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UK coronavirus live: minister admits more testing capacity needed for care homes UK coronavirus live: minister admits more testing capacity needed for care homes
(32 minutes later)
Health minister Edward Argar concedes government still needs to ‘make available’ Covid-19 testing capacity so all care home residentsHealth minister Edward Argar concedes government still needs to ‘make available’ Covid-19 testing capacity so all care home residents
Dr Nick Scriven, a past president of the Society for Acute Medicine, has said that today’s figures showing a fall in A&E attendance in England is a “a significant concern” and people’s conditions may have worsened as a result. He said:
Results of a human trial of a coronavirus vaccine could be available by the middle of June, an expert has said. As PA Media reports, Prof Sir John Bell, regius professor of medicine at Oxford University, said “several hundred” people have been vaccinated and the challenge now is to be able to manufacture at scale once it is approved by the regulators. At the end of April a team of researchers at Oxford started testing a Covid-19 vaccine in human volunteers. Around 1,110 are expected to take part in the trial, half receiving the vaccine candidate and the other half (the control group) receiving a widely available meningitis vaccine.
A reader emailed the other day to suggest that we publish some more optimistic news amidst all the doom and gloom. That hasn’t been easy - people are continuing to die in large numbers, and life will be disrupted for the foreseeable future - but buried in a report from the Office for National Statistics this morning is something that might encourage the reader in need of cheering up.
People think Britain will become a kinder and more united country after the coronavirus crisis than it was before, the ONS has found.
People were asked how united/equal/kind they thought Britain was before the crisis, and how united/equal/kind they thought it would be afterwards.
As this chart shows, there is strong evidence that people think it will make a difference. Some 67% say Britain will be a kind country afterwards, compared with fewer than 40% who see it as a kind place at the moment. And 57% say it will be united afterwards, which is more that double the proportion who see it as united now.
But only 22% say Britain will be an equal society after the crisis. That is a slight increase on the proportion who see it as equal now, but on this measure people are much less confident of change.
Here is the chart.
And here is an excerpt from the report with more detail.
Black people in England are nearly four times as likely as white people to have no access to outdoor space at home, a new release from the Office for National Statistics has revealed.Black people in England are nearly four times as likely as white people to have no access to outdoor space at home, a new release from the Office for National Statistics has revealed.
The dataset shows 37% of black people have no access to a private garden, patio or balcony during lockdown, compared to 10% of white people.The dataset shows 37% of black people have no access to a private garden, patio or balcony during lockdown, compared to 10% of white people.
The ONS data confirms Guardian analysis published last month which found BAME people and those living in deprived areas had less access to garden space and were disproportionately affected by park closures.The ONS data confirms Guardian analysis published last month which found BAME people and those living in deprived areas had less access to garden space and were disproportionately affected by park closures.
The Guardian report found a third of all land in the wealthiest 10% of London wards was taken up by private gardens, while in the poorest 10%, just over a fifth was used as garden space.The Guardian report found a third of all land in the wealthiest 10% of London wards was taken up by private gardens, while in the poorest 10%, just over a fifth was used as garden space.
You can explore garden and public green space in your local area here.You can explore garden and public green space in your local area here.
Transport for London says there were 10% more tube journeys made between 5am and 6am this morning than the same period last week, although demand has fallen compared with yesterday, PA Media reports.Transport for London says there were 10% more tube journeys made between 5am and 6am this morning than the same period last week, although demand has fallen compared with yesterday, PA Media reports.
And data published by location technology firm TomTom shows that the level of road congestion in London at 8am on Thursday was 19%, up from 16% a week earlier. Other cities to experience an increase in traffic over the same period include Belfast (from 12% to 15%), Birmingham (from 9% to 11%), Cardiff (from 8% to 11%), Edinburgh (from 12% to 15%) and Manchester (from 10% to 13%).And data published by location technology firm TomTom shows that the level of road congestion in London at 8am on Thursday was 19%, up from 16% a week earlier. Other cities to experience an increase in traffic over the same period include Belfast (from 12% to 15%), Birmingham (from 9% to 11%), Cardiff (from 8% to 11%), Edinburgh (from 12% to 15%) and Manchester (from 10% to 13%).
The figures represent the proportion of additional time required for journeys compared with free-flow conditions.The figures represent the proportion of additional time required for journeys compared with free-flow conditions.
The UK’s biggest mobile operator O2 is partnering with environmental charity Hubbub to encourage people to donate old or unused smartphones to help elderly and vulnerable “digitally disconnected” members of the community.The UK’s biggest mobile operator O2 is partnering with environmental charity Hubbub to encourage people to donate old or unused smartphones to help elderly and vulnerable “digitally disconnected” members of the community.
The trial of so-called “Community Calling” will involve hundreds of handsets being distributed to residents of Southwark in London, which has been badly affected by the pandemic. An estimated 1.9m UK households are deemed “digitally excluded” with no internet access. In the UK, an average of four phones sit unused for every phone in use.The trial of so-called “Community Calling” will involve hundreds of handsets being distributed to residents of Southwark in London, which has been badly affected by the pandemic. An estimated 1.9m UK households are deemed “digitally excluded” with no internet access. In the UK, an average of four phones sit unused for every phone in use.
A pre-identified list of households has been put together by a number of local organisations in Southwark, which includes the elderly, those in low-income households, survivors of domestic abuse and asylum seekers.A pre-identified list of households has been put together by a number of local organisations in Southwark, which includes the elderly, those in low-income households, survivors of domestic abuse and asylum seekers.
Gavin Ellis, director and co-founder at Hubbub, said:Gavin Ellis, director and co-founder at Hubbub, said:
A&E attendances at hospitals in England were down 57% in April compared with the same month a year ago - falling to the lowest figure on record, new NHS data shows.A&E attendances at hospitals in England were down 57% in April compared with the same month a year ago - falling to the lowest figure on record, new NHS data shows.
Here is the agenda for the day.Here is the agenda for the day.
11am: Boris Johnson chairs cabinet.11am: Boris Johnson chairs cabinet.
12pm: The Office for Budget Responsibility publishes an update on the impact of coronavirus on government borrowing.12pm: The Office for Budget Responsibility publishes an update on the impact of coronavirus on government borrowing.
12.30pm: The Scottish and Welsh governments hold their daily briefings.12.30pm: The Scottish and Welsh governments hold their daily briefings.
12.30pm: Downing Street lobby briefing.12.30pm: Downing Street lobby briefing.
1.30pm: Sir Keir Starmer holds a virtual public meeting with residents from Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales.1.30pm: Sir Keir Starmer holds a virtual public meeting with residents from Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales.
2pm: The Office for National Statistics publishes the first regular results of its Covid-19 infection survey in England.2pm: The Office for National Statistics publishes the first regular results of its Covid-19 infection survey in England.
2.30pm: Brandon Lewis, the Northern Ireland secretary, gives evidence to the Northern Ireland select committee.2.30pm: Brandon Lewis, the Northern Ireland secretary, gives evidence to the Northern Ireland select committee.
2.30pm: Chris Hopson of NHS Providers, Richard Murray of the The King’s Fund, Nigel Edwards of the Nuffield Trust and Jennifer Dixon of the Health Foundation give evidence to the Commons health committee.2.30pm: Chris Hopson of NHS Providers, Richard Murray of the The King’s Fund, Nigel Edwards of the Nuffield Trust and Jennifer Dixon of the Health Foundation give evidence to the Commons health committee.
2.30pm: Alister Jack, the Scottish secretary, gives evidence to the Commons Scottish affairs committee.2.30pm: Alister Jack, the Scottish secretary, gives evidence to the Commons Scottish affairs committee.
5pm: The UK government holds its daily press conference.5pm: The UK government holds its daily press conference.
Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, joining the blog for the day.Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, joining the blog for the day.
In his Today interview this morning Jeremy Hunt, the former health secretary who now chairs the Commons health committee, said that in the past the government, including when he was in cabinet, had failed to build up testing capacity. He explained:In his Today interview this morning Jeremy Hunt, the former health secretary who now chairs the Commons health committee, said that in the past the government, including when he was in cabinet, had failed to build up testing capacity. He explained:
He has already raised millions for the NHS by walking lengths of his garden but second world war veteran Captain Tom Moore is showing no signs of slowing down. The 100-year-old is publishing two books later this year as he launches a new charitable foundation, it has been announced.He has already raised millions for the NHS by walking lengths of his garden but second world war veteran Captain Tom Moore is showing no signs of slowing down. The 100-year-old is publishing two books later this year as he launches a new charitable foundation, it has been announced.
The veteran’s autobiography, Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day, and a children’s picture book will be released in support of the Captain Tom Foundation. The new foundation is being established to help combat loneliness, support hospices and help those facing bereavement.The veteran’s autobiography, Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day, and a children’s picture book will be released in support of the Captain Tom Foundation. The new foundation is being established to help combat loneliness, support hospices and help those facing bereavement.
It comes after the veteran captivated the nation by raising nearly £33m for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden in Bedfordshire before his 100th birthday on April 30.It comes after the veteran captivated the nation by raising nearly £33m for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden in Bedfordshire before his 100th birthday on April 30.
His autobiography, published on 17 September, will detail his time on the battlefields of Burma in the second world war.His autobiography, published on 17 September, will detail his time on the battlefields of Burma in the second world war.
The extraordinary boom in civic action that has seen more than a million new volunteers step up to help out in their communities during the coronavirus crisis is disproportionately concentrated in wealthier areas of the UK, according to an all-party MPs committee.The extraordinary boom in civic action that has seen more than a million new volunteers step up to help out in their communities during the coronavirus crisis is disproportionately concentrated in wealthier areas of the UK, according to an all-party MPs committee.
The MPs warned that while the crisis has produced “an outpouring of neighbourliness and mutual aid” in many areas, it had also seen marginalised individuals become more isolated, especially in poorer neighbourhoods. “If lockdown is a shared experience we have all been aware it has not been experienced equally,” the report by the all-party parliamentary group on social integration said.The MPs warned that while the crisis has produced “an outpouring of neighbourliness and mutual aid” in many areas, it had also seen marginalised individuals become more isolated, especially in poorer neighbourhoods. “If lockdown is a shared experience we have all been aware it has not been experienced equally,” the report by the all-party parliamentary group on social integration said.
The surge in volunteering, including 750,000 applicants for the NHS first-responder scheme, was lauded by Boris Johnson as a sign of “incredible public spirit” and proof that Margaret Thatcher was wrong to claim there was “no such thing as society.”The surge in volunteering, including 750,000 applicants for the NHS first-responder scheme, was lauded by Boris Johnson as a sign of “incredible public spirit” and proof that Margaret Thatcher was wrong to claim there was “no such thing as society.”
But the report says Mutual Aid Groups, the social media-led local networks that have sprung up in recent weeks to help vulnerable people isolated by the lockdown were more likely to be found in “close knit” smaller towns with already strong civic traditions.But the report says Mutual Aid Groups, the social media-led local networks that have sprung up in recent weeks to help vulnerable people isolated by the lockdown were more likely to be found in “close knit” smaller towns with already strong civic traditions.
These informal groups were less prevalent in deprived areas of cities that suffered from income and social inequality, including a number of so-called “left behind” communities, the report said.These informal groups were less prevalent in deprived areas of cities that suffered from income and social inequality, including a number of so-called “left behind” communities, the report said.
It identified 25 areas it said had relatively low levels of mutual aid group coverage, including Sunderland, Hull, Doncaster, Nuneaton, Stoke-on-Trent, Dartford, Knowsley and Oldham.It identified 25 areas it said had relatively low levels of mutual aid group coverage, including Sunderland, Hull, Doncaster, Nuneaton, Stoke-on-Trent, Dartford, Knowsley and Oldham.
It said the government needed to do more to tackle digital divides to ensure that the most marginalised communities were not excluded from vital services vital to accessing Covid-19 support, from universal credit to health and care advice.It said the government needed to do more to tackle digital divides to ensure that the most marginalised communities were not excluded from vital services vital to accessing Covid-19 support, from universal credit to health and care advice.
Health minister Edward Argar has conceded that the government still needs to “make available” Covid-19 testing capacity so all care home residents and staff can get tested, amid claims that those without symptoms have been unable to do so.Health minister Edward Argar has conceded that the government still needs to “make available” Covid-19 testing capacity so all care home residents and staff can get tested, amid claims that those without symptoms have been unable to do so.
Pressed on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on when care homes will be able to test people, including those without symptoms, Argar said:Pressed on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on when care homes will be able to test people, including those without symptoms, Argar said:
But, questioned further on whether care homes are able to test those without symptoms, he replied:But, questioned further on whether care homes are able to test those without symptoms, he replied:
He added: “To make sure they get their results back quickly so they know when they have someone who didn’t test negative - that’s fine. Or when they have someone who has tested positive, they know to use that... if they are accepting a discharge back to the care home, they know to put in place those isolation rules and those isolation procedures.”He added: “To make sure they get their results back quickly so they know when they have someone who didn’t test negative - that’s fine. Or when they have someone who has tested positive, they know to use that... if they are accepting a discharge back to the care home, they know to put in place those isolation rules and those isolation procedures.”
Earlier, the former health secretary Jeremy Hunt told the programme that it was “pretty clear now” that community testing should not have been abandoned on 12 March. “I think it’s very important not to finger point at the individuals, and I think the government is getting excellent scientific advice,” he said.Earlier, the former health secretary Jeremy Hunt told the programme that it was “pretty clear now” that community testing should not have been abandoned on 12 March. “I think it’s very important not to finger point at the individuals, and I think the government is getting excellent scientific advice,” he said.
“But actually, to ask why it is that Sage, the government’s scientific advisory committee, didn’t model the South Korean test, track and trace approach that we are now adopting right at the beginning?“But actually, to ask why it is that Sage, the government’s scientific advisory committee, didn’t model the South Korean test, track and trace approach that we are now adopting right at the beginning?
“The government was given two very extreme options, the sort of extreme lockdown we’re just coming out of, or kind of mitigated herd immunity. And that middle way, the South Korean route, wasn’t modelled.”“The government was given two very extreme options, the sort of extreme lockdown we’re just coming out of, or kind of mitigated herd immunity. And that middle way, the South Korean route, wasn’t modelled.”
The government wants to roll out a new “game-changer” antibody test to frontline workers first, according to health minister Edward Argar.The government wants to roll out a new “game-changer” antibody test to frontline workers first, according to health minister Edward Argar.
It emerged last night that an antibody test, which can determine whether someone has had Covid-19, has been approved by Public Health England. The blood test, developed by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche, will be able to help determine how much of the population has been infected, raising the prospect those who have had the disease may be immune.It emerged last night that an antibody test, which can determine whether someone has had Covid-19, has been approved by Public Health England. The blood test, developed by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche, will be able to help determine how much of the population has been infected, raising the prospect those who have had the disease may be immune.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Argar said: “We’re in discussion at the moment with Roche on this. It’s only just gone through the Public Health England assessment as being reliable, as doing the job, and therefore we are having those discussions.Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Argar said: “We’re in discussion at the moment with Roche on this. It’s only just gone through the Public Health England assessment as being reliable, as doing the job, and therefore we are having those discussions.
But he cautioned that the government was not yet in a position to roll out the new antibody tests to the public. He added: “It has only just got the green light. Obviously we will have had kits to test, but we are not in a position at this point to give these tests out.”But he cautioned that the government was not yet in a position to roll out the new antibody tests to the public. He added: “It has only just got the green light. Obviously we will have had kits to test, but we are not in a position at this point to give these tests out.”
He continued: “So we’re not in a position yet to roll it out to the public and have those tests ready to go.”He continued: “So we’re not in a position yet to roll it out to the public and have those tests ready to go.”
England footballer Dele Alli has spoken of his “horrible experience” after being held at knifepoint and punched during a robbery at his home.England footballer Dele Alli has spoken of his “horrible experience” after being held at knifepoint and punched during a robbery at his home.
The Tottenham player, who has been isolating at his north London property during lockdown with his brother and their respective partners, was hit in the face during the incident. The 24-year-old sustained a facial injury before the intruders fled.The Tottenham player, who has been isolating at his north London property during lockdown with his brother and their respective partners, was hit in the face during the incident. The 24-year-old sustained a facial injury before the intruders fled.
Scotland Yard is investigating after the attackers broke into Alli’s home just after midnight on Wednesday morning, stealing jewellery and watches. Alli tweeted last night:Scotland Yard is investigating after the attackers broke into Alli’s home just after midnight on Wednesday morning, stealing jewellery and watches. Alli tweeted last night:
The Metropolitan police said: “Police were called at approximately 00:35 on Wednesday 13 May to reports of a robbery at a residential address in Barnet.The Metropolitan police said: “Police were called at approximately 00:35 on Wednesday 13 May to reports of a robbery at a residential address in Barnet.
A Spurs spokesperson added: “We have been offering our support to Dele and those isolating with him. We encourage anyone with any information to help the police with their investigation to come forward.”A Spurs spokesperson added: “We have been offering our support to Dele and those isolating with him. We encourage anyone with any information to help the police with their investigation to come forward.”
Alli and his Spurs teammates are in the process of meeting the Premier League over Project Restart as they work towards a return to action next month.Alli and his Spurs teammates are in the process of meeting the Premier League over Project Restart as they work towards a return to action next month.
WH Smith has warned of a “significant” hit to its business prompted by Covid-19 lockdown, with revenues plunging by 85% last month.WH Smith has warned of a “significant” hit to its business prompted by Covid-19 lockdown, with revenues plunging by 85% last month.
The retailer’s travel arm was the worst impacted, with sales crashing by 91%. It sales were down 74% in its high street chain in April.The retailer’s travel arm was the worst impacted, with sales crashing by 91%. It sales were down 74% in its high street chain in April.
The firm has been forced to shut the majority of its stores, many of which are in railway stations and airports.The firm has been forced to shut the majority of its stores, many of which are in railway stations and airports.
Carl Cowling, group chief executive of WH Smith, said:Carl Cowling, group chief executive of WH Smith, said:
“We also secured an additional £120m of bank funding. We are a resilient and versatile business and with the operational actions we have taken including managing costs and the new financing arrangements, we are in a strong position to navigate this time of uncertainty and are well positioned to benefit in due course from the normalisation and growth of our key markets.”“We also secured an additional £120m of bank funding. We are a resilient and versatile business and with the operational actions we have taken including managing costs and the new financing arrangements, we are in a strong position to navigate this time of uncertainty and are well positioned to benefit in due course from the normalisation and growth of our key markets.”
The government’s promised £600m fund to help Covid-19 infection control in care homes has been labelled a “drop in the ocean” compared with what is needed by the shadow housing, communities and local government secretary, Steve Reed.The government’s promised £600m fund to help Covid-19 infection control in care homes has been labelled a “drop in the ocean” compared with what is needed by the shadow housing, communities and local government secretary, Steve Reed.
Highlighting a funding gap for local authorities, he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The £600m is very welcome and that is going to focus on infection control. The problem we’ve got is the total gap is £10bn, so £600m is a drop in the ocean.”Highlighting a funding gap for local authorities, he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The £600m is very welcome and that is going to focus on infection control. The problem we’ve got is the total gap is £10bn, so £600m is a drop in the ocean.”
The health secretary, Matt Hancock, detailed the funding in a tweet yesterday:The health secretary, Matt Hancock, detailed the funding in a tweet yesterday:
It comes as ministers faced fresh allegations on Wednesday of failing to prepare care homes for a pandemic, as it emerged that Covid-19 may have killed 22,000 residents in England and Wales – more than twice the official toll.It comes as ministers faced fresh allegations on Wednesday of failing to prepare care homes for a pandemic, as it emerged that Covid-19 may have killed 22,000 residents in England and Wales – more than twice the official toll.
The shadow minister also urged the government to fully fund all additional spending on Covid-19 by local authorities. “The government told councils they would fund them ‘whatever was necessary to get communities through this crisis’,” he said.The shadow minister also urged the government to fully fund all additional spending on Covid-19 by local authorities. “The government told councils they would fund them ‘whatever was necessary to get communities through this crisis’,” he said.
“But last week we heard backtracking from the communities secretary, Robert Jenrick, who changed the language to say they would not necessarily reimburse councils. Now councils are facing a £10bn funding gap, a third of that relating to social care.”“But last week we heard backtracking from the communities secretary, Robert Jenrick, who changed the language to say they would not necessarily reimburse councils. Now councils are facing a £10bn funding gap, a third of that relating to social care.”
Councils in England fear they will have to make budget cuts of 20% and face a social care funding shortfall of £3.5bn due to the coronavirus pandemic. Labour claims local authorities are facing a £10bn black hole as they encounter spiralling costs while revenue streams such as parking charges dry up amid the lockdown.Councils in England fear they will have to make budget cuts of 20% and face a social care funding shortfall of £3.5bn due to the coronavirus pandemic. Labour claims local authorities are facing a £10bn black hole as they encounter spiralling costs while revenue streams such as parking charges dry up amid the lockdown.
Good morning, readers. It’s Simon Murphy here kicking off the UK live blog coverage today. It emerged last night that an antibody test which can determine whether someone has had Covid-19 has been approved by Public Health England.Good morning, readers. It’s Simon Murphy here kicking off the UK live blog coverage today. It emerged last night that an antibody test which can determine whether someone has had Covid-19 has been approved by Public Health England.
Boris Johnson has previously described antibody testing as a “game-changer” as it can help determine how much of the population has been infected, raising the prospect those who have had the disease may be immune. However, whether a person who has overcome Covid-19 is immune and if so, how long that immunity lasts, are still very open questions.Boris Johnson has previously described antibody testing as a “game-changer” as it can help determine how much of the population has been infected, raising the prospect those who have had the disease may be immune. However, whether a person who has overcome Covid-19 is immune and if so, how long that immunity lasts, are still very open questions.
The test, made by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche, detects whether antibodies are present in someone’s blood. Prof John Newton, national coordinator of the UK coronavirus testing programme, told the Daily Telegraph that experts at PHE’s Porton Down labs had evaluated the test and confirmed the 100% accuracy.The test, made by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche, detects whether antibodies are present in someone’s blood. Prof John Newton, national coordinator of the UK coronavirus testing programme, told the Daily Telegraph that experts at PHE’s Porton Down labs had evaluated the test and confirmed the 100% accuracy.
“This is a very positive development, because such a highly specific antibody test is a very reliable marker of past infection,” he said.“This is a very positive development, because such a highly specific antibody test is a very reliable marker of past infection,” he said.
Later this morning at 9.30am MPs on the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy select committee will look into the impact of the pandemic on businesses and workers. It comes days after official figures showed that people in low-paid, manual jobs face a much greater risk of dying from coronavirus than higher-paid, white-collar workers.Later this morning at 9.30am MPs on the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy select committee will look into the impact of the pandemic on businesses and workers. It comes days after official figures showed that people in low-paid, manual jobs face a much greater risk of dying from coronavirus than higher-paid, white-collar workers.
At 11am cabinet will meet to discuss the ongoing pandemic. This afternoon at 2pm, the Office for National Statistics is expected to give the clearest picture yet of how many people in England have currently got Covid-19 when it releases the results of its infection survey. The Health and Social Care Committee will hold an evidence session on delivering core NHS services at 2.30pm. And, finally, at 8pm the nation will take to doorsteps to show appreciation to Clap for Carers.At 11am cabinet will meet to discuss the ongoing pandemic. This afternoon at 2pm, the Office for National Statistics is expected to give the clearest picture yet of how many people in England have currently got Covid-19 when it releases the results of its infection survey. The Health and Social Care Committee will hold an evidence session on delivering core NHS services at 2.30pm. And, finally, at 8pm the nation will take to doorsteps to show appreciation to Clap for Carers.