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UK coronavirus live: people in most deprived areas twice as likely to die of Covid-19 than most wealthy, says ONS UK coronavirus live: people in most deprived areas twice as likely to die of Covid-19 than most wealthy, says ONS
(32 minutes later)
Poorest 10% of England died at rate of 128.3 per 100,000, most wealthy 10% at 58.8 per 100,000; London crime rises in May after lockdown lullPoorest 10% of England died at rate of 128.3 per 100,000, most wealthy 10% at 58.8 per 100,000; London crime rises in May after lockdown lull
Infections from Covid-19 have continued to fall according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics.The ONS snapshot infection survey also showed a further fall in infections in the latest data, covering 25 May and 7 June, with an estimated 33,000 people infected at any time over this period, compared to 53,000 in last week’s figures. Coronavirus mortality rates more than halved in all but two regions in England and Wales between April and May, the latest ONS figures show.
The estimate is based on tests on nearly 20,000 people in the community - it excludes those in hospitals and care homes. After rising between March and April, age-standardised mortality rates fell by more than 50% in all regions except the North East and Yorkshire & The Humber.
The greatest decrease was in London, where the mortality rate fell by 83.3%.
The local authority with the highest Covid-19 mortality rate in May was Preston in Lancashire, with a rate of 51.1 deaths per 100,000 people.
The figures are based on all deaths that occurred in March, April and May 2020 where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, and which had been registered by 6 June.
Except in London, mortality rates in May were still higher than in March.
The ONS said as more deaths are registered the mortality rate is likely to increase, especially in May.
The figures show that people living in the most deprived areas of England continue to experience coronavirus mortality rates more than double those living in the least deprived areas (see 10.27am.).
Good morning everyone! I’m Lucy Campbell, taking over the blog for the remainder of the day. Please feel free to get in touch to share news tips and stories we should be covering. Your contributions are always very welcome.
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_
The British public are deeply divided over the government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis, according to a new poll published by the Evening Standard.
The Ipsos MORI survey finds that Boris Johnson wins a run-off between him and Labour leader, Keir Starmer, over who makes the “most capable Prime Minster” by 43 per cent to 38.
More of those polled believe that the prime minister has handled the Covid-19 epidemic well (45 per cent) than badly (42 per cent). This marks a decline since March when the divide was 47-38 in his favour.
Infections from Covid-19 have continued to fall, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics.The ONS snapshot infection survey showed a further fall in infections in the latest data, covering 25 May to 7 June, with an estimated 33,000 people infected at any time over this period, compared to 53,000 in last week’s figures.
The estimate is based on tests on nearly 20,000 people in the community, but excludes those in hospitals and care homes.
More volunteers are urgently needed to take part in fast-tracked clinical trials to help develop potential Covid-19 treatments, a government research agency chief has said.More volunteers are urgently needed to take part in fast-tracked clinical trials to help develop potential Covid-19 treatments, a government research agency chief has said.
Although more than 100,000 people have enrolled to take part in the crucial public health research, Professor Nick Lemoine, of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), said “large numbers of people” are needed to generate the scientific evidence required to establish an effective treatment or vaccine for the disease.Although more than 100,000 people have enrolled to take part in the crucial public health research, Professor Nick Lemoine, of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), said “large numbers of people” are needed to generate the scientific evidence required to establish an effective treatment or vaccine for the disease.
The NIHR has prioritised 48 urgent public health research studies with 101,622 participants recruited to date.The NIHR has prioritised 48 urgent public health research studies with 101,622 participants recruited to date.
But as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to drop in the UK, the agency said there is an even greater need for people testing positive with Covid-19 to sign up for research.But as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to drop in the UK, the agency said there is an even greater need for people testing positive with Covid-19 to sign up for research.
Prof Lemoine, who is chair of the NIHR’s Urgent Public Health Group, said: “Despite a remarkable 100,000 participants volunteering to help our fight against Covid-19 through taking part in health research, we still need more people to take part.Prof Lemoine, who is chair of the NIHR’s Urgent Public Health Group, said: “Despite a remarkable 100,000 participants volunteering to help our fight against Covid-19 through taking part in health research, we still need more people to take part.
New data reveals the poorest in England and Wales have been hit the hardest by coronavirus. People living in the most deprived areas died of Covid-19 at double the rate of those living in the most wealthy areas according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics.The figures show people living in the poorest 10% of England died at a rate of 128.3 per 100,000, compared to those living in the most wealthy 10% who died at a rate of 58.8 per 100,000 between March and May this year. New data reveals the poorest in England and Wales have been hit the hardest by coronavirus. People living in the most deprived areas died of Covid-19 at double the rate of those living in the most wealthy areas, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics.The figures show people living in the poorest 10% of England died at a rate of 128.3 per 100,000, compared with those living in the most wealthy 10%, who died at a rate of 58.8 per 100,000, between March and May this year.
The pattern was also reflected in Wales where the equivalent rates were 109.5 deaths compared to 57.5 deaths per 100,000.Nine out of ten local authorities with the highest Covid-19 age-standardised mortality rates were in London. Brent had the highest overall age-standardised rate with 210.9 deaths per 100,000 population, followed by Newham (196.8 deaths) and Hackney (182.9 deaths). The same pattern was reflected in Wales where the equivalent rates were 109.5 deaths compared with 57.5 deaths per 100,000.Nine out of 10 local authorities with the highest Covid-19 age-standardised mortality rates were in London. Brent had the highest overall age-standardised rate with 210.9 deaths per 100,000 population, followed by Newham (196.8 deaths) and Hackney (182.9 deaths).
Confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK now stand at 291,409. There’s more here on the latest figures from public health authorities on the spread of the virus in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.Confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK now stand at 291,409. There’s more here on the latest figures from public health authorities on the spread of the virus in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
You can find out more here on how the disease has been progressing where you live:You can find out more here on how the disease has been progressing where you live:
Uber has said that it will make face coverings mandatory for drivers and passengers across the UK from Monday.Uber has said that it will make face coverings mandatory for drivers and passengers across the UK from Monday.
The minicab app firm’s regional general manager for northern and eastern Europe, Jamie Heywood, said: “For months we’ve been urging people to stay home, for their safety and the safety of drivers who make essential trips.The minicab app firm’s regional general manager for northern and eastern Europe, Jamie Heywood, said: “For months we’ve been urging people to stay home, for their safety and the safety of drivers who make essential trips.
“Now, as cities begin to reopen and people start moving again, we’re taking measures to help everyone stay safe and healthy every time they use Uber.“Now, as cities begin to reopen and people start moving again, we’re taking measures to help everyone stay safe and healthy every time they use Uber.
“We’ve introduced measures to ensure that every driver can access the PPE (personal protective equipment) they need for free to help keep them safe when driving with Uber, and, from Monday, we will require anyone using the Uber app in the UK to wear a face covering.”“We’ve introduced measures to ensure that every driver can access the PPE (personal protective equipment) they need for free to help keep them safe when driving with Uber, and, from Monday, we will require anyone using the Uber app in the UK to wear a face covering.”
Crime recorded by Britain’s largest police force has started to rise after a sharp drop when lockdown measures were imposed.Crime recorded by Britain’s largest police force has started to rise after a sharp drop when lockdown measures were imposed.
The Metropolitan police said all recorded crime in London dropped to 48,349 offences in April, down from 65,633 the previous month, and compared with 74,898 in April 2019.The Metropolitan police said all recorded crime in London dropped to 48,349 offences in April, down from 65,633 the previous month, and compared with 74,898 in April 2019.
But in May, total recorded offences went back up to 56,514, according to figures published on the force’s crime data dashboard.But in May, total recorded offences went back up to 56,514, according to figures published on the force’s crime data dashboard.
Britain’s top police officer had previously said that falls in gun and knife crime under lockdown were “silver linings” to the pandemic. Cressida Dick, the Met commissioner, said officers had a “smile on their face” as they had more time to go after criminals.Britain’s top police officer had previously said that falls in gun and knife crime under lockdown were “silver linings” to the pandemic. Cressida Dick, the Met commissioner, said officers had a “smile on their face” as they had more time to go after criminals.
Strict lockdown measures were eased in England in the middle of May to allow people to spend more time outside and to exercise with one other member of another household.Strict lockdown measures were eased in England in the middle of May to allow people to spend more time outside and to exercise with one other member of another household.
The Metropolitan police had also started taking pre-emptive action ahead of an expected rise in crime as society enjoyed more freedom.The Metropolitan police had also started taking pre-emptive action ahead of an expected rise in crime as society enjoyed more freedom.
Officers visited 1,000 known offenders to try to point them towards “diversionary activities” in an effort to stop crime returning to pre-pandemic levels.Officers visited 1,000 known offenders to try to point them towards “diversionary activities” in an effort to stop crime returning to pre-pandemic levels.
They also targeted 250 “micro hotspots” of previously high levels of street violence and robbery.They also targeted 250 “micro hotspots” of previously high levels of street violence and robbery.
The most recent national figures for England and Wales released by the National Police Chiefs Council suggested crime had fallen by a quarter in the four weeks to 10 May, compared with the same period last year.The most recent national figures for England and Wales released by the National Police Chiefs Council suggested crime had fallen by a quarter in the four weeks to 10 May, compared with the same period last year.
However assaults on emergency services workers were up 14% during the period, and there was a 4% rise in domestic abuse incidents.However assaults on emergency services workers were up 14% during the period, and there was a 4% rise in domestic abuse incidents.
There’s a fairly damning quote from a UK-based foreign diplomat in a piece from the Telegraph’s Jeremy Warner today about the manner in which the UK has navigated the Covid-19 crisis.There’s a fairly damning quote from a UK-based foreign diplomat in a piece from the Telegraph’s Jeremy Warner today about the manner in which the UK has navigated the Covid-19 crisis.
“What has become of your country?” Warner was asked by the diplomat. “We see only a ship of fools, and a plague ship at that.”“What has become of your country?” Warner was asked by the diplomat. “We see only a ship of fools, and a plague ship at that.”
Warner makes the argument that more leadership is needed to bring the UK out of lockdown, writing: “Even as a halfway house, transitional arrangement, the 2-metre rule provides no kind of solution. Schools, restaurants, bars, most retailers, and many workplaces cannot be viable as long as it lasts. Time is running out.”Warner makes the argument that more leadership is needed to bring the UK out of lockdown, writing: “Even as a halfway house, transitional arrangement, the 2-metre rule provides no kind of solution. Schools, restaurants, bars, most retailers, and many workplaces cannot be viable as long as it lasts. Time is running out.”
The shadow chancellor, Anneliese Dodds, has said the government needs to “get a grip” on the coronavirus test-and-trace system because “it is holding us back economically as well as in health terms”.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, she said: “We have to get that test, track and isolate system working properly.
“If we don’t have it functioning as well as in other nations, then we risk seeing additional lockdowns and much slower reopening than would otherwise occur.
“And, of course, we risk seeing much lower consumer confidence, and that’s critically important now – that we push demand up.”
Today’s economic figures confirm that Britain “faces the most serious economic challenge in generations”, tweeted the acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, who has also turned his fire on the looming risk again of a no-deal Brexit.
“Not a time to exit the world’s largest market. Not a time to increase trade barriers. Not a time to deny business skills they need with a damaging new immigration system.”
Virgin Atlantic has become the latest airline to leave a vapour trail of furious customers who are now being told they will have to wait up to four months to receive refunds for cancelled flights.
Following warnings in May from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), more airlines have started processing refunds to customers, after initially trying to get customers to accept vouchers rather than the full cash refund to which they are entitled.
Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways initially bore the brunt of consumer ire, but Virgin Atlantic customers have this week accused the company of not processing refunds in order to prop up the company.
Those behind a Virgin Atlantic refund action group on Facebook, which has more than 400 members, say they are yet to find a single person who has received a voluntary refund from the airline.
The airline’s social media channels are bearing the brunt of anger as well.
Northern Ireland’s first minister, Arlene Foster, has insisted a move to enable all shops to open on Friday had not been fast-tracked in response to the opening of retailers in the Irish Republic.
Retailers were given the all-clear by Stormont ministers on Thursday following a reduction in the numbers of coronavirus infections and deaths.
Scientific experts estimated the level of transmission of Covid-19 is manageable. Outlets like independently-run bookshops have spent days getting ready and installing protective screens while those based in shopping centres also received the green light as ministers accelerated the pace at which society emerges from lockdown.
Foster said on Friday: “We have had our plan, we launched it back on the 12th of May, and in that plan we said we would take a step-by-step process out of the lockdown and we would do it in a way that didn’t have a cumulative impact upon the transmission of the virus.
“We’ve been taking steps to come out, we do that in a gradual way, and we think that now is the right time to open all retail.”
One third of people who tested positive for coronavirus and were referred to the NHS test-and-trace app were not successfully contacted because they “simply didn’t feel like answering the phone”, the health minister Edward Argar has said.
In the first week of the app being in use, 8,117 people who tested positive for Covid-19 in England had their case transferred to the NHS system.
Of these, 5,407 (67%) were reached, while 2,710 (33%) did not provide information about their contacts or could not be reached.
Argar told BBC Breakfast: “Some people won’t necessarily have answered their phone, you and I know what it’s like if you have flu, for example, and Covid-19 is a much, much nastier disease than that, you sometimes simply don’t feel like answering the phone or responding to much at all.”
Edward Argar, a junior minister at the Department of Health and Social Care, is being pressed on BBC Radio 4 about when the test-and-trace app, which has been trialled on the Isle of Wight, will be ready.
He’s repeating that new ministerial mantra that the app is (altogether now) the “cherry on the cake”.
The test-and-trace system has got off to a good start, he insists, despite criticism directed at the government after it emerged that a third of those who have tested positive for the coronavirus in England have not provided details of people they have been close to and may have infected.
The data came from the first full week of the new contact-tracing scheme has revealed.
On an already difficult day for the government, the Financial Times has this piece on how ministers are braced for a wave of job cuts as big companies prepare to launch redundancy consultations before they have to start picking up some of the cost of furloughed workers.
Ministers are reported to fear that many large companies may rush out announcements on job cuts in the coming days and weeks.
One minister told the FT that many Tory MPs were being told by local employers that “redundancy notices are being prepared” – a message confirmed by business organisations.
Centrica and Johnson Matthey became the latest London-listed companies to announce lay-offs while hundreds of manufacturing jobs are also due to disappear at Nissan’s Sunderland factory and Bombardier’s Belfast plant.
Matt Hancock is facing legal action from the daughter of a man who died from Covid-19 in a care home in which the health secretary is accused of a “litany of failures” and misleading the public with his claim to have “thrown a protective ring” around care homes.
Dr Cathy Gardner launched a high court claim on Friday after her father, Michael Gibson, a retired headteacher, died in an Oxfordshire care home in early April. He became infected after a patient who tested positive for the virus was discharged from hospital into the home.
The request for a judicial review alleges failings “have led to large numbers of unnecessary deaths and serious illnesses” and have been “aggravated by the making of wholly disingenuous, misleading and – in some cases – plainly false statements suggesting that everything necessary has been done to protect care homes during the pandemic”.
The size of the fall in GDP due to the coronavirus lockdown is a first, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has said.
Jonathan Athow, deputy national statistician at the ONS, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Well, 20% is really unprecedented.
“Actually, if you take March and April together, the fall was 25%. So in two months the economy shrank by a quarter.”
The political debate is now being picked up. Here’s Kevin Maguire of the Daily Mirror laying a striking graphic at the feet of the prime minister.
The health minister Edward Argar has meanwhile claimed on BBC Breakfast that the economy is “in roughly the same place” as other western European economies.
It’s been no secret that the UK growth figures for April would be a horror show. With the economy in full lockdown as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic it was inevitable that activity would take a hit of historic proportions.
All that was at issue was whether the news from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) would be bad, really bad, calamitous or so far off the scale that even the most hardcore pessimist had not envisaged it. In the end, it was merely calamitous.
It goes without saying the 20.4% contraction of the economy was the worst on record. The decline was three times as big as the contraction in March and 10 times as big as anything seen before Covid-19. The economy was 25% smaller in April than in February.
Almost two decades of growth has been wiped out in two months.
Good morning and welcome to the Guardian’s liveblog coverage of coronavirus developments in the UK, where the country has been learning about what a full month’s lockdown does to its economy.
The economy slumped by 20.4% in April in the biggest monthly decline since records began, as the coronavirus lockdown paralysed the country.
Richard Partington has that story here on a day when Boris Johnson is expected to come under sustained pressure from his MPs to take further steps to open up the economy, amid calls for caution from other quarters.
A range of other indicators are also out while the ongoing ramifications of the public health crisis continue to be felt.
On that front, lawyers representing 450 bereaved people whose relatives have died due to Covid-19 have called on the prime minister and the health secretary, Matt Hancock, to hold an immediate public inquiry into the government’s handling of the crisis to help prevent many more deaths.
This is Ben Quinn in London. You can reach me on Twitter at @BenQuinn75