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UK coronavirus live: scientists warn further lockdowns inevitable without stronger plan UK coronavirus live: Sunak extends furlough job retention scheme until end of October
(32 minutes later)
Health secretary dodges questions over people’s legal right to refuse return to work; Rishi Sunak expected to extend furlough scheme UK coronavirus death toll passes 40,000, official figures say; Health secretary dodges questions over people’s legal right to refuse return to work; further lockdowns inevitable without stronger plan, scientists warn
In the Commons Sunak seems to have taken MPs by surprise by the scale of his announcement. MPs from all sides have welcomed his decision, and opposition MPs are finding it hard to ask the usual ‘But why aren’t you doing X as well?” follow ups.
These are from Rishi Sunak summarising his announcement.
In the Commons Sunak confirms that the level of support to employees will not be reduced.
But employers will be asked to contribute more.
He says today’s announcement means the scheme will have run for eight months.
In response to his Labour shadow, Anneliese Dodds, Sunak says he has never talked about people being addicted to this scheme. That is not language he backs, he says.
And he says he has been consulting with unions about this.
Sunak says the government believes in the dignity of work.
It is doing all it can to protect people who cannot work.
He says he can announce the next stage of the job retention scheme, the furlough scheme. He says 7.5m jobs have been supported, and almost 1m businesses helped.
He says the scheme will be extended for four months, until the end of October. (It had been due to end at the end of June.)
There will be no changes until the end of July.
And in August, September and October it will continue with more flexibility.
He says employers will be able to bring workers back part-time. (At the moment the scheme only subsidises workers who are not working at all.)
He says the government will require employers to make a contribution.
But he says employees will continue to get the same support they do now - 80% of wages.
Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, is now responding to an urgent question in the Commons about the future of his furlough scheme.
In his TV address on Sunday night Boris Johnson said that the reproduction number, R, for the UK as a whole was between 0.5 and 0.9. This shows the rate at which coronavirus is spreading. The government’s key priority is to keep it below 1.
The Northern Ireland executive has a more specific estimate for R in Northern Ireland. According to its recovery plan document (pdf), it is currently around 0.8.
England’s national parks have urged caution for visitors planning to return to beauty spots from Wednesday – with some still telling people to stay away.England’s national parks have urged caution for visitors planning to return to beauty spots from Wednesday – with some still telling people to stay away.
Updated government rules on the lockdown have relaxed the “stay local” message in England so people can drive to outdoor open spaces “irrespective of distance”, as long as they respect physical distancing guidance and don’t cross borders.Updated government rules on the lockdown have relaxed the “stay local” message in England so people can drive to outdoor open spaces “irrespective of distance”, as long as they respect physical distancing guidance and don’t cross borders.
However, several national parks are warning people to respect local communities, keep their distance from others and avoid hotspots or busy areas. Visitors are also being warned that many facilities such as car parks, visitor centres and public toilets, as well as cafes and pubs, are not yet open. However, several national parks are warning people to respect local communities, keep their distance from others and avoid hotspots or busy areas. Visitors are also being warned that many facilities, such as car parks, visitor centres and public toilets, as well as cafes and pubs, are not yet open.
The Lake District is urging people not to return yet, in order to help communities in Cumbria, which officials said has one of the highest Covid-19 infection rates in the UK. The National Park Authority chief executive Richard Leafe said: The Lake District is urging people not to return yet in order to help communities in Cumbria, which officials said has one of the highest Covid-19 infection rates in the UK. The National Park Authority chief executive, Richard Leafe, said:
The Yorkshire Dales NPA’s chief executive David Butterworth said the government’s approach to reopening the countryside was not one it had advocated: The Yorkshire Dales NPA’s chief executive, David Butterworth, said the government’s approach to reopening the countryside was not one it had advocated:
But in light of the new rules, authority-run car parks would now be opened and it was working to open toilets as soon as possible, he said, as he asked visitors to respect local communities, nature and other people.But in light of the new rules, authority-run car parks would now be opened and it was working to open toilets as soon as possible, he said, as he asked visitors to respect local communities, nature and other people.
Dartmoor national park said it was reviewing how to reopen car parks and toilets and was awaiting further guidance on how to so while safely supporting social distancing. In a statement it added: Dartmoor national park said it was reviewing how to reopen car parks and toilets and was awaiting further guidance on how to do so while safely supporting social distancing. In a statement it added:
And Sarah Fowler, chief executive of the Peak District NPA, issued a personal appeal for anyone planning to travel to the area: And Sarah Fowler, the chief executive of the Peak District NPA, issued a personal appeal for anyone planning to travel to the area:
Continuing to use local parks and outdoor areas close to home could help the park ensure it can welcome visitors in the coming weeks and not put “undue pressure” on public highways, emergency access or key workers, she added.Continuing to use local parks and outdoor areas close to home could help the park ensure it can welcome visitors in the coming weeks and not put “undue pressure” on public highways, emergency access or key workers, she added.
The UK death toll from Covid-19 has surpassed 40,000, according to official figures, with almost 10,000 care home residents now having died from coronavirus, Robert Booth and Caelainn Barr report.The UK death toll from Covid-19 has surpassed 40,000, according to official figures, with almost 10,000 care home residents now having died from coronavirus, Robert Booth and Caelainn Barr report.
Here is an excerpt from the Northern Ireland’s executive’s document (pdf) showing what its five-step plan looks like.Here is an excerpt from the Northern Ireland’s executive’s document (pdf) showing what its five-step plan looks like.
The Northern Ireland executive has just published its own coronavirus recovery plan. The 12-page document is here (pdf), and there is a seven-page summary here (pdf).The Northern Ireland executive has just published its own coronavirus recovery plan. The 12-page document is here (pdf), and there is a seven-page summary here (pdf).
It envisages a five-step route to recovery.It envisages a five-step route to recovery.
PA Media summarises them here.PA Media summarises them here.
And here is an extract from the plan. It says:And here is an extract from the plan. It says:
Tributes have been paid to an ambulance care assistant who died with coronavirus and who “dedicated his career to serving the public”.Tributes have been paid to an ambulance care assistant who died with coronavirus and who “dedicated his career to serving the public”.
Phil Rennie, a patient transport service care assistant for the North West ambulance service based in Oldham, contracted Covid-19 and died at Fairfield general hospital in Bury on Sunday, the service’s chief executive, Daren Mochrie, said:Phil Rennie, a patient transport service care assistant for the North West ambulance service based in Oldham, contracted Covid-19 and died at Fairfield general hospital in Bury on Sunday, the service’s chief executive, Daren Mochrie, said:
Phil is survived by his wife, Karen, and son, Adam.Phil is survived by his wife, Karen, and son, Adam.
Boris Johnson would like some primary school children in England to start going back to school from 1 June. Under the provisional plan published yesterday, subject to coronavirus being brought further under control, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils (the youngest and oldest at primary school) would start going back from 1 June, with all primary school pupils back for a month before the summer holidays.Boris Johnson would like some primary school children in England to start going back to school from 1 June. Under the provisional plan published yesterday, subject to coronavirus being brought further under control, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils (the youngest and oldest at primary school) would start going back from 1 June, with all primary school pupils back for a month before the summer holidays.
But would parents comply? This morning the National Education Union has published the results of a survey of 1,000 parents which suggests that a third of them are not ready to send their children back. According to the NEU, “just under half (49%) said they would, with a third of the total sample (33%) intending to delay the return.”But would parents comply? This morning the National Education Union has published the results of a survey of 1,000 parents which suggests that a third of them are not ready to send their children back. According to the NEU, “just under half (49%) said they would, with a third of the total sample (33%) intending to delay the return.”
And one parent in that category is Anneliese Dodds, the new shadow chancellor. Dodds, who has a six-year-old and a younger child, was on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour this morning and she was asked if she would be willing to send her oldest back to school on 1 June. At first she gave an evasive answer, saying that her local school was doing “an incredible job” but that the government had not yet published evidence showing it would be safe for children to go back without posting a risk to families and children.And one parent in that category is Anneliese Dodds, the new shadow chancellor. Dodds, who has a six-year-old and a younger child, was on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour this morning and she was asked if she would be willing to send her oldest back to school on 1 June. At first she gave an evasive answer, saying that her local school was doing “an incredible job” but that the government had not yet published evidence showing it would be safe for children to go back without posting a risk to families and children.
Towards the end of the interview the presenter, Jane Garvey, challenged her again, saying she had not answered the question. Would she send her child to school knowing what she does now? Dodds replied:Towards the end of the interview the presenter, Jane Garvey, challenged her again, saying she had not answered the question. Would she send her child to school knowing what she does now? Dodds replied:
So that’s a no, Garvey suggested. Dodds replied:So that’s a no, Garvey suggested. Dodds replied:
Some late-morning joy. A doctor who had to miss his daughter’s first birthday due to the coronavirus pandemic said he was “blown away” by the love and kindness of his “incredible” colleagues after they surprised him with a party at the hospital to help celebrate.Some late-morning joy. A doctor who had to miss his daughter’s first birthday due to the coronavirus pandemic said he was “blown away” by the love and kindness of his “incredible” colleagues after they surprised him with a party at the hospital to help celebrate.
Dr Rory Nolan, 29, hasn’t seen his wife, Catriona, 26, and daughter Francesca for more than two months after they made the decision to temporarily live apart so he could continue working on the frontline in A&E.Dr Rory Nolan, 29, hasn’t seen his wife, Catriona, 26, and daughter Francesca for more than two months after they made the decision to temporarily live apart so he could continue working on the frontline in A&E.
Instead of being able to share Francesca’s birthday with her, he spent it working at a Manchester hospital. However, his colleagues stepped in to make sure the day was memorable.Instead of being able to share Francesca’s birthday with her, he spent it working at a Manchester hospital. However, his colleagues stepped in to make sure the day was memorable.
Here are some extracts of the thread he posted on Twitter:Here are some extracts of the thread he posted on Twitter:
The doctor also took the opportunity to warn the public that despite the easing of restrictions this week, “Covid is not over” and urged people to follow the rules, if not for themselves then for the sake of others.The doctor also took the opportunity to warn the public that despite the easing of restrictions this week, “Covid is not over” and urged people to follow the rules, if not for themselves then for the sake of others.
Care home deaths accounted for about 40% of coronavirus-related fatalities registered in England and Wales in the week ending 1 May, with at least 10,535 of all deaths to date taking place outside hospitals, figures from the Office for National Statistics show.
Of the 6,035 deaths linked to Covid-19 and registered in the week ending 1 May, 2,423 (40%) were in care homes, compared with 3,214 (53%) in hospitals.
This weekly number of care home deaths is a slight dip from 2,794 in the previous seven days and is the first week-on-week decrease since 20 March, according to the ONS.
The ONS numbers are based on instances where Covid-19 is mentioned anywhere on a death certificate, including in combination with other health conditions.
Of all deaths involving coronavirus up to 1 May, 22,873 took place in hospitals, while 10,535 were elsewhere. Of these:- 8,312 took place in care homes- 1,562 were in private homes- 386 occurred in hospices- 142 took place in other communal establishments- 133 happened elsewhere
The ONS figures, by date of death, suggest a peak in daily care home deaths may have taken place on 17 April, when 415 deaths occurred. During the following week, daily deaths declined consecutively for all days but one – 22 April, when deaths rose by 20. The corresponding peak for deaths in hospitals is 8 April, when 983 occurred.
In the week ending 1 May, there were 17,953 deaths registered across England and Wales – a decrease for the second week running.
However, Nick Stripe, head of health analysis at the ONS, said this is still around 8,000 deaths above the average for this time of year (see 9.50am.). Speaking to BBC News, he said:
Separate analysis shows there were 8,314 deaths in care homes involving coronavirus reported by care home providers in England to the Care Quality Commission between 10 April and 8 May, according to the ONS.
Good morning. I’m Lucy Campbell, joining the blog for the rest of the day. We will be bringing you all the latest updates and analysis on the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, so please do feel free to get in touch throughout the day to share news tips, advice, comments and suggestions. Your ideas are always welcome and apologies if I can’t reply to you all.
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_
Further outbreaks of coronavirus and rolling lockdowns are inevitable under government plans to ease restrictions and send people in England back to work without a robust strategy to suppress the virus, an independent group of scientists has warned.
The experts, convened by the former government chief scientific adviser Sir David King, urged ministers to reconsider the “dangerous” strategy of managing the spread of Covid-19 and adopt widespread decentralised testing, tracing and isolation to clamp down on the epidemic.
Prof King set up the “independent Sage” meetings amid concerns around the transparency of independent scientific advice reaching ministers through the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage).
In a report being published today, the group warns that simply ensuring the NHS is not overwhelmed is “counter-productive” and “potentially dangerous”. Without strong measures to suppress the spread of infections “we shall inevitably see a more rapid return of local epidemics and face the prospect of further partial or national lockdowns”, the authors write.
The report, which includes 19 key recommendations, will be sent to Downing Street, Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser who co-chairs Sage, the first ministers in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and Jeremy Hunt, the chair of the health select committee.
The experts call on ministers to reverse the 12 March decision to abandon efforts to test, trace and isolate cases of Covid-19, and to replace the existing centralised testing approach, which relies heavily on the private sector. In its place, the group call for a decentralised strategy that puts GPs and local health teams at the heart of the outbreak control. The report states that the “over-dependence on outsourcing” is unsustainable.
On the Today programme this morning Mervyn King, the former governor of the Bank of England, said Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, should not scale back the coronavirus job retention scheme that allows workers to be furloughed. He said the government should continue to pay 80% of people’s salaries (as it does now, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month), instead of reducing that to 60%, as the Treasury has been considering.
Asked what Sunak should do, King said:
King also said the “economy ought to have recovered to a very large extent” before Sunak considered ending the furlough scheme in a bid to avoid a wave of redundancies when the support is curtailed.
BBC Scotland’s Disclosure programme has revealed that there were multiple transmissions of coronavirus in Edinburgh in February, well before the first confirmed cases in the country, but that this was not disclosed to the public.
Scotland’s first confirmed coronavirus case, in Tayside, was announced on 1 March, but Disclosure, broadcast on Monday night, revealed an outbreak that began the week before on 26 and 27 of February at a conference of international delegates for the sportswear company Nike. At least 25 people linked to this event have since been confirmed to have been infected, said the programme, eight of them resident in Scotland.
Nike told the BBC it instigated enhanced measures, including contact tracing and increased cleaning and disinfection processes in their stores and offices, and that all its staff had now recovered. The Scottish government confirmed health authorities were alerted to the potential outbreak on 2 March.
Over the last 24 hours the government has published a huge pile of documents giving advice to the public about what it needs to do now.
The UK government has a three-step coronavirus recovery plan. The step one measures apply from tomorrow (13 May). Step two will start on Monday 1 June, or later. And step three will start on Saturday 4 July or later.
The advice out this week covers all three steps, although there is more detail about step one.
Much of the advice specifically covers just England. The devolved administrations have also been producing their own guidance.
Here are the key documents.
The 60-page overall plan, entitled “Our plan to rebuild” (pdf)
The coronavirus outbreak FAQs - A useful Q&A covering all main topics, and mostly focusing on what is changing this week
Specific guidance on social distancing
Specific guidance on staying safe outside the home
On education specifically, there are at least four documents. They are:
A general guide for parents and carers
Specific information about the plan for some pupils to return to school from 1 June
Advice for schools on what they need to do
Specific advice on protective measures
The Department for Business, Energy and Industry Strategy has produced eight separate guides on how to keep employees safe in different workplace environment. You can find links to all eight here.
And now, this morning, the Department for Transport has produced transport guidance. There are two main documents:
Guidance for passengers
Guidance for operators
(If I’ve left any out, please let me know in the comments below the line.)
Public transport users should face away from each other when they cannot keep a 2-metre gap, the government has said. A report from PA Media on the new transport guidance issued by the government this morning (see 9.28am) goes on:
The sandwich chain Subway has today started a phased reopening of around 600 of its 2,600 stores across the UK and Ireland – approximately one in four – for takeway and delivery only.
The outlets have all been fitted with new operational and social distancing safety measures to protect customers, third-party delivery and supplier drivers and staff. These have been tested in the small number of stores that have remained open to support and serve key workers and hospital staff.
All NHS workers will receive 25% off their orders, in addition to other initiatives which include free delivery on all third-party orders over £10.
The chain joins KFC, Pret a Manger and Burger King in reopening stores, and McDonald’s is poised to trial 15 outlets for delivery from tomorrow.
The Office for National Statistics has just published its latest weekly death figures for England and Wales.
They go up to the week ending Friday 1 May (or week 18, as the ONS calls it).
The ONS figures lag behind the daily figures published by the government, because they are based on registered deaths. But they are more comprehensive. The daily government figures just count people who have tested positive for coronavirus and died. The ONS figures for coronavirus deaths include all those where it was mentioned on the death certificate, which often happens if a patient had symptoms but did not test positive.
The figures show that by the end of April coronavirus deaths were falling, but total excess deaths (ie, the number of weekly deaths above what you would expect in an average week) was still very high.
Here are the main points.
Excess deaths in England and Wales were running at around 8,000 at the end of April. There were 8,012 more deaths in week 18 than the five-year average for that time of year. Overall there were 17,953 deaths that week. In the previous week there were 11,539 excess deaths.
For the second week in a row overall deaths were down.
Coronavirus deaths in week 18 accounted for 33.6% of all deaths, down from 37.4% in the previous weeks.
Deaths in care homes were also down in week 18. There were 6,409. But 37.8% of those deaths involved coronavirus, up from 35.3% the previous week.
All regions showed a decrease in the proportion of deaths involving coronavirus in week 18.
Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, has just published the new advice being issued to passengers using public transport. It’s here.