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UK coronavirus live: launch test and trace or risk second wave, NHS leaders warn UK coronavirus live: launch test and trace or risk second wave, NHS leaders warn
(32 minutes later)
Government told it is running out of time to kick off testing systemGovernment told it is running out of time to kick off testing system
EasyJet will resume a small number of mainly domestic flights from 22 European airports from June 15. As PA Media reports, EasyJet will serve a number of UK airports including Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Belfast. The airline said it is “introducing new measures to help ensure safety and wellbeing, including enhanced aircraft cleaning and disinfection and requirement for passengers and crew to wear masks”.
Britain’s economy continued to suffer an unprecedented contraction this month, my colleague Graeme Wearden reports. Both the manufacturing and service sectors are shrinking extremely rapidly as the lockdown continues, according to the latest survey of purchasing managers by IHS Markit. Graeme has more on his business live blog.
And the Office for National Statistics has also published the results of a survey looking at the social impact of coronavirus. It shows that, at least until the end of last week, people were continuing to observe the stay-at-home rules - although there was a fall in the number of people self-isolating.
The ONS figures for the infection rate in the community have not yet been published, although they are due out today.
The Office for National Statistics has published the results of a new survey looking at the impact of coronavirus on the UK economy. Here are some of the main points.
Around 78% of people working in accommodation and food services were furloughed between 20 April and 3 May, the survey suggests. This is the highest proportion for any section of the economy.
Some 20% of businesses temporarily closed or paused trading during this period, the survey suggests.
Some 6% of businesses said they had resumed trading in the last two weeks.
Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, joining the blog for the day.Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, joining the blog for the day.
Here’s the agenda showing what’s coming up.Here’s the agenda showing what’s coming up.
9.30am: The Office for National Statistics is publishing a series of reports covering coronavirus infection rates, the economic impact and the social impact.9.30am: The Office for National Statistics is publishing a series of reports covering coronavirus infection rates, the economic impact and the social impact.
10am: Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, is questioned by the London assembly.10am: Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, is questioned by the London assembly.
11am: Boris Johnson chairs cabinet.11am: Boris Johnson chairs cabinet.
11am: The National Police Chiefs Council holds a briefing on crime during the lockdown.11am: The National Police Chiefs Council holds a briefing on crime during the lockdown.
12pm: The Independent Office for Police Conduct announces whether or not it is launching a criminal inquiry into Boris Johnson’s relationship with Jennifer Arcuri when he was mayor of London.12pm: The Independent Office for Police Conduct announces whether or not it is launching a criminal inquiry into Boris Johnson’s relationship with Jennifer Arcuri when he was mayor of London.
12.30pm: Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister, makes a statement to the Scottish parliament about the Scottish government’s routemap for relaxing the lockdown being released today.12.30pm: Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister, makes a statement to the Scottish parliament about the Scottish government’s routemap for relaxing the lockdown being released today.
12.30pm: Downing Street lobby briefing.12.30pm: Downing Street lobby briefing.
2.40pm: Dr Gregor Smith, Scotland’s chief medical officer, and Prof Sheila Rowan, Scotland’s chief scientific adviser, give evidence to the Commons Scottish affairs committee.2.40pm: Dr Gregor Smith, Scotland’s chief medical officer, and Prof Sheila Rowan, Scotland’s chief scientific adviser, give evidence to the Commons Scottish affairs committee.
5pm: Matt Hancock, the health secretary, is expected to take the UK government’s daily press conference.5pm: Matt Hancock, the health secretary, is expected to take the UK government’s daily press conference.
The Welsh government has been reported to the Equality and Human Rights Commission over its handling of coronavirus testing in care homes.The Welsh government has been reported to the Equality and Human Rights Commission over its handling of coronavirus testing in care homes.
The country’s older people’s commissioner, Helena Herklots, told BBC Wales she believed the human rights and right to life of care home residents had been breached due to delays in expanding testing in the sector.The country’s older people’s commissioner, Helena Herklots, told BBC Wales she believed the human rights and right to life of care home residents had been breached due to delays in expanding testing in the sector.
Since lockdown began, 27% of the coronavirus deaths in Wales have been care home residents, according to the Office for National Statistics. This figure does not include those care home residents who died after being transferred to hospital.Since lockdown began, 27% of the coronavirus deaths in Wales have been care home residents, according to the Office for National Statistics. This figure does not include those care home residents who died after being transferred to hospital.
Quoted by the BBC, Herklots said:Quoted by the BBC, Herklots said:
Wales’s health minister, Vaughan Gething, defended his government’s actions by saying that the advice and evidence was that there “wasn’t a value” in testing people who were not symptomatic.Wales’s health minister, Vaughan Gething, defended his government’s actions by saying that the advice and evidence was that there “wasn’t a value” in testing people who were not symptomatic.
“We changed the approach that we took on testing people who were leaving hospital on April 22 onwards,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.“We changed the approach that we took on testing people who were leaving hospital on April 22 onwards,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
The Welsh government has now expanded its testing programme so that every care home in Wales will have access to testing and be able to order online testing kits for residents and staff.The Welsh government has now expanded its testing programme so that every care home in Wales will have access to testing and be able to order online testing kits for residents and staff.
Previously only residents and staff in care homes with confirmed cases of coronavirus were tested, as were homes with more than 50 beds, anyone being discharged from hospital into a care home, or anyone moving into a care home from the community.Previously only residents and staff in care homes with confirmed cases of coronavirus were tested, as were homes with more than 50 beds, anyone being discharged from hospital into a care home, or anyone moving into a care home from the community.
Staying in Scotland for a moment, the deputy first minister John Swinney has said the country faces “a challenging situation” in care homes due to testing capacity.Staying in Scotland for a moment, the deputy first minister John Swinney has said the country faces “a challenging situation” in care homes due to testing capacity.
Appearing on the Today programme, Swinney was asked if all care workers in infected homes in Scotland were now being tested, he replied: “They are eligible for testing now, yes.”Appearing on the Today programme, Swinney was asked if all care workers in infected homes in Scotland were now being tested, he replied: “They are eligible for testing now, yes.”
Pressed further, he said: “Well, they should be able to get the test because they are eligible to get it and there is plenty of testing capacity available.”Pressed further, he said: “Well, they should be able to get the test because they are eligible to get it and there is plenty of testing capacity available.”
The Scottish government has recruited 600 people to undertake contact tracing and was aiming to get 2,000 in place in total.The Scottish government has recruited 600 people to undertake contact tracing and was aiming to get 2,000 in place in total.
On the 2,000, he said: “We won’t need them on day one when we start this process, but at the end of this month when we want to be in a position to deliver a contact-tracing strategy, that will be able to be delivered in Scotland.”On the 2,000, he said: “We won’t need them on day one when we start this process, but at the end of this month when we want to be in a position to deliver a contact-tracing strategy, that will be able to be delivered in Scotland.”
Heriot-Watt university is to remove a controversial stone sculpture commissioned by Alex Salmond pledging Scotland would never abandon free tuition, after fee-paying students objected to its message.Heriot-Watt university is to remove a controversial stone sculpture commissioned by Alex Salmond pledging Scotland would never abandon free tuition, after fee-paying students objected to its message.
The sculpture quoted Salmond’s statement as first minister that “the rocks will melt with the sun before I allow tuition fees to be imposed on Scotland’s students”, and was placed on the access road into Heriot-Watt’s campus on the outskirts of Edinburgh.The sculpture quoted Salmond’s statement as first minister that “the rocks will melt with the sun before I allow tuition fees to be imposed on Scotland’s students”, and was placed on the access road into Heriot-Watt’s campus on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
The university, along with the rest of its sector, faces significant financial problems due to the coronavirus pandemic with an expected collapse in the number of overseas and EU students attending UK universities.The university, along with the rest of its sector, faces significant financial problems due to the coronavirus pandemic with an expected collapse in the number of overseas and EU students attending UK universities.
It is understood foreign students were unhappy with it since they pay thousands of pounds a year in fees. Although Scottish students pay no fees, those from the rest of the UK also pay up to £9,250 a year to study in Scotland.It is understood foreign students were unhappy with it since they pay thousands of pounds a year in fees. Although Scottish students pay no fees, those from the rest of the UK also pay up to £9,250 a year to study in Scotland.
Until Brexit, EU students were also exempt from paying tuition fees in Scotland, due to a quirk of EU law. Scottish ministers now have to decide whether to require fees from EU students after the UK’s transition period finishes in January 2021.Until Brexit, EU students were also exempt from paying tuition fees in Scotland, due to a quirk of EU law. Scottish ministers now have to decide whether to require fees from EU students after the UK’s transition period finishes in January 2021.
Heriot-Watt was ridiculed by critics for allowing the sculpture to be installed due to its bombastic tone and highly political message. It was erected during Salmond’s final days in office after he lost the independence referendum in 2014. It was reported at the time that other universities refused to accept it.Heriot-Watt was ridiculed by critics for allowing the sculpture to be installed due to its bombastic tone and highly political message. It was erected during Salmond’s final days in office after he lost the independence referendum in 2014. It was reported at the time that other universities refused to accept it.
The university said:The university said:
Another issue weighing on the government this morning is that of the NHS surcharge – the fees some overseas health workers are charged to use the NHS.Another issue weighing on the government this morning is that of the NHS surcharge – the fees some overseas health workers are charged to use the NHS.
A senior Tory MP, William Wragg, has backed Labour’s calls for the charge to be scrapped, saying that “now is the time for a generosity of spirit towards those who have done so much good”.A senior Tory MP, William Wragg, has backed Labour’s calls for the charge to be scrapped, saying that “now is the time for a generosity of spirit towards those who have done so much good”.
Wragg, who is chair of the public administration and constitutional affairs committee, said he was “sure” that his Conservative colleagues would be supportive of his stance.Wragg, who is chair of the public administration and constitutional affairs committee, said he was “sure” that his Conservative colleagues would be supportive of his stance.
Immigrants from outside the European Economic Area – often including NHS cleaners, porters and other healthcare staff – are required to pay an NHS surcharge of £400 a year, rising to £624 from October.Immigrants from outside the European Economic Area – often including NHS cleaners, porters and other healthcare staff – are required to pay an NHS surcharge of £400 a year, rising to £624 from October.
On BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, James Brokenshire was repeatedly asked whether the government would get rid of the charge. His answer, to paraphrase, was probably not:On BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, James Brokenshire was repeatedly asked whether the government would get rid of the charge. His answer, to paraphrase, was probably not:
My esteemed colleague Sarah Boseley has written a very good explainer on the government’s test, track and trace strategy, which is dominating the headlines this morning.My esteemed colleague Sarah Boseley has written a very good explainer on the government’s test, track and trace strategy, which is dominating the headlines this morning.
But in brief, the strategy aims to:But in brief, the strategy aims to:
Test people to see if they currently have the virus.Test people to see if they currently have the virus.
Track how and where the virus is spreading.Track how and where the virus is spreading.
Trace people who may be infected.Trace people who may be infected.
Central to this plan has been a new NHS app currently being trialled on the Isle of Wight.Central to this plan has been a new NHS app currently being trialled on the Isle of Wight.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, said last week that the app would be ready to start being rolled out in mid-May. However, ministers now say it won’t be ready until the next few weeks.Matt Hancock, the health secretary, said last week that the app would be ready to start being rolled out in mid-May. However, ministers now say it won’t be ready until the next few weeks.
The clock, as NHS figures are saying this morning, is very much ticking. The government’s own scientific advisers say that a comprehensive and rapid test, track and trace system is crucial to any easing of the lockdown.The clock, as NHS figures are saying this morning, is very much ticking. The government’s own scientific advisers say that a comprehensive and rapid test, track and trace system is crucial to any easing of the lockdown.
Security minister James Brokenshire is touring the TV and radio studios for the government this morning.Security minister James Brokenshire is touring the TV and radio studios for the government this morning.
Responding to concerns from NHS leaders about delays to the test, track and trace system, Brokenshire insists he is “confident” that it will be in place by 1 June (11 days from now).Responding to concerns from NHS leaders about delays to the test, track and trace system, Brokenshire insists he is “confident” that it will be in place by 1 June (11 days from now).
Brokenshire told Sky News that the app “will be introduced in the coming weeks in parallel” with the system employing track and trace staff. He added:Brokenshire told Sky News that the app “will be introduced in the coming weeks in parallel” with the system employing track and trace staff. He added:
Pushed on whether the app is needed to competently track and trace, Brokenshire told Kay Burley: “Of course Kay, we want to see the app rolled out, work continues at pace in relation to that, learning from the experience in the Isle of Wight, so that that can be adopted more broadly.” Brokenshire added that the app provides “extra support”.Pushed on whether the app is needed to competently track and trace, Brokenshire told Kay Burley: “Of course Kay, we want to see the app rolled out, work continues at pace in relation to that, learning from the experience in the Isle of Wight, so that that can be adopted more broadly.” Brokenshire added that the app provides “extra support”.
Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS providers – which represents hospital trusts – has said the health service risks being “overwhelmed” in a second peak of Covid-19 unless ministers quickly set out a clear strategy for its test, track and trace programme.Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS providers – which represents hospital trusts – has said the health service risks being “overwhelmed” in a second peak of Covid-19 unless ministers quickly set out a clear strategy for its test, track and trace programme.
He said NHS Trusts, GPs and workers on the 111 service have “not had clear information and instructions about what their role will be in this process”.He said NHS Trusts, GPs and workers on the 111 service have “not had clear information and instructions about what their role will be in this process”.
He added:He added:
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of UK developments on the coronavirus pandemic.Leading the headlines today are NHS leaders warning that the government is running out of time to launch its test and trace system if a possible second wave of coronavirus is to be avoided.Niall Dickson, the chief executive of the NHS Confederation - which represents organisations across the healthcare sector, wrote to the health secretary, Matt Hancock, because his members were “concerned” over an apparent lack of a clear strategy.Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of UK developments on the coronavirus pandemic.Leading the headlines today are NHS leaders warning that the government is running out of time to launch its test and trace system if a possible second wave of coronavirus is to be avoided.Niall Dickson, the chief executive of the NHS Confederation - which represents organisations across the healthcare sector, wrote to the health secretary, Matt Hancock, because his members were “concerned” over an apparent lack of a clear strategy.
“We would therefore urge you to produce such a strategy with a clear implementation plan ahead of any further easing of the lockdown,” Dickson said in his letter.Test, track and trace - TTT - means testing people for coronavirus, tracking the spread of the virus, then tracing the people with whom an infected person has come into contact. The government’s own scientific advisers have said such a system is critical to any lifting of the lockdown.We will bring you all the day’s developments from the Commons and beyond. Thank you for joining us.“We would therefore urge you to produce such a strategy with a clear implementation plan ahead of any further easing of the lockdown,” Dickson said in his letter.Test, track and trace - TTT - means testing people for coronavirus, tracking the spread of the virus, then tracing the people with whom an infected person has come into contact. The government’s own scientific advisers have said such a system is critical to any lifting of the lockdown.We will bring you all the day’s developments from the Commons and beyond. Thank you for joining us.