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UK coronavirus live: refuse to treat patients without PPE 'as last resort', says nursing body, as three nurses die UK coronavirus live: refuse to treat patients without PPE 'as last resort', says nursing body, as three nurses die
(32 minutes later)
Three nurses have died after contracting Covid-19, amid growing criticism of the lack of protection for NHS staffThree nurses have died after contracting Covid-19, amid growing criticism of the lack of protection for NHS staff
Schools should consider opening in some form over the six-week summer holidays to help children catch up with the curriculum – and to provide childcare for families who need to get back to work, the children’s commissioner has said.
Anne Longfield said that when schools are allowed to reopen, they could be vital during the long summer holidays.
Confusion persists over whether employees can be forced by their bosses to take holidays while on the government’s furlough scheme.
One worker contacted the Guardian to complain their employer was spending official furlough money to cover wages now and also using it to pay down holiday entitlement that would otherwise be payable later in the year.
John Bowers QC, a barrister specialising in employment law, told the Guardian: “There is a split in the legal profession as to whether employees on furlough can be required to take part of their leave. Both government guidance and Acas guidance is ambiguous on this (perhaps deliberately) but this makes it difficult for employers to handle this.”
One law service published online advice stating: “You could insist employees take their holiday entitlement … so that when you get busier again your staff are there to support income generation rather than taking their holidays”.
The solicitors Farrer & Co agreed the situation was unclear but said: “Our preliminary view is that, unless and until we have guidance to the contrary, it seems employees can be required to take holiday during furlough and the pay they receive during this time will depend on whether employees are receiving furlough pay or topping up.”
The Guardian attempted to clarify the confusion. The Treasury press office redirected the inquiry to HM Revenue and Customs which, in turn, insisted it was a matter that for the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy department.
BEIS stated that it was a Treasury responsibility.
Medics trained overseas are being barred from the UK coronavirus frontline, reports Nosheen Iqbal.
Thousands of experienced foreign doctors are being excluded from the battle against coronavirus by “unnecessary and hostile red tape”.
A petition co-ordinated by RefuAid and Help Refugees, is calling on the General Medical Council (GMC) to make the registration process for overseas-qualified doctors faster and more straight-forward so they can help treat Covid-19 patients.
Jennifer Lee specialised in respiratory and intensive care medicine for more than a decade in New York. She said:
Tax rises could be required to deal with the economic cost of the coronavirus crisis, Sir Keir Starmer said as he warned against further austerity measures.Tax rises could be required to deal with the economic cost of the coronavirus crisis, Sir Keir Starmer said as he warned against further austerity measures.
The Labour leader tentatively hinted at an increase in taxes when pressed about what Labour would do to pay for the extra costs associated with the Covid-19 response.The Labour leader tentatively hinted at an increase in taxes when pressed about what Labour would do to pay for the extra costs associated with the Covid-19 response.
But he insisted “pretending” he could answer what would be needed in 2024 is “not something I’m going to do”, acknowledging the damage to the economy is unclear.But he insisted “pretending” he could answer what would be needed in 2024 is “not something I’m going to do”, acknowledging the damage to the economy is unclear.
Sir Keir added that a different approach to the one adopted by the Conservatives since 2010 will be needed, with key workers requiring a better support arrangement. Sir Keir added that a different approach to that adopted by the Conservatives since 2010 would be needed, with key workers requiring better support.
The government has committed tens of billions of pounds of taxpayers’ cash in a bid to support businesses and keep people in jobs during the lockdown.The government has committed tens of billions of pounds of taxpayers’ cash in a bid to support businesses and keep people in jobs during the lockdown.
Appearing on Sky News’s Sophy Ridge On Sunday, Sir Keir said: Appearing on Sky News’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Starmer said:
The Liberal Democrats are demanding an immediate recall of parliament, saying the announcement today that it will resume on 21 April as planned “is not good enough”.The Liberal Democrats are demanding an immediate recall of parliament, saying the announcement today that it will resume on 21 April as planned “is not good enough”.
The acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, said:The acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, said:
He said recalling parliament on 21 April - in 10 days time - is not good enough and that “MPs from across the House must have the opportunity to ask ministers the urgent questions at the earliest opportunity, particularly on life or death issues like the supply of protective kit and essential medicine”. He said recalling parliament on 21 April – in 10 days’ time – is not good enough and that “MPs from across the house must have the opportunity to ask ministers the urgent questions at the earliest opportunity, particularly on life or death issues like the supply of protective kit and essential medicine”.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, leader of the House of Commons, said “technological solutions” will be used to allow parliament to sit, but did not provide any details. Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the House of Commons, said “technological solutions” would be used to allow parliament to sit, but did not provide details.
Davey called for Rees-Mogg to clarify “exactly what form any recalled parliament will take”, adding:Davey called for Rees-Mogg to clarify “exactly what form any recalled parliament will take”, adding:
A third of UK surgeons and surgical trainees do not believe they have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) in their trust, with wide regional variations, a survey has found.A third of UK surgeons and surgical trainees do not believe they have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) in their trust, with wide regional variations, a survey has found.
More than half of those who responded (57%) to the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) of England survey said there have been shortages in the past 30 days.More than half of those who responded (57%) to the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) of England survey said there have been shortages in the past 30 days.
The survey of nearly 2,000 surgeons and trainees showed a postcode lottery when it comes to PPE. More than half (52%) of respondents in the Thames Valley said they now have access to adequate PPE, but that dropped to just over a third (34.7%) in the North West.The survey of nearly 2,000 surgeons and trainees showed a postcode lottery when it comes to PPE. More than half (52%) of respondents in the Thames Valley said they now have access to adequate PPE, but that dropped to just over a third (34.7%) in the North West.
In London, which has been at the heart of the outbreak in the UK, a third (33.4%) of respondents said they do not believe their trust has an adequate supply of PPE.In London, which has been at the heart of the outbreak in the UK, a third (33.4%) of respondents said they do not believe their trust has an adequate supply of PPE.
The survey was carried out after improved PPE guidance was issued by NHS England at the beginning of AprilThe survey was carried out after improved PPE guidance was issued by NHS England at the beginning of April
Sue Hill, RCS vice president, said: Sue Hill, RCS vice-president, said:
More than half of those responding to the survey also expressed scepticism about their chances of getting a Covid-19 test for themselves, should they need one.More than half of those responding to the survey also expressed scepticism about their chances of getting a Covid-19 test for themselves, should they need one.
Confidence was particularly low in the East of England, where 75% of surgeons said they believed they would not get access to a test.Confidence was particularly low in the East of England, where 75% of surgeons said they believed they would not get access to a test.
One surgeon, who responded to the survey said:One surgeon, who responded to the survey said:
The RCS is urging its members not to risk their health, and that of their patients, by carrying out risky procedures without adequate PPE.The RCS is urging its members not to risk their health, and that of their patients, by carrying out risky procedures without adequate PPE.
Future waves of coronavirus are “probably inevitable” without a vaccine in place, said Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust. Future waves of coronavirus are “probably inevitable” without a vaccine in place, said Sir Jeremy Farrar, the director of the Wellcome Trust.
“It is my view that treatment and vaccines are our only true exit strategy from this,” he told the BBC.“It is my view that treatment and vaccines are our only true exit strategy from this,” he told the BBC.
On the prospect of a vaccine, he added: “The vaccine I think will be available during the autumn of this year but that will not be at the scale required to vaccinate maybe billions of people around the world.”On the prospect of a vaccine, he added: “The vaccine I think will be available during the autumn of this year but that will not be at the scale required to vaccinate maybe billions of people around the world.”
Easter eggs have been delivered to hospitals around the UK as a thank you to NHS staff and those forced to spend the bank holiday away from family.Easter eggs have been delivered to hospitals around the UK as a thank you to NHS staff and those forced to spend the bank holiday away from family.
More than 1,800 eggs were given out by the Chocolate Society, which set itself a challenge of seeing how many it could make in a 24-hour period of non-stop production.More than 1,800 eggs were given out by the Chocolate Society, which set itself a challenge of seeing how many it could make in a 24-hour period of non-stop production.
Al and Duncan Garnsworthy, who run the company, said the team worked from 8.30am to 8.30am the following day to produce eggs and show their support for hard-working healthcare staff.Al and Duncan Garnsworthy, who run the company, said the team worked from 8.30am to 8.30am the following day to produce eggs and show their support for hard-working healthcare staff.
In a post on Instagram after completing the challenge, Al said: “We have produced more than we ever thought we would. I am super proud of the team.”In a post on Instagram after completing the challenge, Al said: “We have produced more than we ever thought we would. I am super proud of the team.”
The company also raised more than £3,000 for Heroes, an organisation that helps support the NHS and will help distribute the eggs.The company also raised more than £3,000 for Heroes, an organisation that helps support the NHS and will help distribute the eggs.
A council that was criticised for banning all mourners at its crematorium says it will now let relatives attend outside the building.A council that was criticised for banning all mourners at its crematorium says it will now let relatives attend outside the building.
City of York council said last week it was following other local authorities and stopping all funeral services at cremations – a move that York Central MP Rachael Maskell said “was a step too far” and a possible breach of the UN declaration of human rights.City of York council said last week it was following other local authorities and stopping all funeral services at cremations – a move that York Central MP Rachael Maskell said “was a step too far” and a possible breach of the UN declaration of human rights.
On Saturday evening, the council changed its policy and said in a statement: “Following the announcement of unattended cremations, faith groups and the council have confirmed that they will offer a faith officiant present at the crematorium to undertake the committal of the body according to the appropriate religious rites, and that celebrants or a minister can read your words during the private cremation and that this will be recorded for families.On Saturday evening, the council changed its policy and said in a statement: “Following the announcement of unattended cremations, faith groups and the council have confirmed that they will offer a faith officiant present at the crematorium to undertake the committal of the body according to the appropriate religious rites, and that celebrants or a minister can read your words during the private cremation and that this will be recorded for families.
“The immediate family may wish to attend York crematorium, remaining outside to pay their respects, similarly at Fulford cemetery, whilst following official social distancing guidelines.”“The immediate family may wish to attend York crematorium, remaining outside to pay their respects, similarly at Fulford cemetery, whilst following official social distancing guidelines.”
The council confirmed that “in all cases no mourners can be present inside the crematorium”.The council confirmed that “in all cases no mourners can be present inside the crematorium”.
Maskell said on Twitter: “York’s reissued crematorium policy does not go far enough. I can’t understand why they are making this so hard for distraught families. It is going to have to change again.”Maskell said on Twitter: “York’s reissued crematorium policy does not go far enough. I can’t understand why they are making this so hard for distraught families. It is going to have to change again.”
Over 3,500 people have signed a petition calling for a maximum of five immediate family members be allowed to attend the funerals.Over 3,500 people have signed a petition calling for a maximum of five immediate family members be allowed to attend the funerals.
Sir Jeremy Farrar, the director of the Wellcome Trust, said it was possible the UK could end up with the worst coronavirus death rate in Europe.Sir Jeremy Farrar, the director of the Wellcome Trust, said it was possible the UK could end up with the worst coronavirus death rate in Europe.
Sir Farrer, who is a member of the Sage committee, which advises the government on the pandemic, said on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show:Sir Farrer, who is a member of the Sage committee, which advises the government on the pandemic, said on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show:
He said continuing testing in the community would “buy you time” to deal with the crisis, giving an additional six to eight weeks to ensure health systems were up to capacity.He said continuing testing in the community would “buy you time” to deal with the crisis, giving an additional six to eight weeks to ensure health systems were up to capacity.
“Undoubtedly there are lessons to learn from that,” Sir Jeremy said.“Undoubtedly there are lessons to learn from that,” Sir Jeremy said.
The shadow foreign secretary, Lisa Nandy, has said the Labour party will support any necessary extension of the lockdown, but said more support needs to be put in place to help people through it.
“If the lockdown has to continue, then of course we’ll support it,” she said this morning on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show.
She joined the Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, in saying the government needs to set out its lockdown exit strategy.
“You need to be open and transparent with the public so they understand why they’re being asked to do the things they are, and so they can see some light at the end of the tunnel,” Nandy said.
She also called on the government to name an interim foreign secretary replacement while Dominic Raab deputises for prime minister Boris Johnson as he recovers from Covid-19 in hospital.
She also said that, while the crisis was unprecedented, the government was slow to act in some respects.
Parliament remains on course to return on 21 April, a date agreed by MPs before the Easter recess, despite demands for an emergency recall.
A spokesman for the Commons leader, Jacob Rees-Mogg, said:
Addressing concerns that only 1.4% of the 300,000 applications for business support had been processed, business secretary Alok Sharma said he had held conversations with lenders to speed up loan payouts.
Speaking to Sky News, he said: “I have spent the last couple of days talking directly to some of the largest lenders who are part of this scheme.
“I am very clear to say to them, we need to get money out of the door as soon as possible and they understand that and banks know on this occasion why they have to be part of the solution and they want to be part of the solution.”
Sharma said £800m had been paid out as part of 4,200 loans under the coronavirus business support measures.
Asked whether he was worried, the business secretary said: “Well, of course. It is not just a question of me being worried – I completely understand the concerns that businesses have.”
The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, delivered his first digital Easter Sunday service from his kitchen in London.
“Welcome to the kitchen of our home on Easter Day,” he said. “At this very difficult time in the life of the nation and of the world, our prayers today are especially with those who are suffering, with those who care for them, and for all who mourn.”
The service was pre-recorded on the archbishop’s iPad, with him wearing full robes and having set up a makeshift altar on his dining table
He was joined “virtually” by bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkins and a 10-year-old parishioner named Theo from the diocese of Canterbury.
Nurses should refuse to treat Covid-19 patients “as a last resort” if they are not given adequate personal protective equipment, according to guidance from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
At least 19 NHS workers are known to have died during the coronavirus outbreak, and the government has been criticised for failing to provide enough protection.
A spokesman for RCN said: “For nursing staff, this will go against every instinct. But their safety must not be compromised.”
The union said it would provide legal assistance to those making what it acknowledged was an “enormously difficult decision”.
Business secretary Alok Sharma said health workers should not be put in such a position. He told Sky News: “It is absolutely right that no medical professional should be placed in a position where they have to make that choice.
“That for me is self-evident. That is why we are making sure we get the equipment to the front line.”
Sharma added: “In a normal circumstance, you would have us providing PPE to about 233 hospital trusts across the country. We are now talking about supplying 58,000 NHS and social care settings.
“That is a huge increase and on top of that, there is huge global demand for PPE and that does put a squeeze on supply.”
The leader of the Labour party, Keir Starmer, has said now is “not the time to ask difficult questions” on whether the government was too slow to act on the coronavirus crisis, but said more scrutiny of decisions is needed.
“I challenge the government hard on this, not just to score a point, but to fix it,” said Starmer on Sophy Ridge on Sunday, adding that challenging questions will need to be asked in time.
“I’m trying to resist calls for apologies or criticising past decisions. I will work with the government on this, we will support them in trying to get this right.”
He said “it would be smart” of the government to acknowledge it has failed to meet its ambitions on personal protective equipment for NHS staff and apologise.
He also welcomed the announcement from the leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, that parliament will return on 21 April using “technological solutions”.
“It’s very important in a crisis like this that parliament is sitting so decisions must be scrutinised,” said Starmer. He also called on the government to set out its lockdown exit strategy
The business secretary, Alok Sharma, stopped short of apologising for the lack of adequate protective equipment for NHS staff on the frontline.
Speaking on Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Sharma said: “I am extremely sorry for the loss of any life that has taken place during this global pandemic.
“It is our job to make sure we get that protective equipment out to them. We do have a plan, we’re putting that in place.”
He also praised British companies who have joined the effort to produce more personal protective equipment (PPE).
He refused to comment on any extension to the lockdown in the UK, but when asked about tightening restrictions, he said:“I don’t think that’s particularly helpful at this stage.”
When asked about the health of prime minister Boris Johnson, who is no longer in intensive care, Sharma said: “He’s in very good spirits. He’s walking about a bit.”
Boris Johnson has praised the NHS staff at St Thomas’ Hospital who have cared for him during his time in hospital.
In his first statement since leaving intensive care, Johnson said: “I can’t thank them enough, I owe them my life.”
A No 10 spokeswoman said on Saturday: “The prime minister continues to make very good progress.”
Johnson’s fiancee, Carrie Symonds, provided the prime minister with daily updates while he was in hospital, including scans of their unborn child, as he struggled with coronavirus in hospital, a Downing Street source confirmed.
The Post Office is making two of its products available to all UK banks, building societies and credit unions, to make it easier for people who are self-isolating to access cash.
The products are Payout Now - a voucher sent by text, email or post to a customer who can share it with a trusted person to withdraw cash; and Fast Pace - a service allowing a customer to arrange for a trusted person to collect a cheque from them, cash it at Post Office and return with the money.
Martin Kearsley, banking director at the Post Office, said: “The vast majority of post offices are open, however there are branches that have to close for self-isolation reasons.
He said anyone collecting cash on someone else’s behalf must remember to practise safe distancing and should consider arranging with the recipient how the cash can be safely handed over - through a person’s letterbox, for example.
Good morning, this is Jessica Murray, and I’ll be running the live blog tracking the latest coronavirus developments in the UK this Easter Sunday.
Feel free to get in touch to share your experiences, or with any tips, comments and suggestions via jessica.murray@theguardian.com or via Twitter (@journojess_)
Tributes have been paid to three more nurses who died after contracting Covid-19, with more than 30 NHS staff now thought to have died with the virus.
On Saturday, Central and North West London (CNWL) NHS Foundation Trust confirmed Sara Trollope, a nurse employed by the trust, had died at Watford General Hospital after testing positive for Covid-19.
Paying tribute to the mother-of-four who worked at Hillingdon Hospital, medical director Dr Paul Hopper said: “Sara had that unbeatable combination of kindness, selflessness and total determination to get things right for patients. She was an example to every one of us.”
It comes after Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed the death of a nurse who was self-isolating due to Covid-19 symptoms.
Julie Omar, 52, was an experienced nurse who had been working at Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital.
Trust chief executive Matthew Hopkins said: “It is with great sorrow that I have to share with you the sad news that a much-loved member of our nursing team - Julie Omar - has died.”
Gareth Roberts, who had been a nurse since the 1980s, was also confirmed to have died after testing positive for the virus, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said.
Two porters at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford were also confirmed to have died.
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said on Saturday that both men were married to nursing staff at the hospital.
On Saturday morning, Health Secretary Matt Hancock paid tribute to those who had died, then announcing a total of 19 deaths.
He said: “My heart goes out to their families, these are people who have put themselves on the front line.