2020, and Sir Patrick Vallance, inventor of the flouncy bit round your bedsheet. 

"We now have reason to hope that by Spring, community testing and vaccinations will combine to end this era of restrictions, but to get there we need to navigate a hard Winter."

If we loosen off now, we risk losing control of the virus and wasting all of our hard work. Italy has a nightly curfew, Germany and France have measures in place until next year too. We aren't on our own. 

Boris then went through some of the information on the new Tier System for England. He says the measures are tough, and he's "sorry about that". 

He admits the previous Tiers couldn't help areas lower infections. They weren't tough enough. 

Liverpool shows what can be achieved with mass testing. Together with the national restrictions, cases have dropped by 2/3. Liverpool City and Warrington on December 2nd are now moving to Tier 2. 

Tier 3 areas will be offered mass testing to try and drive down infection rates rapidly. At least 1 in 3 people with COVID has no visible symptoms whatsoever, only by mass testing (and contact testing, we could try that Boris) can we find them. 

'It may be possible, with negative tests, for people to be released from some local restrictions' (Hmmmm. No further details on that one yet.)

The allocation of Tiers will be reviewed every 14 days, starting on 16th December.

The estimated no. of positives from ONS infection survey shows a clear curve and it's heading downwards. (Whoot!) Except in Scotland - where it's going up! (What the heck Scotland?) Hospitalisations are levelling off. Sadly losses of life will take around 2 more weeks to show an impact. 

Patrick with the slides explains and shows how old Tier 1 restrictions did nothing, old Tier 2 slowed infections really slightly, but they were still going up fast. The overall effect of the national restrictions does seem to have 'turned a corner' where cases are concerned. 

Chris has an animated slide, which sounds great, but it's risky pausing it at the right moment live on Telly. It shows rates of COVID cases are going down almost universally in England (except Kent really. Kent is having a bad time right now). Chris warns that going into Winter, "almost certainly places that go into Tier 1 will rise", which is not the best outcome to aim for. I know it keeps things open, but sheesh guys. (Jacinda would never stand for this sort of talk.)

Only the Isle of Wight. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are Tier 1 (sorry about your future move to Tier 2). I'll add a link below to the gov page with all English Local Authority Tiers, but I'm guessing by now you know your own.

If cases are high or rising, you'll be more likely to be in Tier 3. 

The aim says Chris is to "keep the R below 1". He's clearly bricking it about Winter. 

Press asked why when the 'lockdown' ends, many areas will change over to restrictions that are harder than before lockdown. Boris, Chris and Pat all made it clear that we have to be hard through December, or Winter (and Christmas) will break us. We are used to Summer with this virus - Winter is a bit of an unknown, and don't forget flu will still exist. We can see across Europe that it's looking harder to bring case rates down already.

Chris and Pat talked about being sensible over Christmas - open the windows, go outside in you can, take a walk, wash your hands etc. Chris actually said "If you want people to be alive to be hugged again." Blunt, but it is something you really have to take seriously. 

For some people this Christmas it will always be worth the risk, but for the vast majority, it may not. I know if my partner's parents turned up, I'd post them a warmed mince pie out through the letterbox and talk to them through the window, and that would be their limit. We'll have them round to stay next year. 

Choosing gifts when your child enters that 'in between' stage can feel like you are entering the wilderness. They don't play with toys very much, but they aren't necessarily ready for gig tickets, make up and alcohol. We've been there 7 times now, and actually there are tons of things that have been universally enjoyed here, so there must be at least a couple of other kids out there who would enjoy them too... 

It doesn't matter who you are, the sky is vast and full of possibility, and the stars are hypnotic. Wishes waiting to fall. We were sent a couple of great examples this year for review, and they're incredibly different. 

The GeoSafari Vega 360 Telescope (Age 8+) from Learning Resources just needs the large parts screwing together and you are good to go. We spent a long time examining the moon with this, and the owl in our tree! 

A Paper or Card Construction Craft Kit

If you are a bit more interested in how things work, and yours is the type of child who takes things to pieces, or gets joy from making something themselves, then we also reviewed the Build Your Own Telescope Kit (age 8+). They have several different models available, including a fantastic marble run. 

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 23 / 24 November 2020.

The UK added 11,299 cases today (a good drop, but testing was a little low. Still looks very hopeful) and now has reported a total of 1,538,794 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 212,533 tests yesterday. 

16,158 people were in hospital on Sunday 22nd, with 1,487 using a ventilator yesterday, 23rd November. 

 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 608 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days. We now very sadly have a total of 55,838 officially reported losses of life in all settings.

Up until Friday 13th November, 66,713 people had COVID written on their death certificate. 

Rep. Of Ireland 70,930 (+219) cases and 2,028 (+6) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 59,846,963 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 1,408,656. Already 41,389,630 people have recovered.

Michael Gove has confirmed that the 4 UK nations have reached an agreement over Christmas, and up to 3 households will be able to come together indoors over a 5 day Christmas period 23-27 December (there is a 1 day extension either end for people travelling between the mainland UK and Northern Ireland)  

Russia had good vaccine news today from their Sputnik V vaccine study, although it doesn't seem quite as robust as some of the other vaccine data. They have released their findings with just 39 infections during the trial. (Most seem to be hoping for around 100 or more.) Bizarrely for the worldwide press conference, one of the developers was sat in the back of a car with the camera pointing up his nose. It makes Boris' cupboard press conference yesterday seem very well-organised. 

Russian figures are:

Placebo group 4,699 people/ 31 infections. 

Vaccine group 14,095 people / 8 infections. 

That actually works out at an excellent 91.4% efficacy - slightly higher than the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, and slightly lower than BioNTech or Moderna, but all flipping marvellous. 

Sputnik V costs less than $10 a dose, can be stored at 2-8 degrees C in a fridge and up to 500m doses will be available for international use next year. 

(See yesterday's post for more about the other vaccines). 

UK Coronavirus Briefing 23 /11 /20

We had a UK briefing today with remote Bozza-in-an-understairs cupboard, in-person Chris 'Tintin' Whitty, and in-person Andrew Pollard, the director of the Oxford Vaccine Group. 

I spent ages typing up the excellent vaccine trial results ready for tomorrow, but stuff that, I've put them at the bottom. Depending on how much you know, you might want to read that bit first, or last (or just skim it, no-one will know). 

Boris started by saying how great the AstraZeneca / Oxford vaccine news is. We have 100m doses on order. He reminds us that even if all 3 leading vaccines are given authorisation, it'll still be months before everyone gets a jab, and it'll be Winter - virus love Winter. We can't stop restrictive measures now. We have to keep going. 

The new tiers will be tough, because we can't let this beat us after Christmas. He warns a lot of people will find ourselves under harsher restrictions than before lockdown. 

Community mass testing will expand (over 40 local authorities have signed up). We are urged to make use of it.

"This is not the time to let the virus rip for the sake of Christmas parties. Tis the season to be jolly, but it's also the season to be jolly careful, especially with elderly relatives."

"Christmas this year will be different, and we want to remain prudent through Christmas and into the new year." 

Over the next few months we'll employ tiering, testing and the rollout of vaccines to drive down the infection rate. Things should look different by Easter. 

The challenge this Winter is "to fight down any over-optimism", keep washing your hands, don't get complacent. 

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News weekend update 21 /22 November 2020.

The UK added 18,662 cases today and now has reported a total of 1,512,045 positive cases of COVID-19. 

16,390 people were in hospital on Thursday 19th, with 1,421 using a ventilator on Friday 20th November. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 398 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days. We now very sadly have a total of 55,024 officially reported losses of life in all settings.

Up until Friday 6th November, 63,873 people have had COVID written on their death certificate. 

Rep. Of Ireland 70,143 cases and 2,022 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 58,779,998 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 1,391,046. Already 40,664,880 people have recovered.

About 6 or 7 years ago, back in Spring 2020, the UK announced that AstraZeneca was working on an antibody cocktail for people who can't be vaccinated. On Saturday the UK became the first country to start phase 3, mass human trials of the 'experimental long-acting monoclonal antibody combination drug'. It's hoped this can offer up to a year's protection for many of the people who, for no fault of their own, have lowered immunity, are very ill, very vulnerable. The people we need to protect the most. The UK has ordered 1m doses. 

Bizarrely the UK removed 150 people from the losses of life yesterday, so they reported an artificially low +341. They regularly remove or add after the fact, often without explanation, and sometimes they re-add numbers removed a few days earlier. I'd say it was to give a certain effect depending on whether they want to tell us to be careful, or get out there and spend money, but it doesn't always match up. 

It seems likely there'll be a press conference tomorrow and Boris will announce a tighter 3 Tier System for when we come out of lockdown, and then we'll find out which tiers we are in on Thursday. Dates for your diary there. 

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 20th November 2020.

The UK added 20,252 cases today and now has reported a total of 1,473,508 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 395,436 tests yesterday. 

16,444 people were in hospital on Wednesday 18th, with 1,426 using a ventilator yesterday, 19th November. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 511 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days. We now very sadly have a total of 54,286 officially reported losses of life in all settings.

Country / Cases / Losses of life with COVID on the Death Certificate. 

England 1,267,276 / 54,873

Northern Ireland 49,085 / 1,105

Scotland 86,630 / 4,855

Wales 70,517 / 3,040

Rep. Of Ireland 69,802 (+329) cases and 2,018 (+8) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 57,644,523 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 1,372,340. Already 39,970,534 people have recovered.

Travel corridor update: Bonaire / St Eustatius / Saba, Israel, Jerusalem, Namibia, Northern Mariana Islands, Rwanda, Sri Lanka and Uruguay and the US Virgin Islands will be added to exempt lists (usually do not need to quarantine) for England, Northern Ireland and Wales at 4am, Saturday 21 November.

The Scottish tier changes took place at 6pm tonight. East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian will move Tier 4. Inessential hospitality, retail, leisure etc. will be closed. Extra restrictions on gathering also apply. Check gov dot scot for more details. 

Northern Ireland will be having a circuit-breaker lockdown from 27 November to 11th December. Inessential retail, hospitality and leisure etc will close. Extra restrictions on gatherings will apply. Check nidirect dot gov for more details. 

This week's COVID19 surveillance report from Public Health England (PHE) showed that case rates have fallen amongst 20-69 year olds, but have increased in those aged over 70. They are rising pretty rapidly in the 10-19 age group too. 

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 18 /19 November 2020.

The UK added 22,195 cases today and now has reported a total of 1,453,256 positive cases of COVID-19. 

16,409 people were in hospital on Tuesday 17th, with 1,430 using a ventilator yesterday, 18th November. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 501 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days. We now very sadly have a total of 53,755 officially reported losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 69,473 (+415) cases and 2,010 (+4) losses of life. 

There have now been a total of 56,915,293 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 1,360,685. Already 39,587,201 people have recovered.

I now have both of my younger children (from 2 different schools) self-isolating because classmates have had positive tests. Reportedly (admittedly by my pre-teen boy child) at least 1 child was sent home yesterday because a family member had symptoms and a positive test result. IF ANYONE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD HAS SYMPTOMS, YOU ALL STAY HOME. IT'S THE RULES. It's also how we actually stop this thing... 

There was a UK Coronavirus Data Briefing yesterday with Prof Stephen Powis, Medical Director of NHS England, Prof Dame Angela McLean, the Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser and Dr Susan Hopkins, the Medical Advisor to the COVID-19 response. 

- Everyone seems to be behaving really sensibly - or at least they say they are. 98% of people say they wore a face covering outside the home. 

- Cases are still going up in England, it'll take a few more days before the effect of the English lockdown begins to show properly, but the increase in cases is definitely levelling off significantly or dropping everywhere except the North East, South West and South East. 

- Around 1 in every 85 people in England currently has COVID.  

- Daily UK hospital admissions are high, but levelling off in most places, rather than increasing day by day. The total number of people in hospital is still rising. 

-  The ONS reported 63,873 cumulative registered deaths from COVID-19 up to 6 November. This was 14,328 more than the 49,545 deaths within 28

days of a COVID-19 positive test (by date of death) published on the coronavirus dashboard for the same date.

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 16th / 17th November 2020.

Rep. Of Ireland 68,356 cases and 1,984 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 55,677,943 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 1,338,087. Already 38,820,414 people have recovered.

"COVID19 is your challenge. Your time to lead. Invest in health. Invest in health systems. Invest in health and care workers."

HRH Princess Muna al-Hussein of Jordan, in her keynote address to the World Health Assembly last week. 

"NEW: Bad news I’m afraid. Covid hospital admissions in London and NW rising again. Had been tracking down in both regions since start of month."

Alistair McKellen, Editor HSJ.

Darn. 

There was a UK briefing yesterday, and there was quite a bit in it, so I covered that in it's own post yesterday.  

I've got a Christmassy book review today,  Santa Goes On Strike, which has been sent to us from the author Jem Vanston for review. Especially suitable for reading together, this is a rhyming book based on a poem which the author wrote several years ago... 

Santa is beginning to get demoralised. He's fed up of delivering shiny new devices and modern toys that'll just be played with for 10 minutes and thrown into a corner. He is sad that we don't seem to realise our loved ones are the most important thing about Christmas, not all of the presents. (I think this year we'll all appreciate that one!) 

Santa decides he doesn't want to do it, and goes to bed. I think most adults at least know what it's like to just want to go to bed and forget about the world. Who can blame him really? Christmas can be hard work, especially for Santa. 

UK COVID Briefing 16/11/20

Matt Hancock, the face of the UK COVID response led today's briefing in Boris' absence. Alongside were Prof Jon Van-Tam-Halen, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Dr Susan Hopkins, Medical Advisor to COVID-19 response

Boris is self-isolating because of close contact with someone who later tested positive (MP Lee Anderson). I'm not convinced we'll spot a difference, and nor is it very special, a hell of a lot of people are self-isolating. He is however kind of special in that he's already had COVID and recovered. Astoundingly, that's already over 6 months ago (how time flies), and we really aren't sure how much immunity he'll have left. Where your health is concerned, it's pretty much always best to err on the side of caution. 

Average cases are now at 25,329 per day (22,443 last week).

14,529 people are in hospital (13,025 last week).

On average we are currently losing an average of 413 people a day.

Matt talks about Long COVID and the fact that it can affect anyone. Hundreds of thousands of people are already affected, with fatigue, muscle pain, neurological problems etc

Long COVID clinics are open already, and we're building more - there will be 40 in place by the end of the month. 

He apologises for missed or different events - e.g.Diwali. Thank you for following the guidelines and staying at home. 

We have the  "largest COVID testing capacity in Europe" and we are creating 2 new megalabs. They will add another 600,000 tests a day to our capacity, so testing in spring should be really slick. The megalabs will create 4000 jobs and form a permanent diagnostics industry. They'll be there in case of future pandemics, and can also help with other diagnostic care - e.g Cancer. 

From this weekend, Royal Mail will open some post boxes on Sundays to speed up testing.

Over the last week, 3m NHS staff have been tested, and a pilot has started for testing care home visitors. 

83 authorities have signed up for Lateral Flow rapid tests.