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UK coronavirus live: calls for tougher distancing measures as death toll rises in Wales and Scotland UK coronavirus live: calls for tougher distancing measures as death toll rises in Wales and Scotland
(32 minutes later)
Rolling coverage of all the UK developments in the coronavirus crisisRolling coverage of all the UK developments in the coronavirus crisis
Six ambulances have had their tyres deliberately punctured in Kent, in what must be one of the more depressing acts of mindlessness during the outbreak.The South East Coast ambulance service said the vehicles were targeted overnight in Thanet, adding the strain of its staff, who were already under “significant pressure”.The MP Tracey Crouch described whoever did it as “an utter scroat”:
The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has called on the government to force people to stay at home to safeguard public health and limit transmission of the coronavirus.
Speaking to Good Morning Britain on ITV, Burnham said there must be “clear arrangements for enforcement” to stop people leaving their homes apart from for essential trips.
The mayor also called on the government to use today’s press briefing to announce a new deal to protect the income of the self-employed and a commitment to house all those sleeping rough with immediate effect.
Burnham said:
Picking up the issue of the self-employed only being eligible to receive statutory sick pay, the mayor went on to say:
Finally, the mayor reiterated his call for the government to house all homeless people:
Rebecca Long-Bailey, the Labour leadership candidate, is calling for the establishment of national food service to help families in need who are self-isolating. As the Independent reports, she said:
At least three more prisoners in England have tested positive for Covid-19, the BBC’s home affairs correspondent, Danny Shaw, reports. It follows confirmed cases last week in HMP Manchester and in HMP Kilmarnock in Scotland.
At her lunchtime briefing Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, reiterated her advice that “if life is carrying on as normal then you are not doing the right thing”. These new measures are essential to slow down the virus and reduce its peak impact, she said.
On pubs and restaurants that are still open she said: “We will within days have emergency powers and we will use them.” She called on shops not providing essential items like food and medicines to close now.
She also had a message for employers in non-essential services:
She had been asked specifically about building sites and hair salons; they should close, she said.
Sturgeon said the Scottish government was putting through further measures to support freelances, the self-employed and contract workers, to support businesses in doing the right thing.
Chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood warned again that Scotland is on the cusp of a rapid acceleration of cases in Scotland, saying that the 14 deaths represent up to 1,000 people each who have become infected.
Calderwood said people should go out for exercise once a day but should not mingle outside their family group. She encouraged people “to continue to use the outdoors to keep their mental and physical wellbeing as good as possible, but we are really in this for a marathon not a sprint”.
The Scottish government’s health secretary Jeane Freeman announced a series of new measures: the creation of new community hubs. From now on if patients with coronavirus symptoms are seeking additional advice, they should call 111 and callers will go to one of the new hubs where clinicians will give them advice.
There are also plans to empower community pharmacists by expanding minor ailments model. This will free up GPs to deal with non-Covid-19 cases, Freeman explained.
Here are the main points from today’s Downing Street lobby briefing. For the first time it was conducted entirely by conference call.
The prime minister’s spokesman confirmed that the government is introducing an amendment to the coronavirus emergency powers bill to allow it to be reviewed after six months. (See 11.26am.) Originally a sunset clause in the bill just said it would lapse after two years. The spokesman said the government has now tabled amendment to the bill that will require the parliament to renew the legislation every six months. He said:
The spokesman said that cabinet would go ahead tomorrow - but that a “significant number” of ministers would be participating via conference call.
The spokesman sought to play down some of the expectations created by Boris Johnson’s claim last week that the UK could “turn the tide” in the fight against coronavirus in 12 weeks. Asked if that was still the PM’s belief, and if that meant we were now getting closer to 11 weeks, the spokesman replied:
He said that, if Boris Johnson were to fall ill from coronavirus and be unable to carry out his duties, Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary and first secretary of state, would take over. (See 12.22pm.)
The spokesman echoed what Matt Hancock said this morning about further social distancing measures being possible (see 9.54am) but refused to indicate when this might happen. The spokesman said the government would be looking at the data about who many people are still going out - for example, public transport use and footfall in shopping areas - to decide if further measures were necessary.
The spokesman could not confirm when today’s coronavirus press conference would take place.
The spokesman said the government would soon intensify its public information campaign. He said:
The spokesman played down reports claiming that Johnson faces a “mutiny” from cabinet colleagues if he does not introduce tougher social distancing measures. Asked if this was true, the spokesman said he did not recognise that claim at all.
The spokesman said the government was still urgently working on measures to help the self-employed (who were not protected by the sweeping employment support package announced by Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, on Friday).
The spokesman suggested that most construction workers should not be working. Asked to clarify the guidance, and to say whether builders should carry on working, the spokesman said that if construction work was related to the fight against coronavirus, it was essential. He implied other construction work was not essential.
The spokesman said the government was urging the International Olympics Committee to make a definitive decision about the future of the Tokyo games soon. The IOC has said it might take another four weeks to decide what it will do about the games. The spokesman said a culture ministers has already said the IOC should be seriously considering cancellation.
The spokesman was unable to say whether people who have already travelled to a second home to self-isolate are now expected to travel back to their main home. He said he would seek further guidance on this.
A further four people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Scotland, taking the total number of deaths there to 14, the first minister, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.A further four people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Scotland, taking the total number of deaths there to 14, the first minister, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
In total 499 people have tested positive for the virus in Scotland, an increase of 83 from Sunday.In total 499 people have tested positive for the virus in Scotland, an increase of 83 from Sunday.
Sturgeon said the figures are likely to be an under-estimate.Sturgeon said the figures are likely to be an under-estimate.
Global coronavirus death toll passes 15,000Global coronavirus death toll passes 15,000
The number of people across the world who have died after contracting coronavirus now stands at 15,308, according to Johns Hopkins University, which has been collating global data. The worldwide number of confirmed cases currently stands at 349,211.The number of people across the world who have died after contracting coronavirus now stands at 15,308, according to Johns Hopkins University, which has been collating global data. The worldwide number of confirmed cases currently stands at 349,211.
In Spain, one of Europe’s worst hit countries after Italy, the coronavirus death toll in Spain has reached 2,182, adding 462 fatalities overnight. The death toll in Iran from the new coronavirus has increased to 1,812, with 127 new deaths in the past 24 hours.In Spain, one of Europe’s worst hit countries after Italy, the coronavirus death toll in Spain has reached 2,182, adding 462 fatalities overnight. The death toll in Iran from the new coronavirus has increased to 1,812, with 127 new deaths in the past 24 hours.
Upwards curve in infections ‘may be flattening’ in GermanyUpwards curve in infections ‘may be flattening’ in Germany
There were signs that the exponential upwards curve in new coronavirus infections in Germany is levelling off for the first time due to the strict social distancing measures in force, the head of the country’s public health institute has said. However, Lothar Wieler, the president of the Robert Koch Institute, urged caution, saying many health authorities had not yet submitted their data from the weekend. “I will only be able to confirm this trend definitively on Wednesday,” he said. But he said he remained optimistic.There were signs that the exponential upwards curve in new coronavirus infections in Germany is levelling off for the first time due to the strict social distancing measures in force, the head of the country’s public health institute has said. However, Lothar Wieler, the president of the Robert Koch Institute, urged caution, saying many health authorities had not yet submitted their data from the weekend. “I will only be able to confirm this trend definitively on Wednesday,” he said. But he said he remained optimistic.
Postponement of Tokyo Olympics under considerationPostponement of Tokyo Olympics under consideration
The head of the Japan Olympic Committee (JOC) said on Monday he had to consider postponing the Games among his options amid increasing calls from committees around the world to delay the Olympics due to the coronavirus outbreak. “From the athletes’ point of view of safety and security, we have to come to a stage where we cannot help but consider things including postponement,” JOC President Yasuhiro Yamashita told reporters on Monday. However, he said too long a delay would be a burden to athletes given the possibility of having to qualify again, for example.The head of the Japan Olympic Committee (JOC) said on Monday he had to consider postponing the Games among his options amid increasing calls from committees around the world to delay the Olympics due to the coronavirus outbreak. “From the athletes’ point of view of safety and security, we have to come to a stage where we cannot help but consider things including postponement,” JOC President Yasuhiro Yamashita told reporters on Monday. However, he said too long a delay would be a burden to athletes given the possibility of having to qualify again, for example.
Britain warns tougher measures on movement may be on wayBritain warns tougher measures on movement may be on way
Britain’s health secretary has accused those still socialising of “very selfish” behaviour that risks the lives of NHS workers and others, as he signalled tougher restrictions on movement are likely to be on the way. The health secretary, Matt Hancock, said stricter rules such as curfews or further closures could come into place “very soon” and urged people still socialising or going to holiday locations to “stop it, and if you don’t stop it then we’re going to have to take more measures.”Britain’s health secretary has accused those still socialising of “very selfish” behaviour that risks the lives of NHS workers and others, as he signalled tougher restrictions on movement are likely to be on the way. The health secretary, Matt Hancock, said stricter rules such as curfews or further closures could come into place “very soon” and urged people still socialising or going to holiday locations to “stop it, and if you don’t stop it then we’re going to have to take more measures.”
WHSmith has insisted it is an “essential retailer” akin to supermarkets and pharmacies as it vowed to keep open its 1,200 stores in the wake of the coronavirus shutdown.The high-street newsagent has prompted anger among some of its staff who said they had not been provided protective equipment, such as hand sanitiser or gloves, and had only stopped accepting cash on Monday.The Guardian understands that several staff at a WHSmith branch in Hertfordshire refused to go into work on Monday morning due to coronavirus concerns, while the parent of an employee at another branch said her son “came home almost in tears” on Sunday as stores remained busy in spite of the UK semi-lockdown.WHSmith has insisted it is an “essential retailer” akin to supermarkets and pharmacies as it vowed to keep open its 1,200 stores in the wake of the coronavirus shutdown.The high-street newsagent has prompted anger among some of its staff who said they had not been provided protective equipment, such as hand sanitiser or gloves, and had only stopped accepting cash on Monday.The Guardian understands that several staff at a WHSmith branch in Hertfordshire refused to go into work on Monday morning due to coronavirus concerns, while the parent of an employee at another branch said her son “came home almost in tears” on Sunday as stores remained busy in spite of the UK semi-lockdown.
The 227-year-old firm, which operates more than 600 high street stores and more than 600 airport branches, is one of a plummeting number of retailers choosing to stay open amid the outbreak. Nando’s, Costa Coffee and Subway all announced temporary closures on Monday, while Waterstones will shut its 280 branches at the end of the day.In a letter to staff last week, the WHSmith chief executive, Carl Cowling, wrote that the company would be “positioning ourselves to government as an ‘essential retailer’”. He added:The 227-year-old firm, which operates more than 600 high street stores and more than 600 airport branches, is one of a plummeting number of retailers choosing to stay open amid the outbreak. Nando’s, Costa Coffee and Subway all announced temporary closures on Monday, while Waterstones will shut its 280 branches at the end of the day.In a letter to staff last week, the WHSmith chief executive, Carl Cowling, wrote that the company would be “positioning ourselves to government as an ‘essential retailer’”. He added:
Cowling said the company’s priority was the health and wellbeing of its employees and that it was monitoring the health of staff. On Monday WHSmith stopped accepting cash and put in place social distancing measures at tills.Cowling said the company’s priority was the health and wellbeing of its employees and that it was monitoring the health of staff. On Monday WHSmith stopped accepting cash and put in place social distancing measures at tills.
A staff notice issued on Monday said hand sanitiser and protective gloves should be available for all stores. However, WHSmith employees who spoke to the Guardian said they felt their health was being put at risk.“I was shocked and appalled by how busy our store was on Saturday and people’s disregard for safety,” said one member of staff.A staff notice issued on Monday said hand sanitiser and protective gloves should be available for all stores. However, WHSmith employees who spoke to the Guardian said they felt their health was being put at risk.“I was shocked and appalled by how busy our store was on Saturday and people’s disregard for safety,” said one member of staff.
A spokeswoman for WHSmith said:A spokeswoman for WHSmith said:
The Guardian wants to tell the stories of Britons who have contracted and recovered from coronavirus here in the UK, to inform other readers of what they may face and to shed light on the health service’s ability to help individuals fighting the disease.We are particularly interested in hearing from those who were either asymptomatic or suffered light symptoms, or those whose ordeal was more serious and included a spell in hospital. So if you have been diagnosed with coronavirus and have shaken it off, or are on the mend, please get in contact Damien Gayle, a Guardian national news reporter, on email at damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via his Twitter profile, @damiengayle.You can also get in touch via WhatsApp by clicking here or adding the contact +44(0)7867825056. Your responses are secure as the form is encrypted and only the Guardian has access to your contributions.The Guardian wants to tell the stories of Britons who have contracted and recovered from coronavirus here in the UK, to inform other readers of what they may face and to shed light on the health service’s ability to help individuals fighting the disease.We are particularly interested in hearing from those who were either asymptomatic or suffered light symptoms, or those whose ordeal was more serious and included a spell in hospital. So if you have been diagnosed with coronavirus and have shaken it off, or are on the mend, please get in contact Damien Gayle, a Guardian national news reporter, on email at damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via his Twitter profile, @damiengayle.You can also get in touch via WhatsApp by clicking here or adding the contact +44(0)7867825056. Your responses are secure as the form is encrypted and only the Guardian has access to your contributions.
A further four patients in Wales who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total to 16, Public Health Wales said.A further four patients in Wales who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total to 16, Public Health Wales said.
Dr Giri Shankar, incident director for the coronavirus outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said they had 71 new cases testing positive for Covid-19, which brings the total number of confirmed cases in Wales to 418, though the true number of cases is likely to be higher.Dr Giri Shankar, incident director for the coronavirus outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said they had 71 new cases testing positive for Covid-19, which brings the total number of confirmed cases in Wales to 418, though the true number of cases is likely to be higher.
The Welsh government is writing to all GPs and vulnerable individuals in Wales with details of the latest shielding guidance, he said.The Welsh government is writing to all GPs and vulnerable individuals in Wales with details of the latest shielding guidance, he said.
The Downing Street lobby briefing has just finished. For the first time it took place entirely by conference call. And it was embargoed until it finished.
Here is one of the more interesting lines.
Dominic Raab will take charge of the government if the PM falls ill from coronavirus, the prime minister’s spokesman said. The spokesman stressed that Boris Johnson was well. But he said that Raab, the foreign secretary, would take over if Johnson could not carry out his duties because Raab is also first secretary of state.
I will post a full summary shortly.
The Labour party is calling for stricter enforcement of social distancing. In an official statement issued on behalf of the party, echoing what Sir Keir Starmer, the favourite in the leadership contest has also said (see 10.58am), Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, said:
The congestion charge and the ultra low emissions zone charge have been suspended as of today in London to help health workers, emergency service and other key workers move around the capital.
Transport for London said however the public should not exploit this as a licence to drive around London for free.
Chris Macleod, customer director at TfL, said:
The Scottish health secretary has had to tell off one of her own MSPs after he tweeted that he would be keeping his office open to conduct surgeries with constituents.
Jeane Freeman retweeted John Mason with the comment: “John please don’t do this. Follow the clear health guidance – you are neither an exception nor exceptional.”
The UK’s Freemasons are taking the unusual step of inviting non-members to participate in a “virtual” toast at 9pm tonight, to remember loved ones who might be self-isolating as well as frontline NHS workers.
The 200,000-strong organisation traditionally toasts “absent brethren” to remember those who are unable to attend their meetings in person at the dinner that takes place afterwards.
The organisation is adapting its usual 9pm toast and inviting everyone to join in using #TimetoToast to toast ‘absent friends, and those working on the frontline in the NHS’.
Dr David Staples, chief executive of the United Grand Lodge of England, said:
A message for people to stay at home from Theo Usherwood, political editor of LBC, who has spent the last few weeks recovering after being diagnosed with pneumonia and was suspected of having Covid-19. It reads:
Morrisons has reduced its fuel prices by 12p per litre for petrol and 8p per litre for diesel.
The supermarket described the move as “the biggest fuel price reduction in recent times”.
It will be effective on all Morrisons fuel forecourts today.
Ashley Myers, head of fuel for Morrisons, said:
For a typical 50-litre fill up, motorist will save £6 on unleaded and £4 on diesel.
Our consumer affairs correspondent, Rebecca Smithers, writes:
Responding to the fuel cuts announced by supermarket chain Morrisons, Simon Williams of the RAC motoring group said:
But Williams warned that there was “a darker side” to the price cuts.
Jeremy Corbyn’s son is self-isolating in line with government advice for anyone with symptoms of Covid-19, Sky News understands.
Sources told Sky that Seb Corbyn – who works for the shadow chancellor, John McDonnell – has not recently been in contact with McDonnell or his father.
A powerful video from frontline medics from Belfast Health and Social care trust urging people to stay at home has gone viral, racking up more than 1.4m views since it was uploaded last night.
One of the 20 healthcare workers (who stand two metres apart from each other in the video), a respiratory consultant called Angela, says:
Later today MPs will debate all stages of the coronavirus emergency powers bill. It gives extensive powers to ministers – there is a good summary here – and in a normal circumstances it would be hugely controversial. Instead it is expected to be passed with cross-party support.
Controversy has focused on the sunset clause in the bill, which says its provisions will lapse after two years. Opposition MPs, as well as the Tory libertarian David Davis, have tabled amendments saying the sunset clause should kick in after six months, or a year, not two years. According to the BBC’s Norman Smith, the government is going to address these concerns by including a six-month renewal clause in the legislation.