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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 crisis Rolling coverage of all the UK developments in the coronavirus crisis. First patients enter UK treatment trial; Sturgeon says too many non-essential businesses still open; Raab would take over from Johnson if PM gets sick
In an article for the Guardian, Tim Cook, an intensive care unit (ICU) doctor, says that as hospitals become overwhelmed with coronavirus patients, medics will have to take decisions about who gets care and who doesn’t. Here’s an extract.
And here is the full article.
Greater Manchester police (GMP) is the latest organisation to warn that it would not answer Freedom of Information (FOI) requests during the coronavirus outbreak, after the Local Government Association (LGA) argued councils should not have to comply with FOI regulation mid-crisis.
On Monday the LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales, said the government should temporarily “relax” the requirements on councils regarding GDPR data protection regulations and FOI.GMP put out a message on Monday saying:
The first UK patients have been enrolled in a clinical trial for possible Covid-19 treatments, PA reports.
Researchers from the University of Oxford have launched a new clinical trial to test the effects of potential drug treatments for patients admitted to hospital with the virus.
There are currently no specific treatments for the coronavirus and it is possible some existing drugs used for other conditions may have some benefits.
Scientists say the randomised evaluation of Covid-19 therapy (recovery) trial will provide doctors and the health service with information they need to determine which treatments should be used.
The treatments initially included in the study have been recommended by an expert panel that advises the chief medical officer in England.
They are Lopinavir-Ritonavir, which is normally used to treat HIV, and the steroid dexamethasone, which is used in a wide range of conditions to reduce inflammation. The side effects and safety of both drugs are already well known. Other potential treatments will also be assessed by the trial in the future.
Peter Horby, professor of emerging infectious diseases and global health in the Nuffield department of medicine, University of Oxford, and chief investigator for the trial, said:
Adult inpatients who have tested positive for Covid-19 in NHS hospitals, and not been excluded for medical reasons, will be offered the chance to take part in the trial.
Participants will be allocated at random by computer to receive one of the two drugs being studied or no additional medication.
This will enable researchers to see whether any of the possible new treatments are more or less effective than those currently used for patients with the virus.
Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and NHS England medical director Professor Stephen Powis have written to NHS trusts in England asking them to fully support the new trial.
The Methodist church is closing all its church buildings for the foreseeable future.
The only exception will be for churches offering services such as food banks, soup kitchens and night shelters, but these must be carried out closely within government guidelines.
The church suspended services last week with some churches still opening for quiet prayer and reflection. “This must now also be suspended,” it said.
The move comes a day after the Anglican bishops of London, Southwark, Chelmsford and Rochester ordered the closure of church buildings in the capital, which until this weekend were open for private prayer and reflection.
“In doing this we demonstrate how important physical distancing is in saving lives,” they said in a statement.
Play areas and sports facilities in parks in the London borough of Lambeth are now closed after people failed to adhere to government guidance about social distancing, the local council has said.Play areas and sports facilities in parks in the London borough of Lambeth are now closed after people failed to adhere to government guidance about social distancing, the local council has said.
A consultant from an NHS hospital within the M25 (he did not want his hospital named) told the Guardian that his hospital was coping at present but he was anticipating a “proper crisis” by Saturday.A consultant from an NHS hospital within the M25 (he did not want his hospital named) told the Guardian that his hospital was coping at present but he was anticipating a “proper crisis” by Saturday.
While hospitals are increasing bed numbers and ventilators are on the way, he said staffing was key and so personal protective equipment (PPE) for NHS staff and testing was vital. He said:While hospitals are increasing bed numbers and ventilators are on the way, he said staffing was key and so personal protective equipment (PPE) for NHS staff and testing was vital. He said:
He said one department at his hospital ordered alcoholic hand gel but only got a tenth of the amount they had requested. He said trusts were largely doing what they could but added:He said one department at his hospital ordered alcoholic hand gel but only got a tenth of the amount they had requested. He said trusts were largely doing what they could but added:
The consultant said that by distributing the correct spec PPE among all healthcare workers, countries like Singapore and South Korea had reduced spread. By contrast, he said:The consultant said that by distributing the correct spec PPE among all healthcare workers, countries like Singapore and South Korea had reduced spread. By contrast, he said:
On testing, he said:On testing, he said:
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”: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.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.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.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:Burnham said:
Picking up the issue of the self-employed only being eligible to receive statutory sick pay, the mayor went on to say: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: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: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 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.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.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 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.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.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.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”.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.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.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.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 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 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: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.)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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.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.