We had an epic time when we first visited Simulator Adventures in Manchester, so we were delighted to be invited back to try out their Airbus A320 Flight Simulator now that they've added the hydraulics. It felt like you were actually moving before, and this really does add another dimension of reality to the experience. 

Our visit was actually 6 months ago, but COVID has kept leisure activities off the menu for a while. Simulator Adventures is used for pilot training, so has been in use during lockdown, but pretty soon (May 17th) they can reopen to the public and let anyone have a go... and bookings are being taken now. 

These guys keep changing their waiting room seating, so it wouldn't surprise me if they've upgraded again, but you get into the mood for flying as soon as you arrive. 

There's no age 'limit', but you need to be around 4ft6 / 10 years old before you are tall enough to actually use the flight simulator, and it's not a place for little ones. This is grown up playtime. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 12th / 13th April 2021.

The UK added 2,472 cases today and has now reported a total of 4,375,814 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 874,399 tests yesterday.

The counter says 32,250,481 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 7,857,396 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

2,537 people were in hospital on Sunday 11th, with 377 using a ventilator yesterday, 12th April.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 23 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,123 losses of life in all settings.

Up until Friday 2nd April, the ONS report that 150,419 people had COVID listed as a cause on their death certificate.

Rep. Of Ireland 241,684 (+354) cases and 4,803 (+18) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 137,730,943 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,964,848. Already 110,767,414 people have recovered.

The UK government has confirmed that ALL over 50's have now been offered a vaccine, which means they met the 15th April target 3 days early.
Phase 2 begins. People in England aged 45-49 are now invited to book their vaccination.
The NHS website crashed within minutes of that announcement this morning, but was back up and running swiftly. My partner and I are both 49, so that's us. (I hope I get a sticker!)

There is an urgent message for anyone living in Lambeth or Wandsworth. Over 70 cases and suspected cases of the South African variant have recently been detected, which means it has escaped into general community. They are asking EVERYONE aged 11+ who lives, works, studies or travels in those areas to arrange a PCR test immediately, whether you have symptoms or not. Door-to-door testing will be taking place.
PCR tests are the ones sent to a lab - so they can check which variant any positive results are. All evidence so far suggests the South African variant B1351 is much more robust against current vaccines. We really don't want it spreading if we can help it. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 10th / 11th April 2021.

The UK added 1,730 cases today (DOWN from 2,297 last Sunday) and now has reported a total of 4,369,775 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 931,579 tests yesterday.

The counter says 32,121,353 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 7,466,540 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

2,862 people were in hospital on Thursday 8th, with 406 using a ventilator yesterday, 9th April.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 7 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days. This is lower than last Sunday's total of 10, and the first time we have lost so few people since September last year. We now have an official total of 127,087 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 240,945 (+302) cases and 4,785 (+2) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 136,426,846 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,945,571. Already 109,686,470 people have recovered.

Hot on the heels of Pfizer's 6 month results, we now have Moderna's - and their vaccine also shows excellent efficacy 6 months after immunisation. In the first 33 patients studied:
"Antibody activity remained high in all age groups at day 209."
(That's actually just under 7 months.)
Great news for the new technology mRNA vaccines. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 9th April 2021.

The UK is now removing any cases who tested positive by Lateral Flow test, which was then confirmed by PCR test, as they were counted twice. In future any positive Lateral Flow test won't be included, just the confirmatory PCR. Because the numbers have some adjustments, I won't do a week on week comparison today, I'll do one on Sunday when it'll be more realistic.

The UK added 3,150 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,365,461 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 931,579 tests yesterday.

The counter says 31,903,366 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 6,541,174 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

3,005 people were in hospital on Wednesday 7th, with 421 using a ventilator yesterday, Thursday 8th.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 60 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,040 losses of life in all settings.

The UK ONS figures show that up until Friday 26th March, 149,968 people had COVID listed as a cause on their death certificate.

Rep. Of Ireland 240,192 (+469) cases and 4,769 (+32) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 134,914,658 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,920,789. Already 108,617,082 people have recovered.

The Queen's husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Phillip, has died aged 99. He had recently been unwell and spent a large amount of time in hospital, but had returned home, and Buckingham Palace have confirmed that he died peacefully in his sleep early this morning.
Whatever your views on The Royal Family, he was a husband, father and grandfather. He had some less favourable moments, but the Duke Of Edinburgh Award is a brilliant legacy that anyone could be proud of.

The UK will now enter an official period of Royal Mourning, which will last for 8 days, until the Prince's funeral. This mourning period would usually be extended to 30 days for the Queen and Royal Family.
Noteworthy for the country during a pandemic, while she is not dealing with matters of the state, the Queen cannot sign off any new laws. This may become important later.

The public are asked not to congregate or attend royal residences, and not to leave flowers at this time.

Backstories is a brand new book from Simon Van Der Velde, and he's sent me a copy for review. Subtitled "Intimate Stories About People You Think You Know", this is imagination and poetic licence, coupled with what we know to be factual biography, and intertwined with a bit of puzzle.

Definitely a book for the grown ups, Backstories is a collection of short stories, each detailing an event or time in a well-known person's life. The twist is that you aren't told who it is, although you get enough hints to work it out at some point before the end....

Each story is very well written, and paints a scene which is usually normal and everyday at first, leading into the actions and outcomes which have shaped a very important part of who that person is. Their backstory. The author takes known facts, and relates 'as it may have happened'.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 7th / 8th April 2021.

We have new advice about the Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine today in the UK, so pay attention to that part.

The UK added 3,030 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,370321 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,034,088 tests yesterday.

The counter says 31,807,124 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 6,091,905 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

3,124 people were in hospital on Tuesday 6th, with 440 using a ventilator yesterday, Weds 7th April.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 53 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 126.980 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 239,723 (+398) cases and 4,737 (+5) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 134,092,613 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,906,902. Already 108,059,594 people have recovered.

The UK, and specifically Wales, has received the first of our 17 million dose order of the Moderna vaccine. Immunisation started yesterday, with a 24 year old female unpaid carer.  

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 5th / 6th April 2021.

The UK added 2,379 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,364,529 positive cases of COVID-19.

The counter says 31,622,367 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 5,496,716 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 20 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 126,882 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 238,907 (+441) cases and 4,727 (+9) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 132,674,529 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,878,031. Already 106,955,639 people have recovered.

Twice weekly lateral flow testing is being offered to anyone in England from 9th April. You'll be able to collect them from some larger vaccination centres and some pharmacists, or order online, as well as obtaining testing through workplace or school testing as before.
(Nicola Sturgeon is also reported to be keen on doing the same with Scotland.)

UK Briefing Monday 5th April 2021 - Boris has leaked and hinted at lots of announcements, so we knew this was coming.

1. Domestic 'Safety Certification' for mass events is being debated and trials are being arranged (theatres, sports, cinemas, festivals etc with vaccination, testing or exemption).
2. International Travel 'Vaccine Passports' are being debated
3. Twice weekly Lateral Flow testing is now being offered to any UK adults.
4. When they reopen, hospitality and leisure will require every adult to sign in.
5. Roadmap progress update

Vaccination 1st Dose: 31,581,623
Vaccination 2nd Dose: 5,432,126
Cases: 4,362,150 (+2,762)
Losses Of Life: 126,862 (+26)

Today's UK Briefing was with Boris, Chris and Patrick, and it had a big build up, so it was clearly important. The new 1 million quid briefing corridor is looking resplendent - although on the telly the carpet is a bit more purple than it is blue. (Just saying.)

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update Easter weekend 2nd / 3rd / 4th April 2021.

Some data isn't updated because of the Easter weekend. Some data reported is incomplete.

The UK added 2,297 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,359,388 positive cases of COVID-19.

The counter says 31,523,010 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 5,381,745 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

3,536 people were in hospital on Thursday April 1st, with 517 using a ventilator.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 10 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 126,836 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 237,695 cases and 4,715 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 131,652,423 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,862,872. Already 106,022,299 people have recovered.

"The arrival of Easter brings with it new hope.
And, this year more than ever, it brings the promise of brighter days ahead for us all.
So stay safe, keep following the rules, and have a very happy Easter."
Easter message there from Boris.
He also filmed a longer version where he thanked religious leaders, venues and congregations for everything they've done over the past year, holding their communities together and fighting disinformation, and supporting the sick, vulnerable and bereaved.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 31st March and 1st April 2021.

The UK added 4,479 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,350,266 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,266,685 tests yesterday.

The counter says 31,147,444 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 4,513,458 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

3,957 people were in hospital on Tuesday 30th March, with 547 using a ventilator yesterday, 31st March.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 51 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 126,764 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 236,600 (+746) cases and 4,705 (+18) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 129,853,409 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,833,034. Already 104,659,703 people have recovered.

No April Fools below - it's after lunchtime for goodness sake. Also I'm pretty certain Facebook wouldn't like it...

“Our position has not changed. According to the current scientific knowledge, there is no evidence that would support restricting the use of this vaccine in any population."
Director of the European Medicines Agency, Emer Cooke, talking about the Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine yesterday.

“Much of the messaging around COVID-19 has been about the risk of death, and I think that’s created a perception that if you recover from infection, you’re fine.
We need to rethink this."
Dr Zoe Hyde, Epidemiologist and biostatistician