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UK coronavirus live: Boris Johnson insists test-and-trace system is 'world beating' despite fall in contacts reached UK coronavirus live: Boris Johnson insists test-and-trace system is 'world beating' despite fall in contacts reached
(32 minutes later)
Latest figures show just 72% of close contacts reached; Aberdeen outbreak cases increase by 25Latest figures show just 72% of close contacts reached; Aberdeen outbreak cases increase by 25
There has been more reaction coming in to the latest test and trace statistics. Despite Boris Johnson’s continuing to insist the system in England is “world beating”, the consensus is that the government must do better (see. 3.33pm).
Prof Sheila Bird, formerly programme leader, MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge, said:
Eivor Oborn, professor of health care management, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, said:
Dr Joshua Moon, research fellow in the science policy research unit (SPRU) at the University of Sussex Business School, said the results were “not a great sign if we’re serious about keeping the virus under control in the UK”. He added:
Clusters of Covid-19 infections have been identified in the Yorkshire city of Leeds, concentrated in and around the Kirkstall and Harehills neighbourhoods.
The council said the city’s seven day rate has also been gradually increasing from 4.1 cases per 100,000 people early last week to 13.3 as of 5 August.
Leeds was not subjected to enhanced lockdown restrictions last Thursday, unlike neighbouring Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees.But the council is now taking preventative steps in an effort to stop further escalation of cases and to stay on top of community transmission, including sending mobile testing units to affected areas.Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds city council and chair of the Leeds Outbreak Control Board, said:
The number of people who have died in the UK after a positive test for Covid-19 has increased by 49 from the previous day to 46,413, according to the government’s official death toll.The number of people who have died in the UK after a positive test for Covid-19 has increased by 49 from the previous day to 46,413, according to the government’s official death toll.
The latest Office for National Statistics count says 56,600 deaths have been registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.The latest Office for National Statistics count says 56,600 deaths have been registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
Nine Conservative MPs in Greater Manchester have written a letter to the health secretary demanding “a more sophisticated approach” to local lockdowns, criticising the government’s “crude and ineffective strategy”.The whole region of 2.8 million people was put back into partial lockdown last Thursday after infections started to rise. The decision prompted unhappiness in some areas of Greater Manchester where rates remained low, for example in Wigan and Bury.The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has rejected the idea of releasing some of the 10 boroughs before others. But the Tory MPs reject this “one size fits all” approach, which they say “risks spreading resources too thinly across the whole conurbation, including in areas with few or no cases”.Nine Conservative MPs in Greater Manchester have written a letter to the health secretary demanding “a more sophisticated approach” to local lockdowns, criticising the government’s “crude and ineffective strategy”.The whole region of 2.8 million people was put back into partial lockdown last Thursday after infections started to rise. The decision prompted unhappiness in some areas of Greater Manchester where rates remained low, for example in Wigan and Bury.The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has rejected the idea of releasing some of the 10 boroughs before others. But the Tory MPs reject this “one size fits all” approach, which they say “risks spreading resources too thinly across the whole conurbation, including in areas with few or no cases”.
They say Burnham fails to understand local infection patterns in seeking to “impose a crude and ineffective strategy across the whole area”.They say:They say Burnham fails to understand local infection patterns in seeking to “impose a crude and ineffective strategy across the whole area”.They say:
The latter is signed byJames Grundy (Leigh)Sir Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale West)James Daly (Bury North)Christian Wakeford (Bury South)Chris Clarkson (Heywood and Middleton)Chris Green (Bolton West and Atherton)Mark Logan (Bolton North East)Mary Robinson (Cheadle)William Wragg (Hazel Grove)The latter is signed byJames Grundy (Leigh)Sir Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale West)James Daly (Bury North)Christian Wakeford (Bury South)Chris Clarkson (Heywood and Middleton)Chris Green (Bolton West and Atherton)Mark Logan (Bolton North East)Mary Robinson (Cheadle)William Wragg (Hazel Grove)
Five clusters have been identified in Northern Ireland over the past seven days with 35 associated cases and 239 close contacts, according to the Public Health Agency (PHA).Five clusters have been identified in Northern Ireland over the past seven days with 35 associated cases and 239 close contacts, according to the Public Health Agency (PHA).
Dr Gerry Waldron, head of health protection at the PHA, said:Dr Gerry Waldron, head of health protection at the PHA, said:
The PHA said there had been 23 clusters identified in Northern Ireland since 25 May, when the test-and-trace programme went live, 11 of which remain open.The PHA said there had been 23 clusters identified in Northern Ireland since 25 May, when the test-and-trace programme went live, 11 of which remain open.
Some 168 cases of Covid-19 have been associated with these clusters, with nine of the clusters having had five or more cases associated with them.Some 168 cases of Covid-19 have been associated with these clusters, with nine of the clusters having had five or more cases associated with them.
Earlier this week, two businesses in Newcastle, Co Down, closed temporarily following outbreaks among their staff.Earlier this week, two businesses in Newcastle, Co Down, closed temporarily following outbreaks among their staff.
The statement from the PHA came as the Department of Health’s daily updates showed 43 more positive cases of coronavirus have been detected in the region, bringing the total to 6,049.The statement from the PHA came as the Department of Health’s daily updates showed 43 more positive cases of coronavirus have been detected in the region, bringing the total to 6,049.
No new deaths were recorded, leaving the total in the region at 556, according to departmental figures.No new deaths were recorded, leaving the total in the region at 556, according to departmental figures.
The PHA has defined a cluster as two or more laboratory-confirmed cases of Covid-19 among individuals associated with a key setting, with illness onset dates within a 14-day period.The PHA has defined a cluster as two or more laboratory-confirmed cases of Covid-19 among individuals associated with a key setting, with illness onset dates within a 14-day period.
Key settings that have recorded a cluster include workplaces, retail or hospitality premises, domestic gatherings, and sporting settings. However, the PHA said the transmission risk was highest in a household setting.Key settings that have recorded a cluster include workplaces, retail or hospitality premises, domestic gatherings, and sporting settings. However, the PHA said the transmission risk was highest in a household setting.
The Department of Health said the R number was now “highly likely” to be above 1 in Northern Ireland.The Department of Health said the R number was now “highly likely” to be above 1 in Northern Ireland.
The current estimate for the R value is between 0.8 and 1.8. R represents the number of individuals who, on average, will be infected by a person with the virus.The current estimate for the R value is between 0.8 and 1.8. R represents the number of individuals who, on average, will be infected by a person with the virus.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said while community transmission remained low in Northern Ireland, the number of positive tests per day had increased threefold from early July.A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said while community transmission remained low in Northern Ireland, the number of positive tests per day had increased threefold from early July.
The number of new coronavirus cases in the UK is still rising with another 950 cases reported as of 9am this morning, according to the latest official daily figures.The number of new coronavirus cases in the UK is still rising with another 950 cases reported as of 9am this morning, according to the latest official daily figures.
This is an increase on the 892 new cases reported on Wednesday and above the daily average of 820 reported yesterday.This is an increase on the 892 new cases reported on Wednesday and above the daily average of 820 reported yesterday.
The rate has been rising since dropping to a four-month low of 546 almost a month ago.The rate has been rising since dropping to a four-month low of 546 almost a month ago.
Some reaction to Johnson’s insistence that our test-and-trace system is still “world beating”:Some reaction to Johnson’s insistence that our test-and-trace system is still “world beating”:
On the new planning shakeup, Johnson added:On the new planning shakeup, Johnson added:
Johnson also insisted that the government’s test and trace system was still “world beating” despite data showing that fewer contacts are being followed up. He said:Johnson also insisted that the government’s test and trace system was still “world beating” despite data showing that fewer contacts are being followed up. He said:
Speaking on a tour of new housing estate in Warrington, Johnson also expressed concern about news that a new consignment of 50m facemasks was unfit for use.Speaking on a tour of new housing estate in Warrington, Johnson also expressed concern about news that a new consignment of 50m facemasks was unfit for use.
He said:He said:
Boris Johnson has defended the Conservative party’s decision not to suspend the MP and former minister who is accused of rape.Boris Johnson has defended the Conservative party’s decision not to suspend the MP and former minister who is accused of rape.
Asked by Sky News why the party had not suspended the MP, Johnson said:Asked by Sky News why the party had not suspended the MP, Johnson said:
A further five people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 29,376, NHS England has said (via PA Media).
The patients were aged between 45 and 86 and all had known underlying health conditions. Another three deaths were reported with no positive Covid-19 test result.
Public Health Wales said a further three people have died after testing positive for Covid-19, taking the total number of deaths in the country to 1,571.
The number of cases in Wales increased by 15, bringing the total number confirmed to 17,389.
The latest analysis by the MRC biostatistics unit at the University of Cambridge estimates that Covid infections are growing at 3,200 per day in England and R is close to 1 in most regions.
The experts predict that the number of deaths each day is likely to be between 47 and 91 by the end of the third week of August.
London, followed by the north-west continues to have the highest proportion of the population who have been infected (16% and 10% respectively). The south-west continues to have the lowest (3%).
The researchers say the results point to “a plateau in the number of new infections. This is supported by the estimated level of infections remaining around 3,000 per day for the last three weeks.”
They add:
Experts say that R becomes less relevant as less virus is circulating, with the number of infections in the community becoming more relevant.
Nicola Sturgeon has told people living in Aberdeen they should not leave the city for any holidays as confirmed cases in the outbreak rose overnight to at least 79.
The first minister said the city’s 229,000 residents had to observe the emergency lockdown rules against any non-essential journeys greater than five miles from home. That included not taking any holidays in Scotland, the UK or overseas, she said.
The emergency lockdown was imposed on Wednesday after a cluster of 54 cases emerged in the city over the weekend.
Some reaction to the latest test and trace results from Keith Neal, emeritus professor of the epidemiology of infectious diseases, University of Nottingham. He said:
The executive chair of NHS Test and Trace, Dido Harding said:
Here is a summary of the latest developments:
The percentage of close contacts of people who have tested positive for coronavirus reached by tracers in England fell to 72.4% in the week ending 29 July, down from 76.2% in the previous week. The figures will increase pressure on the government to improve performance.
Preston could be the next area to face government intervention after a rise in coronavirus rates, the city council’s chief executive warned. Speaking on BBC Breakfast on Thursday, Adrian Phillips said: “Our rates are increasing and they have increased over the last week to a level now where we are concerned that we could face government intervention.”
The government has admitted 50m masks bought as part of a £252m medical supplies contract awarded to an investment firm have been deemed unsuitable for use by NHS workers. The Good Law Project and EveryDoctor, which are suing the government over its contract with the supplier, Ayanda, estimate the 50m masks would have cost more than £150m.
The number of Covid cases in Aberdeen, where some lockdown measures have been reintroduced has risen by 25 to 79 and is expected to increase further, Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said. She said a further 30 cases were being investigated to see whether they were linked.
Thousands of NHS workers are expected to take to the streets this weekend demanding a pay rise. Unite, which has 100,000 members in the health service, said it was supporting those wishing to attend the socially distanced protests in London and other cities across the UK on Saturday morning.
A chief constable has urged the government to consider greater penalties to combat illegal street parties - describing the challenges posed by Covid-19 as “the toughest times in the history of policing”.
Dave Thompson, the head of West Midlands Police, praised members of the public for their “amazing” efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus but, writing on his blog, added:
The prevalence of Covid-19 in England fell from 0.13% in May to 0.077% in mid-June/early July, a study commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care has found.
The React-1 study, carried out by Imperial College London, found 159 positive samples from 120,620 tested swabs in May, compared with 123 positive samples from 159,199 tested swabs in mid-June/early July.
Other findings were:
The proportion of swab-positive participants who were asymptomatic at the time of sampling increased from 69% in round one to 81% in round two.
Although healthcare and care home workers were infected far more frequently than other workers in round one, the odds were markedly reduced in round two.
Age patterns of infection changed between rounds, with a reduction by a factor of five in prevalence in 18- to 24-year-olds.
The data was suggestive of increased risk of infection in black and Asian (mainly south Asian) ethnicities.
Increased infection intensity was detected in and near London.
A continued decline in prevalence and a shift in the pattern of infection by age and occupation was found at the end of the initial lockdown in England.
Paul Hunter, a professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, who was not involved with the study, said:
Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, says 79 Covid cases have now been associated with a cluster of infections in Aberdeen, an increase of 25 on yesterday. The outbreak there has led to some lockdown measures being reimposed in the city.
Sturgeon said a further 30 cases were being investigated to see if they are linked.
She said they were looking into whether “there is an issue of people going from one pub to another”. Sturgeon warned that every time an individual does not follow advice it poses a risk of the virus spreading.
The R number for Scotland is currently between 0.6 and 1.0, a “slight increase”.
The number of people who have tested positive in Scotland has risen by 67 in a day, to 18,847.
There were 270 people in hospital with confirmed Covid-19, up by three in 24 hours. Of these, four were in intensive care, an increase of one.
The first minister said there had been no coronavirus deaths in Scotland for three weeks in a row.
Though the government does not legally have to review the reinstatement of lockdown restrictions in much of the north of England until 19 August, an update is expected on Friday as to what happens next.
Some Conservative MPs have been lobbying for their constituencies to be exempt from the restrictions, which stop people having visitors in their gardens or meeting other households in the pub. In Leigh, in Wigan, new Tory MP James Grundy wrote to the health secretary, Matt Hancock, yesterday arguing against the “one-size-fits-all” approach which locked down all 2.8 million residents of Greater Manchester, even in districts like Wigan where infection rates are low.
In Shipley, a constituency in the Bradford district, the Conservative MP Philip Davies used his column in the Bradford Telegraph yesterday to advocate for Shipley and nearby Keighley to “break away” from Bradford, arguing his constituents should not have been included in the “blanket lockdown thrown over the entire district, unnecessarily”. In Calderdale, Tory MP Craig Whittaker said that in his Calder Valley constituency in West Yorkshire it was “the BAME [black, Asian and minority ethnic] communities that are not taking this seriously enough”. Whittaker provided no evidence for his claim and was widely condemned.
But few health experts believe Hancock will lift the restrictions tomorrow, after just a week, as infections continue to increase in almost all of the areas where restrictions were tightened a week ago. For example, in Stockport in Greater Manchester, the seven-day rate of positive tests per 100,000 people has risen to 25.9 for the week ending 1 August (up from 15.7 in the week ending 25 July and 7.2 the week before that). The local council says it has seen an increase in infections “in particular teenagers and younger adults, but also the 40-49 age group”.
If anything, more areas could be added to the locked-down area. Leeds, so far exempt despite being just 10 miles from Bradford, recorded 129 cases last week, up from 40 the week before. In Lancashire, which saw a small week-on-week rise to 155 new cases (up from 150 the week before), the county’s director of public health warned today that stricter rules could be imposed in Preston, its biggest city, after a doubling of cases there.