COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 21st / 22nd March 2022

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases last 7 days: 592,459 (average 84,637 per day)
In hospital  yesterday 21st March: 16,272 (UP SIGNIFICANTLY by 2,724 from 13,548 a week earlier. Our COVID+ in-patients are almost an extra 400 people each day)
Using a ventilator: 299 (UP by 19 from 280 a week earlier)
Losses of life last 7 days: 836 (average 119 a day, up from 102 daily average a week earlier)
Tests last 7 days: 5,118,487 (average 731,212 per day)
Vaccinations 1st dose: 91.7% of UK aged 12+
Vaccinations 2nd dose: 85.8%
Boosted / 3rd dose: 67.2%

Rep. Of Ireland: 1,390,177 (+4,024) cases and 6,664 (+26) losses of life.

World: 473,272,998 reported cases and 6,107,861 losses of life.

Most COVID restrictions in Scotland have now ended - with the exception of masks in indoor public places, which should still be worn for at least the next couple of weeks. Now that COVID is all over and we're "learning to live with it", you might be surprised to discover that yesterday Scotland had a record breaking 2,128 patients in hospital with COVID, beating the previous record figure of 2,053 recorded on 22nd January 2021.
How can this be? Well, the simple truth is that COVID didn't get the memo that it was all over and the economy wanted to reopen, and has continued just doing its own thing...

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 19th / 20th March 2022

No UK daily statistics at weekends. .

World: 470,427,307 reported cases and 6,099,458 losses of life.

Scientists in Europe have now identified 2 different Delta/Omicron 'Deltacron' hybrid or 'recombinant' variants, and another variant which is a mix of the 2 different BA.1 and BA.2 Omicron Variants. None are considered to be any extra cause for concern - they don't seem to have, and shouldn't have, any special features - and we already know what Delta and Omicron are like.
They occur when a single person catches both at once, and the 2 viruses both enter a single cell at the same time. It's a rare thing, but when we have 3 million people in the UK catching COVID each week, rare things happen more often. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 16th / 17th / 18th March 2022

Today's stats error is.... "Reported case numbers for Scotland cover more than 24 hours" (Irrelevant as we are given a 7 day average).

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases last 7 days: 552,198 (average 78,885 per day, UP a lot from 59,117 a week earlier)
In hospital yesterday 17th March: 14,671 (UP a lot from 11,944 a week earlier)
Using a ventilator yesterday: 292 (UP from 253 a week earlier)
Losses of life last 7 days: 753 (average 107 per day, similar to 104 a week earlier)
Tests last 7 days: 4,997,040 (average 713,862 per day, UP from 650,544 a week earlier, despite less tests being distributed)
Vaccinations 1st dose: 91.7% of UK aged 12+
Vaccinations 2nd dose: 85.7%
Boosted / 3rd dose: 67.1%

Rep. Of Ireland: 1,365,467 cases and 6,638 losses of life (not yet reported today).

World: 467,256,593 reported cases and 6,090,530 losses of life.

"The Peace Bell in Mariupol.
It rings no more.
Until the evil is defeated."
Illia Ponomarenko, Ukrainian journalist at the Kyiv Independent.
His home town is Volnovakha, which has been razed to the ground. Every building has been damaged, including his family home and the maternity hospital where he was born.
His university in Mariupol and everywhere he made his student memories has been destroyed. 90% of the buildings in Mariupol are estimated to have been damaged or destroyed.
His new flat, which he moved into 1 month ago in Bucha, has been destroyed.
He is left in Kyiv, wondering how long he has left there, and where to go next.
This is a young man who will never forget, and how can he ever forgive?
No-one wins a war, and it continues long after it ends.

ASDA asked if we wanted to take a look at some of their personalised photo gifts, so I set my children the challenge to make me something nice - and they haven't disappointed me! They chose a Mother's day card, a mug and a large canvas... 

A good measure of how easy a website is to use, is to send a 13 year old to try it, and clearly ASDA's website is easy enough, because I received no complaints.

The teenager did have assistance from his older brother, and direction from his other siblings, but I am told he designed the card entirely by himself... including 5 photos of himself - 3 of them photoshopped into love hearts. Winning the prize for getting into my good books there... 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 14th / 15th March 2022

UK Daily Statistics are a mess today again.
"No update to hospital data in England"
"Newly-reported cases, deaths, tests and vaccinations for Scotland cover several days"

Cases last 7 days: 492,103 (rising average 70,300 per day)
In hospital yesterday 14th March: 13,548 (UP by 2,230 from 11,318 a week earlier, which is an extra 318 a day, and they appear to be saying that's incomplete)
Using a ventilator yesterday 14th March: 280 (up slightly on 268 a week earlier)
Losses of life last 7 days: 714 (steady average of 102 per day)
Tests: 4,799,199 over last 7 days (dropping average 685,599 per day)
Vaccinations 1st dose: 91.7% of UK aged 12+
Vaccinations 2nd dose: 85.6%
Boosted / 3rd dose: 67%

Rep. Of Ireland: 1,353,733 cases and 6,624 losses of life (not yet reported today)

World: 460,953,747 reported cases and 6,069,945 losses of life.

“In the name of God, let the cries of those who suffer be heard and let the bombings and attacks cease! Let there be a real and decisive focus on negotiation, and let the humanitarian corridors be effective and safe. In the name of God, I ask you: stop this massacre!”
The Pope

"There are hundreds of thousands of people in Ukraine in need of emergency assistance.
Supplying hospitals with medical equipment is also an urgent priority.
I appeal for passages to be open and kept safe so that people can get lifesaving aid and escape to safety."
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

It's the 15th, and it's the 3rd month, so that must be the date all Caesars hate - the Ides Of March. Crikey the world is a mess right now. A month ago we didn't realise where we would be, and it's certainly not what most of us would have chosen. 

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has wiped COVID from the front pages of the news, but it really has only heaped sadness and stress on top of any which existed beforehand. We really do need some smiles, and every single one is worth it's weight in gold, because they are hard won just now. 

The storm is a long way from ending. It can feel helpless, pointless, overwhelming. Remember to take a break if you can. Walk away. Read a book, watch a film, meditate, have a kitchen disco. Immerse yourself in a bubble for a while. Sadly it will still all be there when you return, but you'll be stronger and more able to cope. Never lose hope. Just like every other before it, this time too will pass.

I always try to promote greener options, and I think finally the world is coming around to the same decision. Solar panels are something my partner and I have discussed at length, and we intend to invest in them over the next few years. Whenever something becomes very popular, the price goes down and it generally becomes more user-friendly, so when I saw the title of this guest post, I was already interested in hosting it... bearing in mind the recent rapid price increases in gas and power bills, solar power becomes even more of a sensible idea... 

Why The Solar Panels Industry Is Thriving

Home solar systems are so popular that they don't need to be introduced any more. Their popularity has various reasons. Not only is it an Earth-conscious route, but it's saving thousands of people thousands of dollars (or pounds if you are in the UK).
Citizens of the world are tired of yearly increases and bills getting higher by the day. This is a way to start being self-sufficient and save money you can utilise elsewhere.
If you want to get started or are considering it, this article is meant for you. Here you will find top advice and aspects to look out for.

How do I utilise solar systems?

The first thing to consider is the size of your roof. The larger the space on the roof is, the heftier your bill will be. A bigger house will cost more to keep up and running via a solar system.

Your roof will also have to be tough enough to hold up all the panels you need. Ensure there are no leaks, cracks, or mould before starting the procedure. 

Search for distributors/fitters. For example if you’re living in San Diego, scan the internet for 'reliable solar panel companies near me', and analyse a few of the highest-rated solar company in San Diego county. Ask as many questions as you can and run an interviewing phase to make sure you hire the perfect company. 

Your weather conditions will also play a significant role, so make sure the corporation you hire is local and has good credibility.

Using your system to maximum capacity

You need to be sure your house will be your home for the foreseeable future. You don't want to invest in a house that might not be the best option a few years from now. Even though solar panels can be moved and installed elsewhere, keeping a certain solar system for a certain environment is advisable. This is because the system will be personalised for the current environment, roof area, and electricity demand.

You want as much sunlight on your roof as possible. Knowing this, you can start clearing big trees or other obstacles that might be in the way of your sunbeams.

Let's talk about expenses 

Once you calculate the amount of money you will spend on electricity bills for the next ten years, you will understand how solar panels are more efficient economically. It is a big amount to spend initially, but this one-off payment will buy a portion of your financial freedom. 

The company you decide to hire will help you determine how much you can save by installing the solar system. Most businesses have breakdowns and remarkably thorough ways to explain how big of an investment solar panels for your home are.

To conclude 

If you are still wondering if solar systems are the right way to go, don't rush into a decision. Do extensive research to comprehend the whole picture before taking any steps. Numerous citizens start up a savings account to conserve funds, mainly installing a solar system. The sooner you get it done, the more you will save, but this doesn't mean you should rush. You need to be ready and financially stable enough to start the process.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 12th / 13th March 2022

The UK do NOT currently update daily statistics at weekends. See Friday for latest stats.

World: 457,613,472 reported cases and 6,064,493 losses of life.

There is very little 'COVID news' today, which is also good news for my family, who will be having an early tea... (well, earlier than usual on a Sunday... )

The UK's schools inspectorate OFSTED are unhappy about the effect COVID has had on home/school relationships. They believe that it has "fractured the social contract between parents and schools" (chief inspector Amanda Spielman in The Guardian yesterday).
Compared to pre-pandemic, parents and carers are currently more likely to allow their children to stay at home, or take them out of school for holidays in term time.
I think Amanda is fretting a bit early there. Parents and children (in fact all people) have spent 2 years being a bit scared and out of control of our own lives, and it's only natural it'll take some of us a while to get back into a regular rhythm. Some people never will, but for most, including those who have been bereaved, there will be a broader return to pre-pandemic 'normal' when people are ready.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 9th / 10th / 11th March 2022

UK Statistics:
Cases last 7 days: 399,820 (average 59,117 per day)
In hospital yesterday 10th March: 11,944 (UP A LOT from 10,510 a week earlier.)
Using a ventilator yesterday 10th March: 253 (Steadily DOWN from 264 a week earlier)
Losses of life last 7 days: 730 (average 104 per day)
Tests last 7 days: 4,553,814 (average 650,544 per day)
Losses of life total: 162,738 within 28 days of a positive test
People with COVID as a cause on their death certificate up to Friday 25th February: 184,458

Rep. Of Ireland: 1,341,826 (+9,125) cases and 6,611 (+21) losses of life.

World: 454,447,651 reported cases and 6,054,087 losses of life.

It is 2 years today since the World Health Organisation said the word we'd all been waiting for - "Pandemic". Since then over 6 million people have officially died directly due to the effects of COVID infection.

Though we all wish that we could always protect our children and shelter them from the world, the truth is that they will need to go out on their own at some point. Though all parents worry as their children gain independence, you will have little to worry about if you teach them resilience.

Resilience is crucial for your child’s ability to overcome adversity and work hard until they see success. Read on to learn more about resilience and what you can do to build it up in your children, in this post from Maria Miguel, author and researcher for the library of FREE advice and support at Better Health. 

What is Resilience and What Does It Look Like? 

Resilience is the ability to bounce back during or after challenging times. It is what helps us keep going after a failure or major setback. Without resilience, we give up as soon as things become tough, making it impossible to achieve our goals or keep moving forward.