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UK coronavirus live: No 10 says possible new rules for Londoners won't involve bans on travel or leaving home UK coronavirus live: chief medical adviser says 'exit strategy' might rely on vaccine
(32 minutes later)
Rolling coverage of the latest coronavirus developments in the UKRolling coverage of the latest coronavirus developments in the UK
Two prisoners in Scotland have tested positive for the coronavirus, Scotland’s justice minister, Humza Yousaf, has said. Both inmate are in HMP Kilmarnock. There are now 77 cases of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland, the Public Health Agency has announced.
Trade bodies for the sport and physical activity sector have co-signed a joint letter to the chancellor setting out the urgent financial measures needed from government to stop community leisure facilities - and jobs - from disappearing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The letter, seen by the Guardian, stresses the value of the sector to nation’s (physical and mental) health and the economy, and outlines measures the government could take to protect businesses and jobs, including:
Salary payment support, as instituted in other European countries
Rental/management fees reduction support
Making gym memberships tax deductible for a stipulated period
The bodies also seek clarification on the terms of loan provision, the government’s position on facility opening, Business Interruption Insurance and the grounds for pay-outs, tailored financial support for self-employed physical activity professionals, as well as clarity on non-payment of VAT, NI, pension and payroll contributions during the period of disruption.
Our science correspondent, Hannah Devlin, has tackled some of the most prominent Covid-19 myths circulating at the moment, including on the effectiveness of face masks and how cautious young people should be.
Here are some more lines from the briefing that Prof Chris Whitty, the government’s chief medical adviser, and Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific adviser, held earlier. It was billed as a science briefing, and Whitty and Vallance tried to stick to science, in at least one case refusing a question because it was deemed not “sciency” enough.
Whitty suggested that a long-term “exit strategy” from the current coronavirus policy could involve waiting for a vaccine. In response to a question about what the “exit strategy” was that would allow the restrictions currently imposed to be lifted, Whitty said there was a short, medium and long term view. In the short term, the aim was to delay and reduce the peak of the epidemic, he said. In the medium term, he said the aim was to reduce “overshoot” - which he said meant reducing the number of people who would get the virus overall. And in the long term, a vaccine was “one way out of this”, he said. But a vaccine would not happen very quickly, he said. He went on:
He said it was “improbable” to think a vaccine would be available within six months.
He said that it was unrealistic to expect to be able to get rid of the virus completely. He said:
He said that, as the virus mutated, it was likely to become less dangerous. He said:
Two prisoners in Scotland have tested positive for the coronavirus, Scotland’s justice minister, Humza Yousaf, has said. Both inmates are in HMP Kilmarnock.
I’ve just spoken to the devastated manager of a foodbank in West Yorkshire that had more than £500 worth of food and toiletries stolen when it was broken in to on Wednesday evening.I’ve just spoken to the devastated manager of a foodbank in West Yorkshire that had more than £500 worth of food and toiletries stolen when it was broken in to on Wednesday evening.
Janet Burns, who helps run the Knottingley foodbank, said four people had prized open the locks of one of its storage facilities and “ransacked” the place of essential items.Janet Burns, who helps run the Knottingley foodbank, said four people had prized open the locks of one of its storage facilities and “ransacked” the place of essential items.
She said volunteers had taken delivery of a huge donation 24 hours before the burglary – which was all stolen in the raid. She said food, sanitary products, toilet roll and even Easter eggs that they were saving for next month had all been taken.She said volunteers had taken delivery of a huge donation 24 hours before the burglary – which was all stolen in the raid. She said food, sanitary products, toilet roll and even Easter eggs that they were saving for next month had all been taken.
“It’s dire, it really is,” she said. “It’s soul-destroying for the volunteers. The people that have stolen have stolen from the general public not just the foodbank.”“It’s dire, it really is,” she said. “It’s soul-destroying for the volunteers. The people that have stolen have stolen from the general public not just the foodbank.”
Burns said demand on the foodbank had gone through the roof in the past week due to the coronavirus. She said volunteers were having to turn some people away unless they were known to them or had vouchers for free school meals.Burns said demand on the foodbank had gone through the roof in the past week due to the coronavirus. She said volunteers were having to turn some people away unless they were known to them or had vouchers for free school meals.
The area’s MP, Yvette Cooper, said it was “truly appalling” that someone could do this in an hour of need. “If someone has done this in order to make profit from other people’s desperation that is a shocking and shameful crime,” she added.The area’s MP, Yvette Cooper, said it was “truly appalling” that someone could do this in an hour of need. “If someone has done this in order to make profit from other people’s desperation that is a shocking and shameful crime,” she added.
The Royal College of Midwives has expressed concern over the supply of personal protection equipment for midwives.The Royal College of Midwives has expressed concern over the supply of personal protection equipment for midwives.
The body has called on the government to ensure that midwives and maternity support workers receive appropriate personal protective equipment to ensure they remain safe and well so they can continue to care for people.The body has called on the government to ensure that midwives and maternity support workers receive appropriate personal protective equipment to ensure they remain safe and well so they can continue to care for people.
CEO Gill Walton said:CEO Gill Walton said:
It is also calling on the government for a programme of regular testing for midwives and other NHS health workers to be rolled out without delay.It is also calling on the government for a programme of regular testing for midwives and other NHS health workers to be rolled out without delay.
Housing campaigners have said the current measures announced by the Scottish government to support tenants do not go far enough to address the crisis.First minister Nicola Sturgeon announced today that landlords in Scotland would not be able to evict tenants with arrears for the next six month.Housing campaigners have said the current measures announced by the Scottish government to support tenants do not go far enough to address the crisis.First minister Nicola Sturgeon announced today that landlords in Scotland would not be able to evict tenants with arrears for the next six month.
But tenants’ union Living Rent have called on the government to introduce rent-holidays instead. A spokesperson said:But tenants’ union Living Rent have called on the government to introduce rent-holidays instead. A spokesperson said:
The Football Association has extended its delay to fixtures until 30 April at the earliest.The Football Association has extended its delay to fixtures until 30 April at the earliest.
A statement from the Premier League, EFL and the FA, along with the women’s professional game, the Professional Footballers’ Association and the League Managers Association, confirmed the extension to the suspension.A statement from the Premier League, EFL and the FA, along with the women’s professional game, the Professional Footballers’ Association and the League Managers Association, confirmed the extension to the suspension.
The governing bodies agreed a suspension last Friday until early April due to the coronavirus pandemic.The governing bodies agreed a suspension last Friday until early April due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Guardian Sport has the full story:Guardian Sport has the full story:
As the coronavirus outbreak continues to unfold, daytime TV shows - as well as news - have seen a spike in viewing, PA Media reports.As the coronavirus outbreak continues to unfold, daytime TV shows - as well as news - have seen a spike in viewing, PA Media reports.
ITV Daytime, including shows such as Loose Women and This Morning, reached a six-year high, the broadcaster said.ITV Daytime, including shows such as Loose Women and This Morning, reached a six-year high, the broadcaster said.
The BBC news bulletin at 6pm had an audience of 8.7 million, its highest figure since Christmas Day 2008.The BBC news bulletin at 6pm had an audience of 8.7 million, its highest figure since Christmas Day 2008.
And ITV said its lunchtime news bulletin had its biggest audience since New Year’s Day 2014, with 1.6 million viewers.And ITV said its lunchtime news bulletin had its biggest audience since New Year’s Day 2014, with 1.6 million viewers.
The National Childbirth Trust (NCT), the UK’s largest charity for parents, has moved all of its antenatal classes for expectant mums and dads online, instead of face-to-face, in response to the coronavirus crisis.The National Childbirth Trust (NCT), the UK’s largest charity for parents, has moved all of its antenatal classes for expectant mums and dads online, instead of face-to-face, in response to the coronavirus crisis.
With the virus causing concern among many expectant and new parents, the NCT said it had seen an increase in inquiries from parents concerned about a number of things including the effects of the virus on pregnancy, childbirth, babies and toddlers.With the virus causing concern among many expectant and new parents, the NCT said it had seen an increase in inquiries from parents concerned about a number of things including the effects of the virus on pregnancy, childbirth, babies and toddlers.
Further information about the online antenatal courses can be found on the NCT website.Further information about the online antenatal courses can be found on the NCT website.
The Department for Work and Pensions is set to announce that it is suspending its rigid welfare conditionality rules, including for universal credit, in an attempt to simplify the system and ensure that benefit payments are not interrupted.The Department for Work and Pensions is set to announce that it is suspending its rigid welfare conditionality rules, including for universal credit, in an attempt to simplify the system and ensure that benefit payments are not interrupted.
All face-to-face jobcentre interviews with claimants will be suspended, as will the requirement that job-seekers demonstrate that they have spend up to 35 hours a week looking for work, as the DWP moves to adapt the benefit system to cope with the economic impact of coronavirus.All face-to-face jobcentre interviews with claimants will be suspended, as will the requirement that job-seekers demonstrate that they have spend up to 35 hours a week looking for work, as the DWP moves to adapt the benefit system to cope with the economic impact of coronavirus.
Tens of thousands of people are entering the benefit system as businesses lay off workers because of virus-related shut downs in sectors such as hospitality and retail, and government is under pressure to ramp up support for people hit by the crisis and smooth their access to social security.Tens of thousands of people are entering the benefit system as businesses lay off workers because of virus-related shut downs in sectors such as hospitality and retail, and government is under pressure to ramp up support for people hit by the crisis and smooth their access to social security.
It is not clear whether there will be any changes to the current five week wait for a first universal credit payment. New claimants can access advance loans to tide them over the wait, repayable through deductions from future payments.It is not clear whether there will be any changes to the current five week wait for a first universal credit payment. New claimants can access advance loans to tide them over the wait, repayable through deductions from future payments.
Under current rules claimants are required to sign up to a range of stringent requirements as a condition of receiving benefits. Failure to adhere to the rules results in financial sanctions, including having benefits withdrawn for at least four weeks and in some cases up to six months,Under current rules claimants are required to sign up to a range of stringent requirements as a condition of receiving benefits. Failure to adhere to the rules results in financial sanctions, including having benefits withdrawn for at least four weeks and in some cases up to six months,
The measures, which come days after the DWP announced that face to face assessments for disability benefits were to be put on hold for three months, ensures claimants will not feel obliged to travel into job centres because they fear they will lose their benefits if they do not attend.The measures, which come days after the DWP announced that face to face assessments for disability benefits were to be put on hold for three months, ensures claimants will not feel obliged to travel into job centres because they fear they will lose their benefits if they do not attend.
The Guardian has seen evidence that local job centres have already been abandoning benefit conditionality requirements ahead of a national announcement, possibly because of pressure on staffing at local job centres.The Guardian has seen evidence that local job centres have already been abandoning benefit conditionality requirements ahead of a national announcement, possibly because of pressure on staffing at local job centres.
In Liverpool, some universal credit claimants received a message on their online journal yesterday saying work search requirements were temporarily suspended.In Liverpool, some universal credit claimants received a message on their online journal yesterday saying work search requirements were temporarily suspended.
The City regulator has told insurers that it expects them to treat customers fairly and consider payments on claims they might normally reject.The City regulator has told insurers that it expects them to treat customers fairly and consider payments on claims they might normally reject.
The Financial Conduct Authority said that the coronavirus had changed customers’ behaviour and that insurance firms needed to take this into account.The Financial Conduct Authority said that the coronavirus had changed customers’ behaviour and that insurance firms needed to take this into account.
Christopher Woolard, interim chief executive of the FCA said: “We expect insurance firms to recognise this and treat their customers fairly, recognising the circumstances customers may find themselves in.Christopher Woolard, interim chief executive of the FCA said: “We expect insurance firms to recognise this and treat their customers fairly, recognising the circumstances customers may find themselves in.
“We would not expect to see a customer’s ability to claim affected by circumstances over which they have little control.”“We would not expect to see a customer’s ability to claim affected by circumstances over which they have little control.”
With government advice suggesting that people should work from home and avoid crowded spaces, the FCA said that people may be using their properties and cars differently from when they bought insurance.With government advice suggesting that people should work from home and avoid crowded spaces, the FCA said that people may be using their properties and cars differently from when they bought insurance.
Typically, home and motor insurers will ask questions about use when a policy is bought and base premiums on this.Typically, home and motor insurers will ask questions about use when a policy is bought and base premiums on this.
Car insurance customers will be asked to indicate whether their vehicle is used socially or for work, while home insurance customers will be asked about their working practices.Car insurance customers will be asked to indicate whether their vehicle is used socially or for work, while home insurance customers will be asked about their working practices.
The FCA said that insurers should consider claims even for customers who had indicated they would not be using their car or home for work.The FCA said that insurers should consider claims even for customers who had indicated they would not be using their car or home for work.
“We expect motor and home insurers not to reject claims because of a consumer’s understandable temporary change in how they use their vehicle and their home address, in response to government advice and the emerging coronavirus situation,” the FCA said.“We expect motor and home insurers not to reject claims because of a consumer’s understandable temporary change in how they use their vehicle and their home address, in response to government advice and the emerging coronavirus situation,” the FCA said.
John Lewis and Waitrose have become the latest retailers to announce limits on the purchase of some items.John Lewis and Waitrose have become the latest retailers to announce limits on the purchase of some items.
Waitrose, which is part of John Lewis Partnership, has announced a three-item limit on certain products and a limit of two packets of toilet roll.Waitrose, which is part of John Lewis Partnership, has announced a three-item limit on certain products and a limit of two packets of toilet roll.
It comes after rivals Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Asda and Morrisons all announced similar measures to ease stockpiling pressures.It comes after rivals Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Asda and Morrisons all announced similar measures to ease stockpiling pressures.
The retail group said it was also launching a protected shopping period for the elderly and vulnerable at Waitrose, which will be each store’s first opening hour from Friday.The retail group said it was also launching a protected shopping period for the elderly and vulnerable at Waitrose, which will be each store’s first opening hour from Friday.
Waitrose cafes and rotisseries will be temporarily shut to help stores cope with increased demand in other areas.Waitrose cafes and rotisseries will be temporarily shut to help stores cope with increased demand in other areas.
John Lewis Partnership said 2,100 members of staff from the department store business are helping to work at Waitrose stores on deliveries.John Lewis Partnership said 2,100 members of staff from the department store business are helping to work at Waitrose stores on deliveries.
The company also launched a 1 million community support fund to be distributed by Waitrose shops to local communities.The company also launched a 1 million community support fund to be distributed by Waitrose shops to local communities.
And this is what Peter Dowd, the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, said on behalf of Labour about the need for employment support after the House of Commons UQ that saw a Treasury minister face fierce criticism from Tories about the fact that the government has not yet said what it will do to help people losing work. (See 11.48am.) Dowd said:And this is what Peter Dowd, the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, said on behalf of Labour about the need for employment support after the House of Commons UQ that saw a Treasury minister face fierce criticism from Tories about the fact that the government has not yet said what it will do to help people losing work. (See 11.48am.) Dowd said: