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UK coronavirus news: 'We are past the peak' says Boris Johnson as deaths in all settings rise by 674 UK coronavirus news: 'We are past the peak' says Boris Johnson as deaths in all settings rise by 674
(32 minutes later)
Official UK death toll reaches 26,711; ‘We are on a downward slope,’ says PM, who will unveil plan to lead Britain out of lockdown next week; 81,000 tests carried out on Wednesday Official UK death toll reaches 26,771; ‘We are on a downward slope,’ says PM, who will unveil plan to lead Britain out of lockdown next week; 81,000 tests carried out on Wednesday
Hello all, we will be putting the blog on hold until 7.50pm (GMT). Below is a summary of the developments of the day. If you have any news tips or thoughts, please do share them with me.
Boris Johnson said the UK did the “right thing at the right time”. Johnson says people should understand that the collating of data internationally is bedevilled with difficulties. The only real comparison will be possible at the end of this, when you look at total excess deaths. He said the UK avoided an “uncontrollable and catastrophic” epidemic that could have caused 500,000 deaths and that we were now “past the peak”.
Following the lead of various world cities including Bogotá and Berlin, Manchester has announced plans to close part of one of its main streets to cars and widen the pavements along others in order to help people walk and cycle safely while maintaining physical distancing — and move towards a car-free future.
There have now been 26,771 coronavirus deaths in the whole of the UK in all settings, an increase of 674 on yesterday. These figures are just for people who tested positive for coronavirus. They do not include people who may have died from coronavirus who were not tested.
The UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has issued a stern warning that GCSE and A-level grade assessments this summer should not unfairly penalise children from minority ethnic minority backgrounds, as well as disabled pupils and those with special educational needs.
More than 9,000 fines have been handed to people in England and Wales for allegedly flouting coronavirus lockdown laws, according to new figures. As PA Media reports, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said 8,877 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) had been recorded by forces in England between March 27 and April 27, while 299 were issued in Wales over the same period. Some 397 were for repeat offenders, with one person fined six times.
Here are the main points from Boris Johnson’s press conference.
Boris Johnson warned Britons that they could face an “even bigger” coronavirus outbreak if the government rushed or mishandled the relaxation of the lockdown. He made the point in an opening speech which, while not giving any firm details of the government’s plans, effectively paved the way for an announcement next week that seems likely to involve the lockdown being extended yet again in most significant respects. He made the point with a slightly confused Alpine metaphor. He said.
Johnson then showed a video explaining the R number (the reproduction number - the rate at which a virus spreads) and why it was so important to keep this below 1. It was very hard to see the video as anything other than an attempt to explain the stringent social distancing measures will have to stay in place for a considerable time to come.
He said that the government would publish “a comprehensive plan” next week explaining how it would be possible to move away from the lockdown. The Scottish and Welsh governments have already published their own version, and Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has repeatedly called for a UK version. Johnson said:
But, in response to a question from a member of the public (Michelle from Cornwall), Johnson also said that that the plan would not commit the goverment to relaxing particularly restrictions by particular dates. That would depend on the data, he said. Michelle wanted to know when holidaymakers would be able to return to Cornwall. Johnson was unable to give her any firm indication at all.
Johnson said the government may find “ingenious ways” of suppressing coronavirus. He said:
Johnson did not elaborate on what he meant, but he may have given a clue in his answer to a question on face coverings.
Johnson backed the wearing of face coverings by members of the public in some circumstances. He said.
The Scottish government has already backed the wearing of face coverings on public transport and in certain shops. Johnson’s words suggest the UK government is going to issue very similar advice.
Johnson said the UK has passed the peak of the epidemic. He said:
That was less significant than it sounded, because it has been clear for some time now that the UK has passed the peak. This week scientists said the peak for coronavirus deaths in English hospitals was passed on 8 April - 22 days ago.
Johnson claimed that he did “the right thing at the right time” when it came to imposing the lockdown. He said:
This is is not a view shared my most members of the public; a poll today suggests two thirds of people think the lockdown was imposed too late. (See 1.01pm.)
Johnson claimed that it would be best to wait until all-cause excess death figures are available for all countries before making a judgment as to which countries have been the best and the worst at fighting coronavirus. This is an argument also endorsed by government scientists, but Johnson sounded more defensive today than on Monday, when in his speech outside No 10 he was talking about the UK’s “apparent success”. As this chart illustrates, in terms of total coronavirus deaths, the UK now has the third most in the world, behind only the US and Italy.
He claimed that he would not resort to austerity to manage the increased debt generated by this crisis. Asked if there would be a new era of austerity, he replied:
This might turn out to be more of an aspiration, or an insight into Johnson’s linguistic preferences, than a guide to his likely economic policy. As explained earlier, this crisis is set to leave a £200bn hole in the national finances this year. (See 4.20pm.)
Johnson announced that a further 674 people have died from coronavirus, taking the UK total to 26,771. This counts coronavirus deaths in all settings. But it only includes people who have tested positive for the virus, and it is thought that the true death toll is much higher.
He said 81,611 coronavirus tests were carried out yesterday. The government has set a target of getting testing up to 100,000 by today.
The Department of Health has clarified the total number of UK coronavirus deaths is 26,771, and not 26,711 as prime minister Boris Johnson said in his press briefing earlier.
Following the lead of various world cities including Bogotá and Berlin, Manchester has announced plans to close part of one of its main streets to cars and widen the pavements along others in order to help people walk and cycle safely while maintaining physical distancing — and move towards a car-free future.
Soon, Deansgate, home to many shops and bars (and the Guardian’s northern office), will be closed from King Street West to Blackfriars Street. The pedestrianisation will be on a “share with care” basis, the council says, creating a shared space for pedestrians and cyclists. Last summer part of Deansgate was occupied by Extinction Rebellion and it has been a long-term goal of local campaign group Walk Ride Greater Manchester to see the street closed to cars.In other busy areas of Manchester, pedestrians are to be given more space using heavy-duty “Rhino” barriers to create extended pavements, including on Princess Street and London Road in the city centre.
The move comes after the Scottish government announced a £10m fund to support pop-up active travel infrastructure across Scotland to help support physical distancing while walking or cycling.
Hello everyone. I will be running the blog for the next 30 minutes before handing over to the night team.Hello everyone. I will be running the blog for the next 30 minutes before handing over to the night team.
If you want to share any thoughts, insight or news tips, then please do via any of the channels below.If you want to share any thoughts, insight or news tips, then please do via any of the channels below.
Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.comTwitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com
Boris Johnson has suggested that the use of face coverings could be advised as part of measures to ease the lockdown. The prime minister said on Thursday that they would be “useful” both for stemming the disease and “giving people confidence” that they could go back to work. Johnson, in his first Downing Street press conference since being stricken with Covid-19, said the UK was “past the peak of this disease” and “on the downward slope”.Boris Johnson has suggested that the use of face coverings could be advised as part of measures to ease the lockdown. The prime minister said on Thursday that they would be “useful” both for stemming the disease and “giving people confidence” that they could go back to work. Johnson, in his first Downing Street press conference since being stricken with Covid-19, said the UK was “past the peak of this disease” and “on the downward slope”.
Another coronavirus surge similar to the rapid onset of the infection in Ireland would be very difficult to manage, an official warned. The country has played down hopes of a swift easing of social-distancing restrictions and is expected to extend the emergency measures early in May. In early March, the country went from 50 people in intensive care to 140 - and that total remains “significantly elevated”, Professor Philip Nolan said. He added: “Currently, there are 106 patients in ICU. “If a similar surge occurred on top of our current ICU figure, we would find it very difficult to manage the treatment of patients.” Another coronavirus surge similar to the rapid onset of the infection would be very difficult to manage in Ireland, an official has warned. The country has played down hopes of a swift easing of social distancing restrictions and is expected to extend the emergency measures early in May. In early March, the country went from 50 people in intensive care to 140 - and that total remained “significantly elevated”, Prof Philip Nolan said. He added: “Currently, there are 106 patients in ICU. “If a similar surge occurred on top of our current ICU figure, we would find it very difficult to manage the treatment of patients.”
Fly-tipping has increased by 300% in rural communities during the Covid-19 lockdown, according to new analysis. Researchers from the universities of Southampton and Portsmouth said the increase in illegal waste dumping has followed the closure of almost all tips, while at the same time the number of DIY projects has increased by householders stuck at home. The problem has also been worsened with nearly half of all local authority recycling services in the country having been stopped or reduced, and charity shops being closed and not able to take unwanted goods. Fly-tipping has increased by 300% in rural communities during the Covid-19 lockdown, according to new analysis. Researchers from the universities of Southampton and Portsmouth said the increase in illegal waste dumping has followed the closure of almost all tips, while at the same time the number of DIY projects has increased by householders stuck at home. The problem has been worsened with nearly half of all local authority recycling services in the country having been stopped or reduced, and charity shops being closed and not able to take unwanted goods.
The use of face masks to limit the spread of Covid-19 risks social isolation for people with hearing difficulties, an academic has warned. Prof Kevin Munro, of the University of Manchester, believes that tackling the pandemic with increased use of masks could bring an “unintended consequence” of preventing lip reading and hampering speech intelligibility. The audiologist said: “At the very least, removing visual cues can make communication more difficult because of the exertion required to listen - especially when there is background noise.The use of face masks to limit the spread of Covid-19 risks social isolation for people with hearing difficulties, an academic has warned. Prof Kevin Munro, of the University of Manchester, believes that tackling the pandemic with increased use of masks could bring an “unintended consequence” of preventing lip reading and hampering speech intelligibility. The audiologist said: “At the very least, removing visual cues can make communication more difficult because of the exertion required to listen - especially when there is background noise.
Here is the full text of Boris Johnson’s speech at the start of the press conference.Here is the full text of Boris Johnson’s speech at the start of the press conference.
And here are the slides (pdf) shown at the start of the press conference.And here are the slides (pdf) shown at the start of the press conference.
The children’s commissioner for England has issued a strong rebuke to the government, urging ministers to revoke controversial changes to regulations protecting children in care.The children’s commissioner for England has issued a strong rebuke to the government, urging ministers to revoke controversial changes to regulations protecting children in care.
The amendments, which came into force last week as temporary emergency measures intended to ease the pressure on overstretched local authorities during the coronavirus crisis, have attracted widespread criticism.The amendments, which came into force last week as temporary emergency measures intended to ease the pressure on overstretched local authorities during the coronavirus crisis, have attracted widespread criticism.
Anne Longfield has now added her voice to mounting opposition to the changes, tweeting: “We would like to see all these changes revoked and do not believe that there is sufficient justification for them. This crisis must not remove protections from extremely vulnerable children, particularly at a time of increased vulnerability.”Anne Longfield has now added her voice to mounting opposition to the changes, tweeting: “We would like to see all these changes revoked and do not believe that there is sufficient justification for them. This crisis must not remove protections from extremely vulnerable children, particularly at a time of increased vulnerability.”
Her intervention comes as children’s rights campaigners begin to mount a legal challenge to the changes which they say remove vital legal safeguards which have been built up over decades to protect children in care.Her intervention comes as children’s rights campaigners begin to mount a legal challenge to the changes which they say remove vital legal safeguards which have been built up over decades to protect children in care.
One of the key concerns is the removal of the requirement for a social worker to visit - or even telephone - a child in care every six weeks, reducing it to “as soon as is reasonably practicable”. A requirement for a six monthly review of a child’s care has been similarly relaxed, raising concerns that children’s voices will not be heard.One of the key concerns is the removal of the requirement for a social worker to visit - or even telephone - a child in care every six weeks, reducing it to “as soon as is reasonably practicable”. A requirement for a six monthly review of a child’s care has been similarly relaxed, raising concerns that children’s voices will not be heard.
In a strongly-worded statement, Longfield said: “Children in care are already vulnerable, and this crisis is placing additional strain on them - as most are not in school, less able to have direct contact with family and other trusted professionals, and facing the challenges of lockdown and anxiety about illness - all on top of the trauma they have already experienced. If anything I would expect to see increased protections to ensure their needs are met during this period.In a strongly-worded statement, Longfield said: “Children in care are already vulnerable, and this crisis is placing additional strain on them - as most are not in school, less able to have direct contact with family and other trusted professionals, and facing the challenges of lockdown and anxiety about illness - all on top of the trauma they have already experienced. If anything I would expect to see increased protections to ensure their needs are met during this period.
“I would like to see all the regulations revoked as I do not believe there is sufficient justification to introduce them. As an absolute minimum, if the government refuses to revoke these regulations I wish to see guidance make clear that these changes will only every be used as a last resort and for as short a time as possible.”“I would like to see all the regulations revoked as I do not believe there is sufficient justification to introduce them. As an absolute minimum, if the government refuses to revoke these regulations I wish to see guidance make clear that these changes will only every be used as a last resort and for as short a time as possible.”
The Department for Education maintains that the vast majority of statutory duties remain unaltered, but the changes will allow temporary flexibility to be used where absolutely necessary and expire in September.The Department for Education maintains that the vast majority of statutory duties remain unaltered, but the changes will allow temporary flexibility to be used where absolutely necessary and expire in September.
Pilots’ leaders have repeated criticism of British Airways over plans to cut one in four jobs at the airline. Of the 12,000 jobs under threat at the company because of the dramatic impact of the current lockdown, about 1,100 are expected to involve pilots. Brian Strutton, general secretary of the pilots’ union Balpa, said: “Balpa is fighting to save every pilot job at BA. “The company has declined Government support, claiming it is financially secure enough to survive the coronavirus crisis, so it is hard to see how these cuts can be justified. “There are many options to ensure BA can continue its business and survive coronavirus, and Balpa does not accept that job losses are the only answer. “Pilots want evidence that all options have been explored fully.”Pilots’ leaders have repeated criticism of British Airways over plans to cut one in four jobs at the airline. Of the 12,000 jobs under threat at the company because of the dramatic impact of the current lockdown, about 1,100 are expected to involve pilots. Brian Strutton, general secretary of the pilots’ union Balpa, said: “Balpa is fighting to save every pilot job at BA. “The company has declined Government support, claiming it is financially secure enough to survive the coronavirus crisis, so it is hard to see how these cuts can be justified. “There are many options to ensure BA can continue its business and survive coronavirus, and Balpa does not accept that job losses are the only answer. “Pilots want evidence that all options have been explored fully.”
Another 43 people with Covid-19 in Ireland have died, taking the total to 1,232, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre said.Another 43 people with Covid-19 in Ireland have died, taking the total to 1,232, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre said.
Tax will be cut on sales of personal protective equipment from tomorrow, the Treasury announced. A zero-rate of VAT will apply to sales of PPE to help combat the spread of Covid-19 from May 1 until July 31. The three-month tax break, worth more than 100 million, will apply to PPE purchased by care homes, businesses, charities and individuals to protect against the virus. Treasury officials said the government acted as soon as possible to bring the measure into force. During the Brexit transition period, the UK is bound by European Law on VAT which the Treasury said required the UK to charge VAT on the equipment. But the European Commission has indicated support for member states to introduce temporary VAT reliefs to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
Q: Key workers in Stoke are being told they have to drive to Manchester for testing. The testing site in Stoke is only available for NHS workers. Will that change?
Johnson thanks the journalist for alerting him to this.
In principle, every key worker should be able to get a test, he says.
He says the UK is doing about as much testing as any other country.
It has been ramped up, and it will be ramped up again.
On the point about Stoke, he says he will be onto it.
Q: How vital a role are Royal Stoke patients playing in the coronavirus drug trials.
Whitty and Vallance say the people take part in hospital trials are playing a vital role.
And that’s it. The press conference is over.
Q: Why is the UK’s death rate so high, especially in care homes?
Johnson says there are arguments about co-morbidities, and why some populations are more at risk. But he says he thinks it is too soon to come to conclusions. He says it is best to wait until all-cause excess death figures are available.
Q: Do you think remdesivir, the Ebola drug, will be useful?
Vallance says there have been two studies. The results are promising. It seems to have some effect. But it is not a magic bullet.
Whitty says, as a cautious medical scientist, he wants to wait until he has read the peer-reviewed paper on this. The oral report has been promising, but he wants to see the final research.
And he says it is important to remember that treatments get developed in stages. This is an encouraging first step. He says he thinks in the future good treatments will be available.
Q: You have made the R rate the guiding star of your policy. What is a manageable R rate?
Johnson says he will give a layman’s account.
There are different Rs in different environment. What matters is stopping the national rate go above 1.
We are starting to get much better data now about what is happening, he says.
He says this means, as they go forward, they can be much more “sophisticated” in the way they respond.
Q: Can we expect some clarity on face masks next week?
Johnson says, as part of coming out of the lockdown, face coverings will be “useful”, both for epidemiological reasons, and also to give people confidence to go back to work.
Johnson backs the use of face coverings in some circumstances.
Whitty says the government is very concerned that people are not seeking treatment for other conditions, like cancer.
The NHS is trying to ensure that as much as possible services are now switched on.
Those services that are most urgent will be prioritised, he says.
Johnson says people should be going to hospital if they have urgent conditions.
Q: The UK may have the worst death toll in Europe. What lessons have you learnt from this?
Johnson says people should understand that the collating of data internationally is bedevilled with difficulties. The only real comparison will be possible at the end of this, when you look at total excess deaths.
He says he put in the lockdown at an earlier stage, relatively, than France and Spain.
He says he thinks the UK did the right measures at the right time.
They made it coincide with the peak, he says.
But he says the peak has based.
He says, “broadly speaking”, he thinks they did “the right thing at the right time”.
There was a real risk that people might not get ventilators, or access to intensive care.
This country did come together to protect the NHS, he says.
Whitty says we are “nowhere near the end of this epidemic”. He goes on:
Let’s not go charging in to who’s won and who’s lost.
He says there is an excellent article in today’s Guardian on this by David Spiegelhalter. It says we need to wait to make these comparisons.
Q: National debt is rising by hundreds of billions. How great a risk is there of a new era of austerity after this?
Johnson says he thinks the economy will bounce back strongly.
He says the government will encourage that in a number of ways.
He says he has never liked the term austerity. It won’t be part of his approach, he says.
Q: There have been 26,000 deaths since you last stood at that lectern. And huge economic damage has been done. Are you telling people they will have to wait before you can reopen the economy?
Johnson says we mourn for lives lost, but for the economic damage too. People’s dreams are being shattered. The government has made a huge effort to protect people. It is doing everything it can. He pays tribute to Rishi Sunak. But if the UK is to bounce back as strongly as it can, we must not have another bout of this, or “another bad spike”. That is why we have to calibrate our measures so carefully, he says.
That might involve finding “new ways, more ingenious ways” of suppressing the disease too.
Q: What level has R have to be?
Whitty says there is no obvious answer. But it must be below 1. If it is above 1, exponential growth in the disease will happen.
But he warns that there are other health impacts of coronavirus.
Vallance says before this we were talking of the “doubling time” of the epidemic. We are now talking about the “halving time” he says.
Katie from Liverpool asks what help is available for people with mental health issues.
Johnson says this is very important. He says the fact that pressure has been taken off the NHS means it now has the capacity to deal with other patients.
He says money is being put into mental healthcare charities.
This is why it is all the more urgent to come out of lockdown, but to continue to suppress the disease.
Prof Chris Whitty, the government’s chief medical adviser, says the gov.uk website has contact details not just for the NHS, but for organisations like the Samaritans. If people are feeling low, they should use these numbers. There are people out there to help you.
Johnson says it is vital that people use these helplines.
Johnson is now taking questions from members of the public.
Michelle from Cornwall asks what the plan is for tourism in places like Cornwall. She says she is getting questions daily about when lets will open again.
Johnson says people have been staying away. It is vital that that does not fray yet. Next week the government will publish a road map, listing options. As for dates, that will depend on the data.
He says he does want to reopen tourism. But they have to get the timing right.