Geomag is excellent stuff. It's one of my favourite construction STEM toys, it's been around for ages and now it's even better - in 100% recycled plastic. Construction toys have always been popular in my house, as as science, and Geomag fits into both of those categories. Their magnetic construction system is strictly suitable for children aged 5 and over, and there's still plenty of fun to be had if you are a little older than that...

We've been sent the 52 piece Geomag Super Color Panels Magnetic Construction Set for review. 

I was incredibly impressed as soon as I saw the box. It does clip shut for future use, there's no tape, no single use plastic. Best of, and pure genius - 2 small storage boxes are included to keep your magnets safe. There is also a resealable plastic bag for the other pieces. 

The packaging is 61% recycled, and the plastic is 100% recycled. It's awesome. I'm so impressed. This is the future - the sustainable future for our children. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 21st / 22nd July 2021

The UK added 39,905 cases today and now has reported a total of 5,602,321 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,038,954 tests yesterday.

The counter says 46,433,845 people (87.8% of UK adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 36,587,904 people (69.2%) had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

4,861 people were in hospital yesterday, 21st July, with 647 using a ventilator.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 84 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 128,980 losses of life in all settings.

Up until Friday 9th July, 153,070 people had COVID written as a cause on their death certificate.

Area: Deaths / Rate per 100,000 population
Wales: 5,594 / 177.4 (1 in 565)
Scotland 7,842 / 143.5 (1 in 697)
Northern Ireland 2,166 / 114.4 (1 in 877)
England 113,378 / 201.4 (1 in 497)

Rep. Of Ireland 289,139 (+1,188) cases and 5,026 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 193,134,081 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 4,147,246. Already 175,540,253 people have recovered.

"NHS staff are rightly receiving a pay rise this year.
I’m pleased to accept the independent pay review recommendation in full - with a 3% pay rise for all staff in scope, from doctors and nurses to paramedics and porters."
Sajid Javid, winner of worst promotion ever, new UK Health Secretary.

The Last Generation by Miles Bavin is a young adult science fiction novel which Book Guild Publishing sent me for review.  Suitable for confident readers aged around 12 or over, The Last Generation is a book which is as much about friendship and loss as it is about a future where the Earth is dying, and the only chance may be escape... 

Our main character is teenager Ellie, a pupil at Oakham Elementary, a boarding school somewhere in England. Ellie is deaf, and impressively that's almost irrelevant to the story. She just happens to be deaf, and she is an excellent lip-reader. She is also possibly an orphan, as are many of the pupils at the school.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 19th / 20th July 2021

The UK added 46,558 cases today ( last week 36,660 / 2 weeks  28,773 / 3 weeks 20,479) and has reported a total of 5,519,602 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,074,493 tests yesterday.

46,349,709 people (88% of UK adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 36,243,287 people (68.8%) had received 2 doses.
(The UK population figures are being updated on Thursday, so the percentages might adjust slightly.)

4,567 people were in hospital yesterday, with 611 using a ventilator.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 96 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 128,823 losses of life in all settings.

Total cases for the last 7 days:
Area: Cases / Rate per 100,000 population
Wales: 6,470 / 205.2 (1 in 487)
Scotland: 15,458 / 282.9 (1 in 354)
Northern Ireland: 5,570 / 294.1 (1 in 340)
England: 266,515 / 473.5 (1 in 211)

Rep. Of Ireland 285,581 cases and 5,018 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 192,033,114 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 4,116,810. Already 174,756,345 people have recovered.

"It feels really surreal (and not in a good way) to be living in a country that is actively trying to infect young adults and children with Covid.
I just can't imagine ever being ok with it."
Professor Christina Pagel (indieSAGE / University College London)
Figures so far suggest that somewhere between 1-10% of children and young people will have symptoms lasting over 3 months.  

COVID-19 Coronavirus Plague Island Briefing with Boris 19th July 2021

Cases: +39,950
Losses of Life: +19
1st Dose vaccination: 46,314,039 (87.9% of UK adults)
2nd Dose vaccination: 36,099,727 (68.5%)

IMPORTANT! Read this thing:
The MET Office has issued an Amber Heat Alert until Thursday - and they genuinely expect people to come to harm due to the heat. Look after yourself - and each other.
It may be so hot in some parts of the UK that electrical equipment fails. If your internet goes down, there's probably a server room somewhere which is melting. 

"Did you see Boris has a Churchillian speech planned "we have vanquished the virus" for tomorrow that has now been cancelled?" Facebook reader Kerry yesterday.
Heavens no, I didn't. But I laughed a full 10 minutes at the idea. And then I cried.

Protestors were in force outside Downing Street today. They can't complain about lockdown any more, and the anti-vaxxers aren't doing so well, so it was 'No COVID Passports'. Bizarrely though, they mainly chanted "Arrest Boris Johnson". I'm not sure which of his crimes they wanted him arrested for, but for once it's a sentiment I can get behind. 

"In the absence of leadership from the Government …
If you’re travelling on public transport in Greater Manchester tomorrow, please wear a mask out of consideration for others
We do things differently here and that means looking out for each other and not buying the “Freedom Day” rhetoric."
Andy Burnham,  Manchester Mayor. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 17th / 18th July 2021

The UK added 48,161 cases today and now has reported a total of 5,433,939 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,177,716 tests yesterday.

The counter says 46,295,853 people (87.9% of UK adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 35,970,849 people (68.3%) had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

People in hospital hasn't been updated since Thursday, when it was 3,964, with 551 using a ventilator.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 25 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 128,708 losses of life in all settings. (There is an error in the data for Scotland, which will be resolved in the next UK Gov update tomorrow.)

Rep. Of Ireland 284,510 (+1,179) cases and 5,018 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 191,070,294 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 4,103,007. Already 174,015,889 people have recovered.

"Every adult in the UK has now been offered their first dose of the vaccine. A phenomenal national effort.
Please come forward for your jab if you haven’t already - it protects you and your loved ones."
Sajid "very glad I got my vaccinations" Javid.

"At this point, you are either vaccinated or you are going to catch Delta.
And whether you are young adult or old, when you catch Delta unvaccinated, you will have the highest chance of being hospitalized compared to almost any disease you have caught in your life."
Professor Shane Crotty, La Jolla Institute for Immunology

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 16th July 2021

The UK added 51,870 cases today and now has reported a total of 5,332,371 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,177,716 tests yesterday.

The counter says 46,159,145 people (87.6% of UK adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 35,543,321 people (67.5%) had received 2 doses.

3,964 people were in hospital yesterday, with 551 using a ventilator.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 49 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 128,642 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 280,784 cases and 5,006 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 190,059,236 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 4,086,966. Already 173,305,971 people have recovered.

"More that at ANY time during the pandemic, I get the overwhelming sense that the UK is snatching defeat from the jaws of victory with the decision to move ahead with 19 July unlocking."
Alistair McLellan, Editor of the Health Services Journal.

“In New Zealand we've always looked to the UK for leadership.. it's why it just seems so remarkable you're not following even basic public health principles."
"We and my colleagues in NZ are quite astounded that that you're doing this"
 Professor Michael Baker, official advisor to the New Zealand government.

Oops. Heads up Boris, the world has spotted you now. 

Wow! What a month. It's been a roller-coaster indeed, and with the announcement we will be lifting Coronavirus restrictions in England next Monday, a lot of people's emotions are high. Depending on your point of view, it's scary, it's exciting, it's a relief, it's a massive worry. Everyone's own experience will be different, and we have to respect that. There is no doubt that the roller-coaster will carry on running, and in the UK at least, it is about to get bumpy. Thankfully vaccinations will keep the vast majority of us out of hospital. There is plenty of hope.

COVID or not, my month has featured hospital, my own personal roller-coaster, and one of those weird experiences that really seems like proof someone is watching over you.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 14th / 15th July 2021

The UK added 48,553 cases today (up from 32,551 a week earlier and 27,289 two weeks earlier), and now has reported a total of 5,281,098 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,210,002 tests yesterday (which I think could be a record).

The counter says 46,097,464 people (87.5% of UK adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 35,341,428 people had received 2 doses (67.1%).

3,786 people were in hospital yesterday, 14th July (up from 2,636 a week earlier and 1,795 two weeks earlier), with 545 using a ventilator (up from 417 a week earlier and 287 two weeks earlier).

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 63 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 128,593 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 279,790 cases and 5,006 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 189,473,728 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 4,078,581. Already 172,964,052 people have recovered.

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced that all of Wales will move into Alert Level One from July 17th, with an intention to move to Level Zero on August 7th, although some restrictions will remain in place.
From Saturday 17 July - Alert Level 1:
- Up to 6 people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation
- Organised indoor events for up to 1,000 seated or 200 standing can take place, subject to a risk assessment and taking reasonable measures
- Ice rinks can re-open
- Remove the legal restrictions on the number of people who can gather outdoors
- Allow up to 30 children from organisations, such as the Brownies and Scouts, to attend residential centres over the summer holidays
From Saturday 7 August (if conditions allow) - Alert Level 0:
- Remove legal restrictions on the number of people who can meet indoors, including in private homes, public places or at events
- All businesses and premises can open, including nightclubs
- People should still work from home wherever possible
- Face coverings will remain a legal requirement indoors, with the exception of hospitality premises. This will be kept under review.

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

The UK added 36,660 cases today ( last week 28,773 / 2 weeks ago 20,479 / 3 weeks ago 11,625) and now has reported a total of 5,191,459 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,066,498 tests yesterday.

The counter says 45,978,017 people (87.3% of UK adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 34,997,491 people (66.4%) had received 2 doses and will be fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose.

The number of people in hospital has still not been updated since last Thursday, when it was 2,731, with 417 using a ventilator.
Public Health England figures at 8am this morning show that, IN ENGLAND ALONE, 2,970 beds were occupied by COVID patients with 470 people using a ventilator. (Last Thursday in England those figures were 2,209 and 376.)

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 50 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 128,481 losses of life in all settings.

Total cases for the last 7 days:
Area: Cases / Rate per 100,000 population
Wales: 4,634 / 147
Scotland: 20,190 / 369.6
Northern Ireland: 3,432 / 181.2
England: 185,128 / 328.9

Rep. Of Ireland 278,464 cases and 5,006 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 188,387,431 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 4,059,110. Already 172,178,460 people have recovered.

All of Scotland will move to Level 0 on Monday July 19th. Congratulations / commiserations depending on your feelings.
Good news from a pandemic point of view is that they aren't letting the reins go entirely, so you should still be able to watch and point at us South of the border, at least a bit. Remaining restrictions include:
- Restaurants and pubs will have a midnight closing time.
- Mandatory use of face coverings will remain in place for some time to come.
Nicola Sturgeon said earlier:
"Lifting all restrictions and mitigations right now would put all of us at greater risk, but in particular it would make it much more difficult for the most clinically vulnerable to go about their normal lives. It would risk the imposition of shielding by default."
There are actually calls from several different directions for them to close the border with England, as so many outbreaks occur after people have visited. (You need another wall Nicola!!)