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Coronavirus live news: English pub linked to 16 new cases; Bolsonaro announces negative test Coronavirus live news: UK 'will never know true death toll'; Bolsonaro announces negative test
(32 minutes later)
Johnny Depp’s in-person court case ‘galling’; Germany may introduce compulsory testing; funeral fees rise in Great BritainJohnny Depp’s in-person court case ‘galling’; Germany may introduce compulsory testing; funeral fees rise in Great Britain
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The UK will never know the true figure of how many people died from coronavirus due to the lack of testing at the outset of the crisis, according to a scientist on the government’s Sage advisory board.
Sir David Spiegelhalter, professor of understanding of risk at the University of Cambridge, has said that Britain was “operating in the dark for so long” at the beginning of the pandemic.
The professor was asked how long it will take to get an accurate statistical picture of the impact the virus has had on the UK during an online lecture held by the New Scientist on Saturday.
His response, reported by the Telegraph (£), was as follows:
Speigelhalter said that the lack of testing from the offset affected the overall picture given to statisticians and modellers of what was happening in the community.
“We were operating in the dark for so long without knowing how many people in the country had it,” he added.
“If we had random sampling of testing much earlier on we would have had a much better idea of what was going on.”
Almost three-quarters of mothers in the UK have been forced to cut work hours because of childcare issues under Covid-19 lockdowns, according to a survey by a maternal rights group which warned more action was needed to protect women’s careers.
More than eight in 10 employed mothers said they needed childcare to be able to work, but fewer than half said they had enough childcare to let them do their job during the pandemic, showed the survey by Pregnant Then Screwed released on Saturday.
“This lack of childcare is destroying women’s careers,” the campaign group’s founder and chief executive Joeli Brearley told Reuters news agency.
“They are being made redundant, they are being forced to cut their hours, and they are being treated negatively all because they are picking up the unpaid labour.”
Studies around the world have found women are picking up more of the extra chores and childcare during the pandemic.
The International Labour Organization has warned coronavirus could wipe out “the modest progress” made on gender equality at work in recent decades, with women globally at greater risk of losing their jobs.
Across Britain, schools and nurseries were ordered to close under lockdown, leaving many families struggling to balance work with childcare and home schooling responsibilities.
The Department for Education said it was working to ensure hard-hit nurseries and childcare providers in England stay afloat as they gradually re-open by “block-buying” childcare places for the rest of this year.
“This will provide financial security to nurseries and childminders, meaning they can continue to provide the high quality childcare needed by parents as they return to work,” said a spokeswoman.
Many women also reported that they were losing their jobs entirely due to pregnancy or childcare issues during the lockdown, according to the survey of almost 20,000 pregnant women and mothers conducted online last week.
Among those who were or expected to be made redundant during the pandemic, about half said they believed that their pregnancy or problems with childcare had played a role.
Black and ethic minority women were more likely to report that they were being made redundant, or expected to be, as a result of having children.
Here are a few more photos of exercise enthusiasts flexing their muscles in public, in England’s indoor gyms and leisure centres, for the first time in months:Here are a few more photos of exercise enthusiasts flexing their muscles in public, in England’s indoor gyms and leisure centres, for the first time in months:
The head of the UK’s largest operator of leisure facilities has warned that gyms and leisure centres will be unable to dig themselves out of a “financial hole” caused by lockdown closures for around “two to three years”.The head of the UK’s largest operator of leisure facilities has warned that gyms and leisure centres will be unable to dig themselves out of a “financial hole” caused by lockdown closures for around “two to three years”.
Mark Sesnan, chief executive of social enterprise GLL, said “profit” is a word he “hasn’t heard in a while”.Mark Sesnan, chief executive of social enterprise GLL, said “profit” is a word he “hasn’t heard in a while”.
Speaking at the London aquatics centre and gym at its reopening on Saturday, he said:Speaking at the London aquatics centre and gym at its reopening on Saturday, he said:
The total number of people to have died after testing positive for Covid-19 in England’s hospitals has increased by 25 to 29,272, according to official figures.The total number of people to have died after testing positive for Covid-19 in England’s hospitals has increased by 25 to 29,272, according to official figures.
The patients were aged between 52 and 93 years old and none had any underlying health conditions, according to NHS England.The patients were aged between 52 and 93 years old and none had any underlying health conditions, according to NHS England.
The deaths took place in the following locations:The deaths took place in the following locations:
London: 9London: 9
Midlands: 7Midlands: 7
North East & Yorkshire: 1North East & Yorkshire: 1
North West: 3North West: 3
South East: 5South East: 5
A further eight deaths have been reported with no positive Covid-19 test result.A further eight deaths have been reported with no positive Covid-19 test result.
Scotland has recorded 27 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in a day, according to the latest Scottish Government figures.Scotland has recorded 27 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in a day, according to the latest Scottish Government figures.
A total of 18,547 people have now tested positive for the virus in Scotland.A total of 18,547 people have now tested positive for the virus in Scotland.
No deaths of people who tested positive for Covid-19 have been recorded for nine consecutive days, meaning the toll remains at 2,491.No deaths of people who tested positive for Covid-19 have been recorded for nine consecutive days, meaning the toll remains at 2,491.
The percentage of people testing positive remains at 0.7%, the figures indicate, up 0.3% from Friday.The percentage of people testing positive remains at 0.7%, the figures indicate, up 0.3% from Friday.
Here is a selection of photos from Wellington Boxing Academy in Telford, where fighters are dusting off their gloves for the first time in four months.Here is a selection of photos from Wellington Boxing Academy in Telford, where fighters are dusting off their gloves for the first time in four months.
Another fitness fan is Peter Topping, who spoke to PA news agency as he queued up outside his local gym in Hexham this morning, keen to get back inside.Another fitness fan is Peter Topping, who spoke to PA news agency as he queued up outside his local gym in Hexham this morning, keen to get back inside.
He said:He said:
He said the Wentworth gym managed social distancing well, with a separate entrance and exit and other social distancing measures in place.He said the Wentworth gym managed social distancing well, with a separate entrance and exit and other social distancing measures in place.
Shahzad Chaudhry was among a number of exercise enthusiasts across England to queue up outside their gyms this morning, as leisure centres and indoor pools reopened for the first time in four months.Shahzad Chaudhry was among a number of exercise enthusiasts across England to queue up outside their gyms this morning, as leisure centres and indoor pools reopened for the first time in four months.
The Londoner said he felt “very comfortable” returning, and told the PA news agency:The Londoner said he felt “very comfortable” returning, and told the PA news agency:
Johnny Depp’s libel trial has been described as “galling” by lawyers at a time when the criminal justice system is struggling with a massive backlog, and deeply sensitive cases are being handled remotely.Johnny Depp’s libel trial has been described as “galling” by lawyers at a time when the criminal justice system is struggling with a massive backlog, and deeply sensitive cases are being handled remotely.
One barrister questioned why Depp’s case had been allowed to proceed in person at the high court in London when she was having to deal over the phone or by Skype with proceedings for a child at risk of being removed from their parents.One barrister questioned why Depp’s case had been allowed to proceed in person at the high court in London when she was having to deal over the phone or by Skype with proceedings for a child at risk of being removed from their parents.
The backlog of cases waiting to be heard in England and Wales has rocketed to more than half a million during the coronavirus pandemic, prompting fears that victims may drop out of delayed prosecutions.The backlog of cases waiting to be heard in England and Wales has rocketed to more than half a million during the coronavirus pandemic, prompting fears that victims may drop out of delayed prosecutions.
Read the full report here:Read the full report here:
Germany may introduce compulsory coronavirus testing for holidaymakers returning from high-risk destinations after the number of new infections in the country hit a two-month high, the country’s health minister has announced.Germany may introduce compulsory coronavirus testing for holidaymakers returning from high-risk destinations after the number of new infections in the country hit a two-month high, the country’s health minister has announced.
Health minister, Jens Spahn, told Deutschlandfunk radio the government wanted to do everything possible to stem the spread of the virus while also respecting people’s basic rights.Health minister, Jens Spahn, told Deutschlandfunk radio the government wanted to do everything possible to stem the spread of the virus while also respecting people’s basic rights.
“We are also checking whether it is legally possible to oblige someone to do a test, because it would be an encroachment on freedom,” Spahn said.“We are also checking whether it is legally possible to oblige someone to do a test, because it would be an encroachment on freedom,” Spahn said.
The minister, who is a senior member of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives, added that the courts were examining all coronavirus measures to ensure they were proportionate in light of their impact on basic rights.The minister, who is a senior member of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives, added that the courts were examining all coronavirus measures to ensure they were proportionate in light of their impact on basic rights.
On Friday, Spahn and his regional counterparts from Germany’s 16 federal states agreed that authorities would offer returning holidaymakers free tests on a voluntary basis.On Friday, Spahn and his regional counterparts from Germany’s 16 federal states agreed that authorities would offer returning holidaymakers free tests on a voluntary basis.
Arrivals from countries designated as high-risk – which currently include the US, Brazil and Turkey – will be eligible for immediate tests, while arrivals from other places will be able to get tested within three days.Arrivals from countries designated as high-risk – which currently include the US, Brazil and Turkey – will be eligible for immediate tests, while arrivals from other places will be able to get tested within three days.
If a holidaymaker arriving home from a high-risk country tests negative they will not have to observe a 14-day quarantine, which is otherwise mandatory though it has been loosely enforced.If a holidaymaker arriving home from a high-risk country tests negative they will not have to observe a 14-day quarantine, which is otherwise mandatory though it has been loosely enforced.
Germany has so far done a better job than many countries at containing the virus thanks to early and extensive testing.Germany has so far done a better job than many countries at containing the virus thanks to early and extensive testing.
However, video footage of unruly behaviour by some German tourists in Spain has raised concerns that holidaymakers are at increased risk of infection and could bring the virus home.However, video footage of unruly behaviour by some German tourists in Spain has raised concerns that holidaymakers are at increased risk of infection and could bring the virus home.
The number of new confirmed cases increased sharply on Friday to 815, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed, the biggest tally since mid-May. It remained high on Saturday with 781 new cases.The number of new confirmed cases increased sharply on Friday to 815, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed, the biggest tally since mid-May. It remained high on Saturday with 781 new cases.
The World Health Organization reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases on Friday.The World Health Organization reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases on Friday.
Families struggling to pay for funerals are facing rising prices across Great Britain, helping councils to net a £55m surplus from cremations and cemetery burials in 2019, the Observer has learned.Families struggling to pay for funerals are facing rising prices across Great Britain, helping councils to net a £55m surplus from cremations and cemetery burials in 2019, the Observer has learned.
Surpluses are expected to rise significantly this year as a result of the Covid-19 death toll.Surpluses are expected to rise significantly this year as a result of the Covid-19 death toll.
Figures from more than 160 authorities in England, Scotland and Wales, obtained under Freedom of Information requests and seen by the Observer, show an average rise in fees this year of £26 – twice the rate of inflation. The biggest increase was imposed by Trafford council, a hike of £131, from £704 to £835.Figures from more than 160 authorities in England, Scotland and Wales, obtained under Freedom of Information requests and seen by the Observer, show an average rise in fees this year of £26 – twice the rate of inflation. The biggest increase was imposed by Trafford council, a hike of £131, from £704 to £835.
Read the full report:Read the full report:
The Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, has urged people to practise physical distancing during upcoming Muslim festivities following a reported surge in coronavirus infections in a major holy city, Reuters reports.The Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, has urged people to practise physical distancing during upcoming Muslim festivities following a reported surge in coronavirus infections in a major holy city, Reuters reports.
Muslims around the world mark the Eid al-Adha feast, due to start at the end of the month. This year, Saudi Arabia is to limit the number of domestic pilgrims attending haj to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Most Iranians are Shia Muslims, who also mark their most significant mourning ceremonies of Ashura in September.Muslims around the world mark the Eid al-Adha feast, due to start at the end of the month. This year, Saudi Arabia is to limit the number of domestic pilgrims attending haj to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Most Iranians are Shia Muslims, who also mark their most significant mourning ceremonies of Ashura in September.
“Let glorious festivities be held in mosques and religious centres by observing health protocols and social distancing,” Rouhani said.“Let glorious festivities be held in mosques and religious centres by observing health protocols and social distancing,” Rouhani said.
“Let masks this year be part of the glorious mourning of Muharram,” Rouhani said, referring to Ashura, the 10th day of the lunar month of Muharram, when according to Islamic tradition Imam Hussein was killed in battle in 680.“Let masks this year be part of the glorious mourning of Muharram,” Rouhani said, referring to Ashura, the 10th day of the lunar month of Muharram, when according to Islamic tradition Imam Hussein was killed in battle in 680.
The deputy health minister, Iraj Harirchi, also urged people not to visit the north-eastern holy city of Mashad, which he said has seen an increase of 300% in coronavirus cases over the last month.The deputy health minister, Iraj Harirchi, also urged people not to visit the north-eastern holy city of Mashad, which he said has seen an increase of 300% in coronavirus cases over the last month.
Millions typically visit Mashad’s Imam Reza shrine, which is Iran*s largest Shia religious complex. Iran’s confirmed tally of coronavirus cases reached 288,839 on Saturday, with 15,485 deaths, according to the health ministry.Millions typically visit Mashad’s Imam Reza shrine, which is Iran*s largest Shia religious complex. Iran’s confirmed tally of coronavirus cases reached 288,839 on Saturday, with 15,485 deaths, according to the health ministry.
The Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, has announced that he has tested negative for coronavirus, after testing positive for the third time on Wednesday.The Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, has announced that he has tested negative for coronavirus, after testing positive for the third time on Wednesday.
“Good morning everyone,” Bolsonaro wrote on Facebook after reporting that the test was negative. The controversial far-right figure, 65, did not reveal when he did the latest test, his fourth since initially declaring on 7 July that he had the virus.“Good morning everyone,” Bolsonaro wrote on Facebook after reporting that the test was negative. The controversial far-right figure, 65, did not reveal when he did the latest test, his fourth since initially declaring on 7 July that he had the virus.
Bolsonaro has repeatedly trivialised the pandemic and flouted physical distancing, even as Brazil became the second-worst-hit country after the US, with more than 84,000 deaths.Bolsonaro has repeatedly trivialised the pandemic and flouted physical distancing, even as Brazil became the second-worst-hit country after the US, with more than 84,000 deaths.