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UK coronavirus live: Johnson says 'maximum caution' needed as part of lockdown easing; Notting Hill carnival cancelled UK coronavirus live: Johnson says 'maximum caution' needed as part of lockdown easing; Notting Hill carnival cancelled
(32 minutes later)
ONS says black people at higher risk of dying from Covid-19; Sturgeon will consider allowing more outdoor exercise; PM to make lockdown statement at 7pm on SundayONS says black people at higher risk of dying from Covid-19; Sturgeon will consider allowing more outdoor exercise; PM to make lockdown statement at 7pm on Sunday
NHS England has announced another 383 deaths of people who tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 22,432. Prof John Edmunds, who is head of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, has just started giving evidence to the Commons science committee. He is a member of Sage, the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, and his team has provided some of the modelling considered by Sage as it advises the government.
Asked for his current estimate of R, the reproduction number (the rate at which people are getting infected), he told the committee he thought it was between 0.75 and 1. He said two weeks ago he would have given a different figure, between 0.6 and 0.8.
But he said that this was because the nature of the spread had changed. He said that there was much less community transmission now. Coronavirus was not spreading widely in the community now, he said. But he said that it was still spreading in closed settings like hospitals, which explained why the latest number was higher.
The Foreign Office has announced five more rescue flights for British nationals still stranded in India, seven weeks after lockdown.
Dominic Raab was heavily criticised for not laying on the flights earlier. The charter planes from Amritsar and Ahmedabad next week bring the total flights from the country to 64, transporting 16,500 people home, said the minister for south Asia, Tariq Ahmad.
The government has pushed to delay the legal challenge to its lockdown legislation by a millionaire businessman, asking for an extension to the deadline for a response.
It wrote to the Jota Aviation owner Simon Dolan to ask for another week to respond to the “letter before legal action”, but his lawyer has given the government until Tuesday on the grounds of the urgent public interest.
Dolan’s lawyers have argued the lockdown was imposed ultra vires - outside the legal authority - because it implemented regulations under the Public Health Act 1984 instead of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 or the emergency Coronavirus Act 2020.
They have also argued that the legal test that must be passed at every stage of lockdown review is faulty because it is based on one set of metrics, Covid-19 data, and not wider health outcomes from cancelled cancer and other life-saving treatments or economic data.
His lawyers say they have hired the human rights lawyer Philip Havers QC, a barrister and deputy high court judge, to press the case.
NHS England has announced another 383 deaths of people who tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 22,432. The full details are here (pdf).
Of the 383 new deaths announced today, 58 occurred on 6 May, 120 occurred on 5 May and 29 occurred on 4 May.Of the 383 new deaths announced today, 58 occurred on 6 May, 120 occurred on 5 May and 29 occurred on 4 May.
The figures also show 29 of the new deaths took place on 1-3 May, 131 took place in April, and the remaining 16 deaths occurred in March, with the earliest new death taking place on 19 March.The figures also show 29 of the new deaths took place on 1-3 May, 131 took place in April, and the remaining 16 deaths occurred in March, with the earliest new death taking place on 19 March.
NHS England releases updated figures each day showing the dates of every coronavirus-related death in hospitals in England, often including previously uncounted deaths that took place several days or even weeks ago.NHS England releases updated figures each day showing the dates of every coronavirus-related death in hospitals in England, often including previously uncounted deaths that took place several days or even weeks ago.
This is because of the time it takes for patients to be confirmed as having tested positive for Covid-19, for postmortem examinations to be processed and for data to be validated.This is because of the time it takes for patients to be confirmed as having tested positive for Covid-19, for postmortem examinations to be processed and for data to be validated.
Britain’s medicines regulator has issued a warning about medicines and other products being sold online that are claimed to treat or prevent Covid-19, saying they may pose a threat to life.Britain’s medicines regulator has issued a warning about medicines and other products being sold online that are claimed to treat or prevent Covid-19, saying they may pose a threat to life.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency said it had been receiving reports of “miracle cures”, “antiviral misting sprays” and antiviral medicines being sold through websites by British users of Facebook and Amazon as a treatment for the virus.The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency said it had been receiving reports of “miracle cures”, “antiviral misting sprays” and antiviral medicines being sold through websites by British users of Facebook and Amazon as a treatment for the virus.
Colloidal silver, which can lead to skin turning a light bluish-grey and has been touted in the past by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Debbie McGee, has been the target of action by the US authorities. However, it continues to be sold below the radar in the UK on Amazon and Facebook Marketplace.Colloidal silver, which can lead to skin turning a light bluish-grey and has been touted in the past by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Debbie McGee, has been the target of action by the US authorities. However, it continues to be sold below the radar in the UK on Amazon and Facebook Marketplace.
One Facebook seller in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, claimed the “Crystal Silver” being sold would act against flu and coronavirus.One Facebook seller in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, claimed the “Crystal Silver” being sold would act against flu and coronavirus.
Lynda Scammell, a senior enforcement advisor at the MHRA, said:Lynda Scammell, a senior enforcement advisor at the MHRA, said:
The UK sales of colloidal silver were flagged up by a new grouping, Youth Against Misinformation, which is supported by youth organisation Restless Development and the anti-hate organisation Center for Countering Digital Hate. One of the members of the new group, Sara, said:
A further 18 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Wales, taking the total number of deaths there to 1,062.A further 18 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Wales, taking the total number of deaths there to 1,062.
Public Health Wales said a further 87 people had tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 10,851.Public Health Wales said a further 87 people had tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 10,851.
Dr Robin Howe, from Public Health Wales, reminded the public to stay at home over the bank holiday weekend:Dr Robin Howe, from Public Health Wales, reminded the public to stay at home over the bank holiday weekend:
As reported earlier, No 10 seems concerned that what Boris Johnson says on Sunday night about the lifting of the lockdown will not match the expectations generated by some of today’s front-page headlines. (See 1.36pm.) Here are some examples:As reported earlier, No 10 seems concerned that what Boris Johnson says on Sunday night about the lifting of the lockdown will not match the expectations generated by some of today’s front-page headlines. (See 1.36pm.) Here are some examples:
We’ve already posted the main line from the Downing Street lobby briefing. (See 1.36pm.) Here is a summary of all the lines that emerged.We’ve already posted the main line from the Downing Street lobby briefing. (See 1.36pm.) Here is a summary of all the lines that emerged.
The prime minister’s spokesman claimed that the 100,000 tests per day target had been a success even though it has not been met for four days in a row. He said the target “served a very significant purpose in increasing capacity”.The prime minister’s spokesman claimed that the 100,000 tests per day target had been a success even though it has not been met for four days in a row. He said the target “served a very significant purpose in increasing capacity”.
The spokesman said the PM stood by the four-nation approach to coronavirus measures. He said:The spokesman said the PM stood by the four-nation approach to coronavirus measures. He said:
The spokesman did not challenge what Nicola Sturgeon said at her press conference this lunchtime, about there being no case for relaxing the lockdown on Monday (see 12.50pm), although he did not respond to her words in detail. He said Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary and first secretary of state, would speak on this at the press conference at 5pm. The other people at the press conference will be Sir Ian Diamond, chief statistician at the ONS, and Dr Jenny Harries, the deputy chief medical officer for England.The spokesman did not challenge what Nicola Sturgeon said at her press conference this lunchtime, about there being no case for relaxing the lockdown on Monday (see 12.50pm), although he did not respond to her words in detail. He said Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary and first secretary of state, would speak on this at the press conference at 5pm. The other people at the press conference will be Sir Ian Diamond, chief statistician at the ONS, and Dr Jenny Harries, the deputy chief medical officer for England.
The spokesman did not deny reports saying sunbathing and picnicking will be among the first activities to be allowed as the lockdown starts to get lifted. Asked about these reports, he did not say they were wrong, and he reminded reporters that Prof Chris Whitty, the government’s chief medical adviser, has said the risk of transmission is much lower outdoors. Asked if the government was telling people not to sunbathe this weekend, the spokesman declined to say that was the message. But he did say people should continue to observe social distancing.The spokesman did not deny reports saying sunbathing and picnicking will be among the first activities to be allowed as the lockdown starts to get lifted. Asked about these reports, he did not say they were wrong, and he reminded reporters that Prof Chris Whitty, the government’s chief medical adviser, has said the risk of transmission is much lower outdoors. Asked if the government was telling people not to sunbathe this weekend, the spokesman declined to say that was the message. But he did say people should continue to observe social distancing.
The spokesman said the government planned to publish the conclusions of its study into why coronavirus is more deadly for different groups of people at the end of this month. Asked for a response to today’s ONS report about coronavirus and ethnicity, the spokesman said:The spokesman said the government planned to publish the conclusions of its study into why coronavirus is more deadly for different groups of people at the end of this month. Asked for a response to today’s ONS report about coronavirus and ethnicity, the spokesman said:
The spokesman rejected a claim from the European commission that the UK does not want the trade talks with the EU to succeed. The EU trade commissioner, Phil Hogan, told RTE today:The spokesman rejected a claim from the European commission that the UK does not want the trade talks with the EU to succeed. The EU trade commissioner, Phil Hogan, told RTE today:
The spokesman said the UK did want a deal, but this would only happen if the EU dropped its unreasonable demands. He said the EU was insisting on level playing field provisions that were not in other EU free trade deals with independent nations.
The spokesman said that the government was trying to get a Turkish supplier to provide adequate replacements for a consignment of PPE gowns that have turned out to be sub-standard. As Sky reports, 400,000 gowns flown in from Turkey are not being used because their quality is too poor. The spokesman said the government had paid a deposit for them. He said it was in discussion with the supplier about getting proper replacements. If not, it would seek a refund, he said.The spokesman said that the government was trying to get a Turkish supplier to provide adequate replacements for a consignment of PPE gowns that have turned out to be sub-standard. As Sky reports, 400,000 gowns flown in from Turkey are not being used because their quality is too poor. The spokesman said the government had paid a deposit for them. He said it was in discussion with the supplier about getting proper replacements. If not, it would seek a refund, he said.
The spokesman confirmed that Johnson will give a speech at 7pm on Sunday announcing the steps that will be taken to ease the lockdown. It is also expected that Johnson will chair a cabinet meeting earlier that day. But it seems likely that Johnson will not publish the document setting out details of the government’s plans until Monday, when he will make a statement to the House of Commons.The spokesman confirmed that Johnson will give a speech at 7pm on Sunday announcing the steps that will be taken to ease the lockdown. It is also expected that Johnson will chair a cabinet meeting earlier that day. But it seems likely that Johnson will not publish the document setting out details of the government’s plans until Monday, when he will make a statement to the House of Commons.
The spokesman said the government had not yet abandoned its “stay at home” slogan. That advice still applies, the spokesman said. But he would not confirm that it would be dropped on Sunday, as has been widely reported. See, for example, the Telegraph’s splash.The spokesman said the government had not yet abandoned its “stay at home” slogan. That advice still applies, the spokesman said. But he would not confirm that it would be dropped on Sunday, as has been widely reported. See, for example, the Telegraph’s splash.
The spokesman said claims that the government has already announced that the lockdown will be extended for at least three weeks – circulating on social media this morning (see below) – were based on an Instagram advert from the last time the lockdown was extended.The spokesman said claims that the government has already announced that the lockdown will be extended for at least three weeks – circulating on social media this morning (see below) – were based on an Instagram advert from the last time the lockdown was extended.
Johnson has been speaking to the Westminster leaders of the opposition parties this lunchtime, the spokesman said.Johnson has been speaking to the Westminster leaders of the opposition parties this lunchtime, the spokesman said.
Johnson will be doing Clap for Carers tonight, the spokesman said. But he told reporters not to expect the PM’s new baby to be on display while the PM is clapping.Johnson will be doing Clap for Carers tonight, the spokesman said. But he told reporters not to expect the PM’s new baby to be on display while the PM is clapping.
Notting Hill carnival has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event’s board has announced.Notting Hill carnival has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event’s board has announced.
For the first time in more than 50 years, the August bank holiday event on the streets of west London will not take place, but the board said they were working on holding a celebration in an alternative form on the same weekend.For the first time in more than 50 years, the August bank holiday event on the streets of west London will not take place, but the board said they were working on holding a celebration in an alternative form on the same weekend.
It is the latest in a string of summer calendar events to have been postponed as a result of Covid-19, including Glastonbury and the Tokyo Olympics.It is the latest in a string of summer calendar events to have been postponed as a result of Covid-19, including Glastonbury and the Tokyo Olympics.
In a statement on Twitter, Notting Hill carnival said cancelling the event was “the only safe option” and “everyone’s health has to come first”. They added:In a statement on Twitter, Notting Hill carnival said cancelling the event was “the only safe option” and “everyone’s health has to come first”. They added:
Last year more than a million people were expected to attend the festival, which has been held since 1966.Last year more than a million people were expected to attend the festival, which has been held since 1966.
The Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has emphasised the importance of a cross-UK consensus on leaving lockdown and called on Boris Johnson to involve the devolved nations and opposition parties in “meaningful” discussion.The Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has emphasised the importance of a cross-UK consensus on leaving lockdown and called on Boris Johnson to involve the devolved nations and opposition parties in “meaningful” discussion.
Speaking to Scottish lobby reporters as he took part in a series of Zoom events with “not just the party faithful”, he said:Speaking to Scottish lobby reporters as he took part in a series of Zoom events with “not just the party faithful”, he said:
Asked about Nicola Sturgeon’s warning at her own media briefing this lunchtime that it would be a “potentially catastrophic mistake” to move too quickly (see 12.50pm.), Starmer said:Asked about Nicola Sturgeon’s warning at her own media briefing this lunchtime that it would be a “potentially catastrophic mistake” to move too quickly (see 12.50pm.), Starmer said:
Six weeks into the UK’s Covid-19 crisis, the latest instalment of Anywhere but Westminster asks how a city keeps going when everything has ground to a halt.Six weeks into the UK’s Covid-19 crisis, the latest instalment of Anywhere but Westminster asks how a city keeps going when everything has ground to a halt.
The team virtually visits Plymouth, population 250,000, to see how the services that are vital to a city and its inhabitants are scrabbling to stay afloat. The fishing industry is in meltdown, temporary housing is oversubscribed and nurses facilitate goodbyes over Zoom. Most of all, people are asking: what on earth happens after this?The team virtually visits Plymouth, population 250,000, to see how the services that are vital to a city and its inhabitants are scrabbling to stay afloat. The fishing industry is in meltdown, temporary housing is oversubscribed and nurses facilitate goodbyes over Zoom. Most of all, people are asking: what on earth happens after this?
You can catch up on previous episodes in the series here.You can catch up on previous episodes in the series here.
Speculation about how the lockdown in England might be lifted risks sending “mixed messages” across the UK, the Welsh government has said.Speculation about how the lockdown in England might be lifted risks sending “mixed messages” across the UK, the Welsh government has said.
The Welsh cabinet met this morning to discuss the lockdown restrictions and will meet again this evening. It has not given details of its next steps but said the message for this weekend remained the same – people should stay at home.The Welsh cabinet met this morning to discuss the lockdown restrictions and will meet again this evening. It has not given details of its next steps but said the message for this weekend remained the same – people should stay at home.
In a statement it said:In a statement it said:
The daily Downing Street lobby briefing has just finished. Here is what is probably the top line.The daily Downing Street lobby briefing has just finished. Here is what is probably the top line.
Boris Johnson has told his cabinet that the government will adopt “maximum caution” as it moves to ease the lockdown. Johnson chaired a cabinet meeting this morning and, according to the prime minister’s spokesman, Johnson told his ministers:Boris Johnson has told his cabinet that the government will adopt “maximum caution” as it moves to ease the lockdown. Johnson chaired a cabinet meeting this morning and, according to the prime minister’s spokesman, Johnson told his ministers:
Some newspapers this morning splashed on stories suggesting that a major shift away from lockdown will start on Monday. Here’s one example.Some newspapers this morning splashed on stories suggesting that a major shift away from lockdown will start on Monday. Here’s one example.
No 10 seems worried about the expectations raised by some of these stories, because the spokesman made a point of stressing that anything happening next week would be “very limited”. He told reporters:No 10 seems worried about the expectations raised by some of these stories, because the spokesman made a point of stressing that anything happening next week would be “very limited”. He told reporters:
I will post more from the briefing shortly.I will post more from the briefing shortly.
This is from Heidi Alexander, the deputy mayor of London for transport and deputy chair of TfL.This is from Heidi Alexander, the deputy mayor of London for transport and deputy chair of TfL.
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced the London Streetspace plan yesterday. The initiative will create new cycle lanes and wider pavements to accommodate increased demand for walking and cycling, and to enable members of the public to maintain physical distancing.The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced the London Streetspace plan yesterday. The initiative will create new cycle lanes and wider pavements to accommodate increased demand for walking and cycling, and to enable members of the public to maintain physical distancing.
Similar measures are to be implemented in Greater Manchester in the next few weeks.Similar measures are to be implemented in Greater Manchester in the next few weeks.
The former Labour leader Gordon Brown and Prof Hugh Pennington, one of Scotland’s leading microbiologists who has advised both the UK and Scottish governments, are calling for mass testing “to become the new normal”.The former Labour leader Gordon Brown and Prof Hugh Pennington, one of Scotland’s leading microbiologists who has advised both the UK and Scottish governments, are calling for mass testing “to become the new normal”.
Launching a new paper from Our Scottish Futures thinktank, they said it was now clear that mass testing across the community was the only way to give people the confidence to return to work, but the Scottish government’s testing target for 15,500 tests a day by the end of May is “wholly inadequate”.Launching a new paper from Our Scottish Futures thinktank, they said it was now clear that mass testing across the community was the only way to give people the confidence to return to work, but the Scottish government’s testing target for 15,500 tests a day by the end of May is “wholly inadequate”.
Brown said:Brown said:
He added that it was “a scandal and a tragedy” that care home residents and workers were not being tested as a matter of routine.He added that it was “a scandal and a tragedy” that care home residents and workers were not being tested as a matter of routine.