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UK coronavirus lockdown live: MPs criticise government over lack of testing as death toll rises to 422 UK coronavirus lockdown live: death toll reaches 422 after biggest daily rise so far
(31 minutes later)
Rolling coverage of the latest UK developments in the coronavirus crisisRolling coverage of the latest UK developments in the coronavirus crisis
The chief constable of one of England’s busiest police forces has been talking about the pressures on police during the crisis.
Ian Hopkins, who headsGreater Manchester police (GMP), said officers did not have sufficient personal protection equipment (PPE) and that he had raised the issue with Priti Patel, the home secretary.
Around a tenth of the force are currently off sick or self-isolating (1,066 police officers and staff ), he said, leaving the rest stretched but still able to respond to true emergency calls.
But he expressed despair after the force received 180 calls between 7am and 10am today to ask questions such as “‘can I take my car for its MOT?” and “‘can I pick my daughter up at Manchester airport?”
He said:
Hopkins said between 3,500 and 4,000 frontline GMP officers were being given “surgical-style” face masks and gloves but that they needed “fluid resistant” face masks:
Charities have expressed shock over the absence of an on-screen British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter during the prime minister’s broadcast last night, calling it “appalling” and “unacceptable”.
Action on Hearing Loss tweeted: “Shocking not to see a #BSL interpreter translate the most important public health message in a generation -@10DowningStreet must do better. We’re working with other organisations to make all public announcements accessible to everyone.”
The NRCPD said: “We are absolutely appalled that there was no #BSLInterpreter tonight for one of the most important speeches by Boris Johnson. Scotland can do it - why can’t Boris Johnson? This is unacceptable. #Deaf #EqualAccess”
The Royal Association for Deaf People has posted a transcript on its Facebook page.
The British government is not taking part in European Union procurement schemes to buy ventilators, protective gear for medical staff or coronavirus testing kit, the Guardian understands.
UK and EU sources confirmed the government is not currently participating in any of the EU’s bulk-buying schemes linked to tackling coronavirus.
The UK’s absence from the schemes emerged as the European commission declared on Tuesday that a joint effort to buy protective medical gear on behalf of 25 member states was “a success”.
Ursula von der Leyen, the European commission president, said a joint procurement initiative had generated “concrete offers of considerable scale at short notice” to supply EU countries with different kinds of surgical masks, gloves, goggles, face shields and overalls. She said:
The commission said it expected the equipment to be available two weeks after the member states leading the procurement sign the contracts.
Two other procurement schemes, to supply ventilators and laboratory equipment needed for coronavirus testing, are at an earlier stage, with calls for tenders launched last week. Nearly all EU countries, 25 out of 27, are participating in the procurement scheme on ventilators, while 19 are joining forces to buy laboratory equipment.
The Brexit transition agreement means the government has the right to take part in EU joint procurement. Under David Cameron, the government signed the EU’s joint procurement agreement in 2014, which was drawn up after some member states experienced shortages of medical kit during the H1N1 pandemic.
The logic behind joint procurement is to reduce administration, get better prices through bulk purchasing power and take advantage of medical purchasing skills that may not be equally shared (something especially useful for smaller countries).
British officials have not ruled out joining an EU procurement scheme and stress the NHS will get everything it needs to tackle the pandemic. Meanwhile Boris Johnson recently called on manufacturers to make 20,000 ventilators “at speed”, as the government prepares for a surge in people needing intensive care.
Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, says he is asking retired rail staff to return to work to cover for any shortages generated by coronavirus.
As of 9am on 24 March, a total of 90,436 have been tested: 82,359 negative. 8,077 positive.As of 9am on 24 March, a total of 90,436 have been tested: 82,359 negative. 8,077 positive.
As of 1pm, 422 patients who tested positive for coronavirus have sadly died.As of 1pm, 422 patients who tested positive for coronavirus have sadly died.
NHS England said a further 83 people had died in England, bringing the total number of deaths there to 386.
Patients were aged between 33 and 103 years old and all were in vulnerable groups including those with underlying conditions.
A children’s nursery in Cornwall has been forced to close for key workers after burglars caused extensive damage.A children’s nursery in Cornwall has been forced to close for key workers after burglars caused extensive damage.
Daisy Fays Nursery in Chiverton Cross, near Truro, was broken in to over the weekend. Two gas canisters were stolen and significant damage caused to the front entrance. A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall police said:Daisy Fays Nursery in Chiverton Cross, near Truro, was broken in to over the weekend. Two gas canisters were stolen and significant damage caused to the front entrance. A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall police said:
The force was appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.The force was appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.
The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has described the chancellor’s decision to collect March’s beer duty payments as “incredibly disappointing” and “a huge blow” for the UK’s army of small independent brewers.Brewers have been calling on the chancellor to unilaterally cancel the payment, due to be debited from bank accounts on Wednesday, in the face of decimated sales following physical distancing measures including pub, bar and restaurant closures, and as of last night the closing of takeaway sales for beer businesses.The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has described the chancellor’s decision to collect March’s beer duty payments as “incredibly disappointing” and “a huge blow” for the UK’s army of small independent brewers.Brewers have been calling on the chancellor to unilaterally cancel the payment, due to be debited from bank accounts on Wednesday, in the face of decimated sales following physical distancing measures including pub, bar and restaurant closures, and as of last night the closing of takeaway sales for beer businesses.
Siba says the average small brewer will be saddled with a beer duty bill of around £5,000, but for larger companies it could be as much as £500,000.Siba says the average small brewer will be saddled with a beer duty bill of around £5,000, but for larger companies it could be as much as £500,000.
James Calder, Siba’s chief executive, said:James Calder, Siba’s chief executive, said:
Brewers are urged to phone the HMRC “time to pay” helpline, which HMRC says is now fully staffed, but a poll of small brewers by Siba showed that only 21% have been able to get through.Brewers are urged to phone the HMRC “time to pay” helpline, which HMRC says is now fully staffed, but a poll of small brewers by Siba showed that only 21% have been able to get through.
An 80-year-old woman is the first person in the UK to die after contracting coronavirus in hospital, our colleague, Matthew Weaver, reports.An 80-year-old woman is the first person in the UK to die after contracting coronavirus in hospital, our colleague, Matthew Weaver, reports.
Marita Edwards, a retired cleaner and keen golfer, went to Newport’s Royal Gwent hospital for a routine gallbladder operation on 28 February.Marita Edwards, a retired cleaner and keen golfer, went to Newport’s Royal Gwent hospital for a routine gallbladder operation on 28 February.
The otherwise fit 80-year-old then caught an infection in hospital that she and her family were initially told was pneumonia. Last Thursday, almost three weeks after arriving at the hospital, she tested positive for Covid-19 and died the following day.The otherwise fit 80-year-old then caught an infection in hospital that she and her family were initially told was pneumonia. Last Thursday, almost three weeks after arriving at the hospital, she tested positive for Covid-19 and died the following day.
“If she had not been in hospital she would be still be alive,” said her son, Stuart Loud. “Clearly there was a coronavirus infection in the hospital which claimed my mum’s life.”“If she had not been in hospital she would be still be alive,” said her son, Stuart Loud. “Clearly there was a coronavirus infection in the hospital which claimed my mum’s life.”
Her death raises questions about the hospital’s failure to test earlier for the disease and what precautions it took to curb its spread among patients and staff.Her death raises questions about the hospital’s failure to test earlier for the disease and what precautions it took to curb its spread among patients and staff.
You can read the full story here.You can read the full story here.
Food banks are “extremely concerned” about staying open following the government’s clampdown on activity and are appealing for urgent clarification on how they can most safely operate, PA Media reports.Food banks are “extremely concerned” about staying open following the government’s clampdown on activity and are appealing for urgent clarification on how they can most safely operate, PA Media reports.
An increasing number of members of the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) are worried they may need to close amid efforts to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. Food banks are concerned about potentially spreading Covid-19 among service users and an ageing volunteer base, and are also faced with venue closures and reduced access to food supplies.An increasing number of members of the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) are worried they may need to close amid efforts to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. Food banks are concerned about potentially spreading Covid-19 among service users and an ageing volunteer base, and are also faced with venue closures and reduced access to food supplies.
They are calling for guidance on how to best run doorstep food delivery operations, with some food banks turning to this model to avoid volunteers and service users gathering in one spot. They also want advice for volunteers sorting through donations, packing emergency food parcels and setting up areas for distribution.They are calling for guidance on how to best run doorstep food delivery operations, with some food banks turning to this model to avoid volunteers and service users gathering in one spot. They also want advice for volunteers sorting through donations, packing emergency food parcels and setting up areas for distribution.
IFAN coordinator Sabine Goodwin said most of IFAN’s 293 food aid provider members had expressed concern about potentially having to close.IFAN coordinator Sabine Goodwin said most of IFAN’s 293 food aid provider members had expressed concern about potentially having to close.
Among the questions, food providers want to know if they need paperwork to continue operating, and, amid closures of churches and community buildings, they are asking whether these should be kept open for food distribution requirements.Among the questions, food providers want to know if they need paperwork to continue operating, and, amid closures of churches and community buildings, they are asking whether these should be kept open for food distribution requirements.
If a provider is forced to shut, it also needs clarification on which agency or agencies will take responsibility for the people who would have previously been supported by the food bank.If a provider is forced to shut, it also needs clarification on which agency or agencies will take responsibility for the people who would have previously been supported by the food bank.
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, told LBC this morning that he argued at the Cobra emergency committee meeting that construction workers should be told to stay away from work, but that he was over-ruled by Boris Johnson.Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, told LBC this morning that he argued at the Cobra emergency committee meeting that construction workers should be told to stay away from work, but that he was over-ruled by Boris Johnson.
Downing Street (see 2.32pm) and Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister (see 9.50am), have been defending the decision to let some construction work in England carry on. In Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister, has said work on buildings sites should halt.Downing Street (see 2.32pm) and Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister (see 9.50am), have been defending the decision to let some construction work in England carry on. In Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister, has said work on buildings sites should halt.
London’s ExCeL conference centre will become an emergency hospital treating coronavirus patients “within days”, with 500 beds initially made available at what will be the first of several crisis facilities dotted around the UK.London’s ExCeL conference centre will become an emergency hospital treating coronavirus patients “within days”, with 500 beds initially made available at what will be the first of several crisis facilities dotted around the UK.
The cavernous 100,000 sq metre (25-acre) Docklands site is being converted in a high-speed operation involving military planners and personnel and its capacity will rise quickly from the initial 500 beds, defence sources added.The cavernous 100,000 sq metre (25-acre) Docklands site is being converted in a high-speed operation involving military planners and personnel and its capacity will rise quickly from the initial 500 beds, defence sources added.
It is to deal with a surge in coronavirus patients because it is expected that London’s hospitals and their existing intensive care beds will soon be overflowing as patients with severe breathing difficulties are treated.It is to deal with a surge in coronavirus patients because it is expected that London’s hospitals and their existing intensive care beds will soon be overflowing as patients with severe breathing difficulties are treated.
Defence sources said more than one emergency hospital would built around the UK, although London is first because the rate of coronavirus infections is considered to be running 1.5 to 2.5 weeks ahead. “We will service and support the whole of the United Kingdom,” a source added.Defence sources said more than one emergency hospital would built around the UK, although London is first because the rate of coronavirus infections is considered to be running 1.5 to 2.5 weeks ahead. “We will service and support the whole of the United Kingdom,” a source added.
A West Midlands police force has had to deal with a large group of at least 20 people having an outdoor barbecue, less than 24 hours after the prime minister placed the country in lockdown.A West Midlands police force has had to deal with a large group of at least 20 people having an outdoor barbecue, less than 24 hours after the prime minister placed the country in lockdown.
In a tweet, Foleshill police wrote:In a tweet, Foleshill police wrote:
A £1m Netflix donation has been announced to help support the creative community following the coronavirus pandemic.A £1m Netflix donation has been announced to help support the creative community following the coronavirus pandemic.
A Covid-19 film and TV emergency relief fund will be administered by the Film and TV Charity, with support from the BFI.A Covid-19 film and TV emergency relief fund will be administered by the Film and TV Charity, with support from the BFI.
Alex Pumfrey, the chief executive of the Film and TV Charity, said:Alex Pumfrey, the chief executive of the Film and TV Charity, said:
In the Commons the Tory MP Sir Desmond Swayne asks Matt Hancock, the health secretary, to confirm that it is acceptable for workmen to carry out repairs in people’s homes under the new guidelines. Swayne says he thinks that should be fine as long as people are not self-isolating because they are ill, or in a shielded group.In the Commons the Tory MP Sir Desmond Swayne asks Matt Hancock, the health secretary, to confirm that it is acceptable for workmen to carry out repairs in people’s homes under the new guidelines. Swayne says he thinks that should be fine as long as people are not self-isolating because they are ill, or in a shielded group.
Hancock says he thinks people should only get repairs done at home if they are essential.Hancock says he thinks people should only get repairs done at home if they are essential.
Earlier Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, answered an urgent question in the Commons about Britons who are stranded abroad. The Conservative Caroline Nokes, who tabled the UQ, was scathing about the performance of the Foreign Office. Describing the experience of those abroad, she said:Earlier Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, answered an urgent question in the Commons about Britons who are stranded abroad. The Conservative Caroline Nokes, who tabled the UQ, was scathing about the performance of the Foreign Office. Describing the experience of those abroad, she said:
Raab replied:Raab replied:
Glastonbury festival has donated thousands of litres of hand sanitiser, gloves and face masks to frontline emergency services responding to the coronavirus pandemic.Glastonbury festival has donated thousands of litres of hand sanitiser, gloves and face masks to frontline emergency services responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
The supplies were due to be used during the now-postponed 50th anniversary of the music festival, which was scheduled to take place in June.The supplies were due to be used during the now-postponed 50th anniversary of the music festival, which was scheduled to take place in June.
Avon and Somerset police tweeted images of a forklift loading supplies into a van, as well as a police vehicle being loaded with boxes of medical-grade gloves.Avon and Somerset police tweeted images of a forklift loading supplies into a van, as well as a police vehicle being loaded with boxes of medical-grade gloves.
The festival announced on 18 March that its 50th anniversary event would have to be postponed until 2021.The festival announced on 18 March that its 50th anniversary event would have to be postponed until 2021.