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UK coronavirus live: NHS to launch Covid-19 recovery service to treat long-term effects UK coronavirus live: country prepares to clap to thank NHS on 72nd anniversary
(32 minutes later)
The 72nd anniversary of NHS will see clap for carers at 5pm, as day two of lockdown easing measures take place in EnglandThe 72nd anniversary of NHS will see clap for carers at 5pm, as day two of lockdown easing measures take place in England
The Metropolitan police have been urged to launch an immediate investigation into Dominic Cummings’ trip from London to Durham at the height of the coronavirus outbreak by the former chief prosecutor for north-west England.
Lawyers for Nazir Afzal have written to the Met commissioner, Cressida Dick, arguing that the behaviour of Boris Johnson’s chief adviser during the lockdown warrants a “thorough investigation” by the force.
They say the “continuing pressing public imperative to ensure strict compliance” with advice about the pandemic “makes this matter urgent”.
Aftzal’s lawyers point out that a three-day investigation by Durham police was confined to Cummings’ movement in County Durham and made no finding on why he left London when his wife was suffering symptoms of coronavirus and a day before he fell ill with a suspected case.
My colleague Matthew Weaver, who broke the story of Cummings’ trips to Durham, has more:
If you are planning to join in and clap for the NHS and its workers at 5pm, feel free to share short video clips or pictures with me in a bit, ideally via a tweet I can link to. My twitter handle is @JedySays.
The Department of Health and Social Care said 44,220 people had died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Saturday, up by 22 from 44,198 the previous day.
The government figures do not include all deaths involving Covid-19 across the UK, which are thought to have passed 55,000.
The DHSC also said that in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Sunday, 516 people tested positive.
Overall, a total of 285,416 cases have been confirmed.
The Metropolitan police have said officers did nothing wrong on a stop and search after Olympic champion Linford Christie accused Scotland Yard of racism as two of his athletes were stopped.
The force issued a statement saying it was “satisfied that there are no misconduct issues” after a clip of a stop and search was shared on social media.
Officers stopped a car in Lanhill Road, Maida Vale, west London, on Saturday afternoon after it was seen driving suspiciously, and a 25-year-old man and 26-year-old woman were searched, the Met said, according to PA.
On Saturday, Christie posted footage on his Twitter page appearing to show two people – a man and a woman – being pulled out of a car in a London street.
The video, shared on Saturday, was captioned with the note “racist police aren’t just in America”.
In a statement, the former Olympic 100-metre champion said: “Can Cressida Dick or anyone else please explain to me what justification the Met Police officers had in assaulting the driver, taking a mother away from her baby all without one piece of PPE and then calling the sniffer dog unit to check the car over. Was it the car that was suspicious or the black family in it which lead to such a violent confrontation and finally an accusation of the car smelling of weed but refusing to do a roadside drug test.”
The Independent Office for Police Conduct replied to Christie’s video tweet and said: “We are aware of this matter and will be making further inquiries.”
The Metropolitan police said officers from the Directorate of Professional Standards had reviewed footage from social media and officers’ bodycams and were satisfied there was no concern around the officers’ conduct.
Commander Helen Harper said: “I understand the concern when incidents like this happen and how they can appear when part of it is filmed without context.
“Due to the concern raised, we conducted a review of the stop. This included social media footage and bodyworn camera footage of the officers at the scene.
“We are satisfied that there are no misconduct issues.”
Hello, I’m taking over for the next hour or so, feel free to share relevant updates with me on Twitter @JedySays, or email me at jedidajah.otte.casual@theguardian.com.Hello, I’m taking over for the next hour or so, feel free to share relevant updates with me on Twitter @JedySays, or email me at jedidajah.otte.casual@theguardian.com.
Press Association have this report from London this afternoon:Press Association have this report from London this afternoon:
Dozens of protesters have gathered in London calling for the end of racial disparity in the health system on the NHS’s 72nd anniversary.Dozens of protesters have gathered in London calling for the end of racial disparity in the health system on the NHS’s 72nd anniversary.
The demonstration, held at Marble Arch this afternoon, was organised by the group All Black Lives UK (ABLUK), a group that is separate from Black Lives Matter but shares similar aims.The demonstration, held at Marble Arch this afternoon, was organised by the group All Black Lives UK (ABLUK), a group that is separate from Black Lives Matter but shares similar aims.
Speaking to a crowd of about 100 people, ABLUK spokesman Tyrek Morris, 21, said: “We are protesting for black lives and one of the demands we have is to abolish the racial disparity within the NHS, especially towards black women.Speaking to a crowd of about 100 people, ABLUK spokesman Tyrek Morris, 21, said: “We are protesting for black lives and one of the demands we have is to abolish the racial disparity within the NHS, especially towards black women.
“We need to implement extensive measures to prevent the disproportionate suffering of black women in healthcare and bring to an end the significantly increased black maternal mortality rate.”“We need to implement extensive measures to prevent the disproportionate suffering of black women in healthcare and bring to an end the significantly increased black maternal mortality rate.”
Coronavirus figures and terminologies can be very confusing. This is a really helpful explainer if you’re getting a little lost!Coronavirus figures and terminologies can be very confusing. This is a really helpful explainer if you’re getting a little lost!
Thanks to everyone who’s getting in touch with tips and pointers.Thanks to everyone who’s getting in touch with tips and pointers.
If you spot something to that you think we should be reporting on in this blog, you can drop me a message on Twitter.If you spot something to that you think we should be reporting on in this blog, you can drop me a message on Twitter.
I won’t always be able to reply but will do my best – it’s always much appreciated!I won’t always be able to reply but will do my best – it’s always much appreciated!
If you’re just joining us, here’s a summary of the key coronavirus developments in the UK today:If you’re just joining us, here’s a summary of the key coronavirus developments in the UK today:
A further 18 people have died in England, and one person in Wales. Scotland has not produced the latest death toll due a “technical issue”, but it has nine new confirmed cases of the virus.A further 18 people have died in England, and one person in Wales. Scotland has not produced the latest death toll due a “technical issue”, but it has nine new confirmed cases of the virus.
NHS England has launched a coronavirus recovery service to support survivors of the virus as they navigate the long-term effects. It will include physical and mental health support. You can read more here.NHS England has launched a coronavirus recovery service to support survivors of the virus as they navigate the long-term effects. It will include physical and mental health support. You can read more here.
Fears that emergency services would be overwhelmed after the reopening in pubs in England yesterday appear to have been unfounded. While the longer-term impact on the spread of the virus is not yet clear, police and A&E departments said they coped well last night.Fears that emergency services would be overwhelmed after the reopening in pubs in England yesterday appear to have been unfounded. While the longer-term impact on the spread of the virus is not yet clear, police and A&E departments said they coped well last night.
The NHS turns 72! Leaders across the UK have expressed their pride and gratitude to the service and its staff ahead of a nationwide clap at 5pm to commemorate the occasion. Last night, buildings turned blue in honour of the NHS.The NHS turns 72! Leaders across the UK have expressed their pride and gratitude to the service and its staff ahead of a nationwide clap at 5pm to commemorate the occasion. Last night, buildings turned blue in honour of the NHS.
The chief executive of NHS England said the NHS was preparing for a possible second wave of coronavirus in the winter. Sir Simon Stevens this would be particularly difficult if it coincided with seasonal bouts of the flu, which has similar symptoms to coronavirus, so the NHS needed to roll out unprecedented flu immunisation schemes.The chief executive of NHS England said the NHS was preparing for a possible second wave of coronavirus in the winter. Sir Simon Stevens this would be particularly difficult if it coincided with seasonal bouts of the flu, which has similar symptoms to coronavirus, so the NHS needed to roll out unprecedented flu immunisation schemes.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to roll out a new economic package focused on jobs on Wednesday.Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to roll out a new economic package focused on jobs on Wednesday.
Despite the circulation of photos showing crowds and no social distancing in London’s Soho last night, health secretary Matt Hancock said the vast majority of people were “doing the right thing”.Despite the circulation of photos showing crowds and no social distancing in London’s Soho last night, health secretary Matt Hancock said the vast majority of people were “doing the right thing”.
Jeremy Clarkson says he will vote Labour for the first time in his life. The TV presenter cited the government’s handling of the pandemic as his main reason to depart from the Conservatives.Jeremy Clarkson says he will vote Labour for the first time in his life. The TV presenter cited the government’s handling of the pandemic as his main reason to depart from the Conservatives.
One of the largest studies into the long-term health implications of coronavirus launched in the UK today. Around 10,000 patients are expected to take part in the study, which has been given £8.4m by the government.One of the largest studies into the long-term health implications of coronavirus launched in the UK today. Around 10,000 patients are expected to take part in the study, which has been given £8.4m by the government.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has expressed his pride in the NHS, in an emotional video celebrating its birthday.Labour leader Keir Starmer has expressed his pride in the NHS, in an emotional video celebrating its birthday.
He talks about his mother, a nurse who also had a health condition that made her heavily reliant on the NHS.He talks about his mother, a nurse who also had a health condition that made her heavily reliant on the NHS.
You can watch the video here:You can watch the video here:
One more person in Wales has died after testing positive for Covid-19, taking the total death toll in the country to 1,531.One more person in Wales has died after testing positive for Covid-19, taking the total death toll in the country to 1,531.
The total number of positive tests has increased in Wales by 15 to 15,890.The total number of positive tests has increased in Wales by 15 to 15,890.
This is a very interesting interview with the former WHO director Anthony Costello.
The Independent Sage member talks Matt Hancock, the likelihood of a vaccine and why 50,000 deaths were preventable.
NHS England has released the latest figures on the recorded coronavirus death toll:
A further 18 people who tested positive for the coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,889.
Patients were aged between 54 and 94 years old, and all had known underlying health conditions.
The number of deaths of patients with Covid-19 by region are as follows:
East of England 1
London 0
Midlands 5
North East & Yorkshire 1
North West 1
South East 10
South West 0
While these numbers are lower than the average, it is worth noting that there is often a lag in reporting over the weekend, which can lead to lower numbers.
Since Tuesday 28 April, NHS England and NHS Improvement have also reported the number of patient deaths where there has been no Covid-19 positive test result, but where Covid-19 is documented as a direct or underlying cause of death on part 1 or part 2 of the death certification process.
This change has been introduced for deaths that occurred on 24 April and subsequently.
Fears that emergency services would be overwhelmed after pubs and restaurants reopened in England this weekend did not materialise, according to initial reports.
Ahead of pubs opening for the first time since 23 March, NHS England warned hospitals and ambulance services that demand for care was likely to reach “that of New Year’s Eve”, while police forces deployed extra patrols.
However, early indications are that criminality and the number of A&E admissions as a result of alcohol were not as widespread as many had anticipated, although there were small pockets of disorder.
Read more from my colleague Haroon Siddique here:
Publicans in Dublin have criticised overcrowding and a lack of social distancing across the city last night, saying it risks public health and presents a negative image.
Their intervention came after photographs circulated on social media showing busy streets last night.
The Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) condemned those responsible. It said: “This is in no way acceptable and completely jeopardises public health, given the lack of social distancing observed.
“Unfortunately scenes like this have been taking place over the last few weekends in Dublin city centre,” it said. “We are reminding pubs who are serving ‘takeout’ of their responsibilities.”
“We welcome and fully endorse the active garda inspection operation to ensure compliance with the reopening guidelines,” it said.
Legal advice issued by the gardai in May said that any drinks purchased to take aways during the lockdown must be consumed more than 100 metres from the pub which sold the alcohol. The advice also indicated the gardai have power to confiscate drink being consumed on the road or in a public place.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has urged the government to improve the data on coronavirus given to local authorities.
Health secretary Matt Hancock responded to previous issues with data raised by Burnham on today’s Andrew Marr show, suggesting Burnham simply needed “help” to understand the figures.
In response, Burnham said local authorities needed “real-time”, “reliable” data.
Unexpected development from Jeremy Clarkson, who is not known for his leftwing opinions.
Sheffield city region mayor Dan Jarvis has said there is a clear link between coronavirus infection rates and deprivation.
Speaking to Sky News this morning, Jarvis said there was a clear connection between inequality and the virus.
“There are striking similarities when you look at those places that are on the top 10 list of affected areas. I think there is a clear link with deprivation,” he said. “I think what government has to do is ensure that all of the support and, critically, the resource is available to those areas to make sure that they have got everything that they need to ensure that the figures go in the right direction.”
Jarvis said the coronavirus outbreak had highlighted economic inequality, and called on chancellor Rishi Sunak to use his economic statement on Wednesday to deal with inequality issues.
“I think this is an incredibly important moment for the country and what I want to see is the chancellor demonstrate his commitment to investing in our economy, to tackling the longer-term structural inequalities that we’ve faced for far too long. I think it’s a really important role for devolution to play here,” he said.
“This needs to be a moment of renewal so we’ve brought forward a renewal action plan which would secure 50,000 jobs, support 25,000 businesses and create 3,000 apprenticeships but we need the chancellor to support that, to invest in it, as part of a new deal for the north … a big opportunity for the chancellor – he is a Yorkshire MP – on Wednesday and I hope that he takes it.”
Surrey police also said so-called Super Saturday had passed without incident.
DCI Amy Buffoni said easing “was well respected” in Surrey.
“I want to thank everyone who has worked hard in ensuring that businesses could start to reopen to the public while keeping business owners, employees and the wider public safe during this continuing pandemic,” he said.
“No doubt many stayed at home last night balancing the risk that they are willing to personally accept but we should remember that we all have a part to play in reducing the risk of local lockdowns.
“I encourage us all to maintain the government guidance on social distancing and the use of face coverings.”
Commander Bas Javid of the Metropolitan police says he is “pleased there were no significant issues or incidents in the capital” despite some areas being “notably busy”.
“The majority of the public complied with social distancing guidelines and remained vigilant. While some areas were notably busy such as Soho and Portobello Road, we are pleased there were no significant issues or incidents in the capital,” he said.
He also said a “small number” of premises closed early on advice from police officers due to overcrowding and a lack of social distancing.
“There were well-versed plans for this weekend and we worked closely with our partners and licensed premises – this was demonstrated by compliance from the large majority of venues and members of the public,” he said. “Officers were on patrol engaging with members of the public and hospitality venues to ensure a peaceful night and that will continue today.”
“It’s vital that we don’t lose track of how far we have come and all act responsibly and play our part to minimise the spread of coronavirus,” he added.
Just a reminder that if you spot something you think we should be reporting on in this blog, you can drop me a message on Twitter.
I won’t always be able to reply but will try to read everything. Thanks very much in advance, your tips and pointers are always much appreciated!