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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
South Korea’s ambassador to the UK has said mandating the use of face masks could help tackle the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.
Enna Park told Sophy Ridge on Sunday: “The Korean government made an official recommendation to wear mask because from our experience we know that the mask helps reduce the risk of being infected and also transmitting.
“We know that wearing a mask doesn’t completely prevent being infected or from transmitting, but it helps.”
She also emphasised the importance of testing: “The main lesson we have learned is testing is very important.
“At the beginning of our outbreak we encouraged medical institutes to develop the testing kits and we gave very quick approval, and we also promoted medical companies to produce the testing kits on the large scale so we built up a stockpile and it was the foundation of mass testing.
“Our strategy was test, trace and treat and it has worked so far.”
She went on: “So far we have conducted more than half a million tests so in terms of population per capita, Korea has the highest, the biggest testing country in the world”
She described how South Korea uses information like credit card transactions, CCTV and mobile phone GPS data to track down all suspected cases and their contacts for early medical intervention.
Addressing privacy concerns of using this technology, she said: “The law stipulates to what extent we can collect information and how we can use it [...] so we used that to check only relevant and anonymous information and disclosed only relevant and anonymous information to the public.
“People in Korea, they were willing to compromise their privacy to some extent for the sake of the greater good, for the sake of public health.”
There will be enough drugs to treat critically ill patients in intensive care despite fears of drug shortages, senior medics have said.
Their comments come amid reports key medicines at some intensive care units were in short supply.
Intensive care consultant Dr Ron Daniels told the BBC that quality of care for all intensive care patients - not just coronavirus sufferers - will “likely be lower” as a result.
But Dr Alison Pittard, dean of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine, said that the NHS was not going to run out of medicines to treat patients and that care will not be compromised.
She told the PA news agency that medics have been issued new guidance telling them to use alternatives which were “perfectly safe for patients”.
Dr Pittard added: “We are not going to run out of drugs to treat patients, that’s the bottom line.
Her comments come as she released a joint statement with leaders of the Intensive Care Society, Association of Anaesthetists and Royal College of Anaesthetists.
However, the statement also warned that people should obey social distancing rules in order to reduce the burden on NHS resources.
The Department of Health and Social Care said it had banned the “parallel export” of more than 100 medicines to keep supplies in the UK.
Walsall council has become the latest local authority to close all access to cemeteries, citing “groups continuing to congregate despite government guidelines regarding social distancing”.Walsall council has become the latest local authority to close all access to cemeteries, citing “groups continuing to congregate despite government guidelines regarding social distancing”.
The council said in a statement:The council said in a statement:
Healthcare worker Donna Campbell, who worked at the Velindre cancer centre in Cardiff, has died after testing positive for coronavirus, health officials said.Healthcare worker Donna Campbell, who worked at the Velindre cancer centre in Cardiff, has died after testing positive for coronavirus, health officials said.
Campbell, who was a healthcare support worker, died at the University Hospital Wales in Cardiff.Campbell, who was a healthcare support worker, died at the University Hospital Wales in Cardiff.
Steve Ham, chief executive of Velindre university NHS trust, said: “We are devastated to have lost a member of the Velindre family.Steve Ham, chief executive of Velindre university NHS trust, said: “We are devastated to have lost a member of the Velindre family.
“We will always remember her as a dedicated, hard-working member of our nursing team who was proud to work for the NHS.“We will always remember her as a dedicated, hard-working member of our nursing team who was proud to work for the NHS.
“First and foremost, we want to extend our deepest condolences to Donna’s family and friends.”“First and foremost, we want to extend our deepest condolences to Donna’s family and friends.”
A cross-party letter is calling on the UK government to ensure equitable access to any Covid-19 vaccine.A cross-party letter is calling on the UK government to ensure equitable access to any Covid-19 vaccine.
The letter, signed by MPs and peers from all political parties in Westminster, asked the government to ensure any publicly funded vaccine is available on an open-access basis so developing countries can afford to purchase and produce the vaccine at a reasonable cost.The letter, signed by MPs and peers from all political parties in Westminster, asked the government to ensure any publicly funded vaccine is available on an open-access basis so developing countries can afford to purchase and produce the vaccine at a reasonable cost.
Any pharmaceutical monopoly could see developing countries left behind, the letter said.Any pharmaceutical monopoly could see developing countries left behind, the letter said.
The chair of the all-party parliamentary group on vaccinations for all, Dr Philippa Whitford MP, wrote the letter. She said:The chair of the all-party parliamentary group on vaccinations for all, Dr Philippa Whitford MP, wrote the letter. She said:
A hospital trust has said it was forced to intervene with Cambridgeshire police after officers stopped staff on their way to work and told them NHS ID cards were insufficient evidence of essential travel.In its newsletter, seen by the Guardian, bosses at Cambridge University hospitals foundation trust said they had received reports from staff who had been “stopped by the police on their way to work and asked to confirm if their travel was essential”. The newsletter went on:A hospital trust has said it was forced to intervene with Cambridgeshire police after officers stopped staff on their way to work and told them NHS ID cards were insufficient evidence of essential travel.In its newsletter, seen by the Guardian, bosses at Cambridge University hospitals foundation trust said they had received reports from staff who had been “stopped by the police on their way to work and asked to confirm if their travel was essential”. The newsletter went on:
Cambridgeshire police was forced to apologise on Friday after officers sent a tweet saying they had been checking “non-essential aisles” of a local supermarket to make sure they were empty.Cambridgeshire police was forced to apologise on Friday after officers sent a tweet saying they had been checking “non-essential aisles” of a local supermarket to make sure they were empty.
A “giant of a man” and “father figure” to police officers on the Isle of Man has died after he contracted Covid-19.A “giant of a man” and “father figure” to police officers on the Isle of Man has died after he contracted Covid-19.
Retired sergeant Richard Lloyd, 57, died in hospital on Saturday, the second death on the island from the virus.Retired sergeant Richard Lloyd, 57, died in hospital on Saturday, the second death on the island from the virus.
A married father-of-one, Lloyd had strong connections with Merseyside police where he followed in the footsteps of his parents who served in the force, and where his son, Andrew, is currently a sergeant.A married father-of-one, Lloyd had strong connections with Merseyside police where he followed in the footsteps of his parents who served in the force, and where his son, Andrew, is currently a sergeant.
He later moved to the Isle of Man to carry on his police service and went on to become head coach of the island’s judo team.He later moved to the Isle of Man to carry on his police service and went on to become head coach of the island’s judo team.
Tributes poured in for Lloyd, including from the island’s Chief Constable Gary Roberts, who tweeted on Saturday: “Today has been the saddest of my 36 yr police career. So many of us are heartbroken after the death of a friend, colleague and giant of a man, who has been taken by this wicked virus.”Tributes poured in for Lloyd, including from the island’s Chief Constable Gary Roberts, who tweeted on Saturday: “Today has been the saddest of my 36 yr police career. So many of us are heartbroken after the death of a friend, colleague and giant of a man, who has been taken by this wicked virus.”
His son Andrew tweeted: “He died alone but with a team of now traumatised medics. If 1 person stayed home, he’d be alive. Stay home. Please.”His son Andrew tweeted: “He died alone but with a team of now traumatised medics. If 1 person stayed home, he’d be alive. Stay home. Please.”
Ministers are resisting demands for an emergency recall of parliament to respond to urgent questions about the coronavirus outbreak.Ministers are resisting demands for an emergency recall of parliament to respond to urgent questions about the coronavirus outbreak.
The Commons leader, Jacob Rees-Mogg, has insisted MPs will return on 21 April, the date agreed before the Easter recess.The Commons leader, Jacob Rees-Mogg, has insisted MPs will return on 21 April, the date agreed before the Easter recess.
MPs approved the Easter adjournment timings on 25 March, minutes before the chamber rose, at a time when the increasing impact of Covid-19 was clear.MPs approved the Easter adjournment timings on 25 March, minutes before the chamber rose, at a time when the increasing impact of Covid-19 was clear.
The motion was unopposed although several concerns were raised by opposition parties about their inability to scrutinise major decisions in this four-week period.The motion was unopposed although several concerns were raised by opposition parties about their inability to scrutinise major decisions in this four-week period.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has demanded “urgent talks” with the government to discuss how MPs can put questions to ministers given the rising death toll and concerns over personal protective equipment supplies to NHS staff, among other issues.Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has demanded “urgent talks” with the government to discuss how MPs can put questions to ministers given the rising death toll and concerns over personal protective equipment supplies to NHS staff, among other issues.
He added parliament must be recalled “as soon as possible” when asked about the issue on Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday.He added parliament must be recalled “as soon as possible” when asked about the issue on Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday.
A letter signed by a cross-party group of MPs demanding an “immediate virtual recall of parliament” has also been sent to Dominic Raab, who is deputising for prime minister Boris Johnson as he recovers from Covid-19.A letter signed by a cross-party group of MPs demanding an “immediate virtual recall of parliament” has also been sent to Dominic Raab, who is deputising for prime minister Boris Johnson as he recovers from Covid-19.
Talks involving commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the government, opposition parties and parliamentary officials are expected to continue this week about proposals for a “virtual parliament” and what role technology can play as social distancing measures remain in place.Talks involving commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the government, opposition parties and parliamentary officials are expected to continue this week about proposals for a “virtual parliament” and what role technology can play as social distancing measures remain in place.
But only the government can request the speaker to recall the commons.But only the government can request the speaker to recall the commons.
It is unclear whether a small group of MPs will still attend the chamber after recess, with others allowed to question ministers from their homes by webcam.It is unclear whether a small group of MPs will still attend the chamber after recess, with others allowed to question ministers from their homes by webcam.
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.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.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.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.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.”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”.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 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.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.BEIS stated that it was a Treasury responsibility.
Medics trained overseas are being barred from the UK coronavirus frontline, reports Nosheen Iqbal.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”.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.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: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 that adopted by the Conservatives since 2010 would be needed, with key workers requiring better support.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, Starmer 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, the leader of the House of Commons, said “technological solutions” would be used to allow parliament to sit, but did not provide 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 April The survey was carried out after improved PPE guidance was issued by the Department of Health and Social Care 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, the 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.