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UK coronavirus live: Boris Johnson urges parents to send children back to school in September UK coronavirus live: Boris Johnson urges parents to send children back to school in September
(32 minutes later)
Prime minister tries to reassert his grip over education after days of chaos, saying risk of contracting virus in schools is ‘very small’Prime minister tries to reassert his grip over education after days of chaos, saying risk of contracting virus in schools is ‘very small’
More on the potential vaccine being developed by scientists at Oxford University in conjunction with pharmaceutical giants AstraZeneca, which Downing Street has insisted the UK would be first in line for [see 13.18 post].
The company manufacturing the vaccine has denied it is in talks with the Trump administration about fast-tracking its vaccine for emergency use ahead of November’s presidential elections, Peter Beaumont and Sarah Boseley report
In a statement released following a report in the Financial Times, the pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca insisted it had “not discussed emergency use authorisation with the US government and it would be premature to speculate on that possibility”.
It added that “late stage phase 2/3 trials for [the vaccine] are ongoing in the UK and other markets globally, and we do not anticipate efficacy results until later this year”. The team at Oxford University developing the vaccine directed queries to AstraZeneca.
You can read the full report here:
KFC is to pause the use of its classic Finger Lickin’ Good slogan after 64 years as it admitted that the message “doesn’t quite fit” following the coronavirus outbreak.The company has released new images of advertising posters and packaging with the well-known slogan blurred and pixelated. It said the slogan will return “when the time is right” but it will shift its messaging in the meantime.
Good news for Strictly Come Dancing fans. Kate Phillips, entertainment controller at the BBC, told the Edinburgh TV Festival is the “hardest” show to film under current circumstances, but the professionals are already rehearsing the group numbers for when it returns later this year, with altered sets and changes to hair, make-up and costuming.
Phillips said:
Volunteers in Cambridge have used lockdown to create an organic market garden near the city centre, which is now helping to stock local community food hubs. Mattha Busby has been speaking to them. You can read his full report here:
Cases of Covid-19 have nearly doubled in a week in Stoke-on-Trent, days after the council pleaded with residents to comply with distancing measures. Figures published by Public Health England today show 79 cases were detected in the city in the week to 20 August. The infection rate has now risen from 15.6 to 30.8 cases per 100,000 people.Cases of Covid-19 have nearly doubled in a week in Stoke-on-Trent, days after the council pleaded with residents to comply with distancing measures. Figures published by Public Health England today show 79 cases were detected in the city in the week to 20 August. The infection rate has now risen from 15.6 to 30.8 cases per 100,000 people.
On Friday, 12 cases were confirmed in Stoke-on-Trent on one day, with the majority concentrated in the Normacot area of the city.On Friday, 12 cases were confirmed in Stoke-on-Trent on one day, with the majority concentrated in the Normacot area of the city.
Gillani Noor Mosque and Al Hafiz Academy have voluntarily closed for two weeks in response to the surge, while hundreds of people were tested for the virus over the weekend at a temporary testing facility set up at Alexandra Infants school on Melville Road.Gillani Noor Mosque and Al Hafiz Academy have voluntarily closed for two weeks in response to the surge, while hundreds of people were tested for the virus over the weekend at a temporary testing facility set up at Alexandra Infants school on Melville Road.
On Friday, Stoke-on-Trent city council’s leader, Abi Brown, pleaded with communities to abide by public health guidance in order to avoid a local lockdown. “While cases have up until now predominantly been concentrated on a small area of the community in Normacot, coronavirus does not care who it targets,” she said.On Friday, Stoke-on-Trent city council’s leader, Abi Brown, pleaded with communities to abide by public health guidance in order to avoid a local lockdown. “While cases have up until now predominantly been concentrated on a small area of the community in Normacot, coronavirus does not care who it targets,” she said.
“It affects each and every community regardless of race, class or religion. We need to contain the virus. That is why with 12 new cases recorded in one day across the city, we’re urging everyone to play their part.”“It affects each and every community regardless of race, class or religion. We need to contain the virus. That is why with 12 new cases recorded in one day across the city, we’re urging everyone to play their part.”
Switzerland could become the next European country to be subject to quarantine measures by all four nations of the UK, according to latest figures.Switzerland could become the next European country to be subject to quarantine measures by all four nations of the UK, according to latest figures.
A seven-day rate of 20 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people is the threshold above which the UK government considers triggering quarantine conditions. Switzerland is currently recording a seven-day rate of 20.7 cases per 100,000.A seven-day rate of 20 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people is the threshold above which the UK government considers triggering quarantine conditions. Switzerland is currently recording a seven-day rate of 20.7 cases per 100,000.
Scotland has already taken Switzerland off its list of countries from which people do not need to self-isolate on arrival. The rest of the UK could follow later this week.Scotland has already taken Switzerland off its list of countries from which people do not need to self-isolate on arrival. The rest of the UK could follow later this week.
The Czech Republic and Greece are also likely to have their Covid-19 figures scrutinised closely by the UK government this week. In the Czech Republic the seven-day rate is currently 17.9, up from 15.6 a week ago. In Greece the rate is 14.8, up from 13.5.The Czech Republic and Greece are also likely to have their Covid-19 figures scrutinised closely by the UK government this week. In the Czech Republic the seven-day rate is currently 17.9, up from 15.6 a week ago. In Greece the rate is 14.8, up from 13.5.
Neither country has breached the threshold of 20 cases per 100,000, but both appear to be heading in that direction. The latest seven-day rates have been calculated by the PA news agency based on data collected by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.Neither country has breached the threshold of 20 cases per 100,000, but both appear to be heading in that direction. The latest seven-day rates have been calculated by the PA news agency based on data collected by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Iceland is currently reporting the same seven-day rate as Greece - 14.8 - but while in Greece there have been 1,589 new cases recorded in the past week, in Iceland there have been only 53.Iceland is currently reporting the same seven-day rate as Greece - 14.8 - but while in Greece there have been 1,589 new cases recorded in the past week, in Iceland there have been only 53.
The rate in Iceland is also unchanged on last week. These factors should keep Iceland on the list of countries from which people do not need to self-isolate on arrival in the UK. Meanwhile in Ireland, the seven-day rate has ticked upwards from 11.4 to 14.9 - the highest it has been since late May.The rate in Iceland is also unchanged on last week. These factors should keep Iceland on the list of countries from which people do not need to self-isolate on arrival in the UK. Meanwhile in Ireland, the seven-day rate has ticked upwards from 11.4 to 14.9 - the highest it has been since late May.
By contrast the seven-day rate in the UK is currently 10.7.By contrast the seven-day rate in the UK is currently 10.7.
More on whether schools would stay open in the event of a local lockdown.More on whether schools would stay open in the event of a local lockdown.
A Number 10 spokesman said:A Number 10 spokesman said:
Asked about union suggestions that teachers or pupils be allowed to wear face coverings, he said:Asked about union suggestions that teachers or pupils be allowed to wear face coverings, he said:
Downing Street played down the prospect of a review into whether face coverings should be worn in England’s schools. The No 10 spokesman said:Downing Street played down the prospect of a review into whether face coverings should be worn in England’s schools. The No 10 spokesman said:
No 10 has not ruled out schools closing again if local lockdowns are required.No 10 has not ruled out schools closing again if local lockdowns are required.
Downing Street insisted the UK would be first in line for a coronavirus vaccine developed by Oxford University if it was proven to be effective, following reports Donald Trump is considering granting emergency authorisation for it to be deployed in the US.Downing Street insisted the UK would be first in line for a coronavirus vaccine developed by Oxford University if it was proven to be effective, following reports Donald Trump is considering granting emergency authorisation for it to be deployed in the US.
The vaccine is being developed by Oxford scientists and pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca. A Number 10 spokesman said: “We have been clear that we will only roll out a vaccine once it is deemed safe and effective by our regulators.”The vaccine is being developed by Oxford scientists and pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca. A Number 10 spokesman said: “We have been clear that we will only roll out a vaccine once it is deemed safe and effective by our regulators.”
The UK government has struck a deal with AstraZeneca to get “first access” to it once approved, the spokesman said.The UK government has struck a deal with AstraZeneca to get “first access” to it once approved, the spokesman said.
“AstraZeneca have entered into a number of agreements with other countries, they have the global licensing agreement with Oxford, but we have been clear: once it has been found to be effective, we have signed a deal for 100 million doses, which means that once it is effective the UK will get first access.”“AstraZeneca have entered into a number of agreements with other countries, they have the global licensing agreement with Oxford, but we have been clear: once it has been found to be effective, we have signed a deal for 100 million doses, which means that once it is effective the UK will get first access.”
No 10 has been asked if Boris Johnson regretted the government’s handling of exam results this year, and if the prime minister was personally sorry about the way things had panned out.No 10 has been asked if Boris Johnson regretted the government’s handling of exam results this year, and if the prime minister was personally sorry about the way things had panned out.
A Number 10 spokesman said:A Number 10 spokesman said:
Asked should headteachers fine parents who do not send their children back to the classroom, the spokesman said:Asked should headteachers fine parents who do not send their children back to the classroom, the spokesman said:
Downing Street said mass testing was “incredibly important” and pilot schemes were taking place.Downing Street said mass testing was “incredibly important” and pilot schemes were taking place.
Responding to reports that the health secretary, Matt Hancock, wants up to 4m coronavirus tests a day by early next year, a Number 10 spokesman said pilot schemes were currently being assessed.Responding to reports that the health secretary, Matt Hancock, wants up to 4m coronavirus tests a day by early next year, a Number 10 spokesman said pilot schemes were currently being assessed.
The spokesman said:The spokesman said:
Mass testing on that scale “would allow for us to test wider sections of society that may be asymptomatic”.Mass testing on that scale “would allow for us to test wider sections of society that may be asymptomatic”.
Scottish secondary pupils are expected to be told to wear face coverings in corridors and public spaces at school after the World Health Organization updated its advice, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.Scottish secondary pupils are expected to be told to wear face coverings in corridors and public spaces at school after the World Health Organization updated its advice, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
The first minister said John Swinney, the education secretary, was consulting with local councils and union leaders on the change after the WHO recommended three days ago pupils over 12 use face coverings in schools where physical distancing is not possible.The first minister said John Swinney, the education secretary, was consulting with local councils and union leaders on the change after the WHO recommended three days ago pupils over 12 use face coverings in schools where physical distancing is not possible.
Several high schools in Scotland have already implemented those measures, including James Gillespie’s in Edinburgh, Grantown grammar school in Grantown-on-Spey and Millburn academy in Inverness, after experiencing over-crowding in corridors and circulation areas.Several high schools in Scotland have already implemented those measures, including James Gillespie’s in Edinburgh, Grantown grammar school in Grantown-on-Spey and Millburn academy in Inverness, after experiencing over-crowding in corridors and circulation areas.
The EIS, Scotland’s largest teachers union, said it would press ministers to adopt the WHO’s new guidance after schools across the country found it extremely hard to maintain physical distancing while pupils moved between classes or at break times and lunch time.The EIS, Scotland’s largest teachers union, said it would press ministers to adopt the WHO’s new guidance after schools across the country found it extremely hard to maintain physical distancing while pupils moved between classes or at break times and lunch time.
Grantown told parents over the weekend face coverings would be required from the start of school on Monday. Its Facebook page said: “Don’t forget to bring your face masks to school tomorrow! Pupils and staff need to wear them in the corridors when moving between classes and in the canteen.”Grantown told parents over the weekend face coverings would be required from the start of school on Monday. Its Facebook page said: “Don’t forget to bring your face masks to school tomorrow! Pupils and staff need to wear them in the corridors when moving between classes and in the canteen.”
The new measures follow an upsurge of cases involving Scottish schools and nurseries after they reopened earlier in August, including one cluster affecting 17 staff at a special school in Dundee. A nursery attached to Newburgh primary school in Fife was closed down after a child there fell ill with Covid-19.The new measures follow an upsurge of cases involving Scottish schools and nurseries after they reopened earlier in August, including one cluster affecting 17 staff at a special school in Dundee. A nursery attached to Newburgh primary school in Fife was closed down after a child there fell ill with Covid-19.
Sturgeon denied she had ever said there was no risk of Covid-19 transmission within schools and conceded the Kingspark school cluster could show it was an issue. She said the greatest risk for schools was transmission in the wider community. Even so “we must have the right mitigations in schools to keep the risk of transmission as low as possible”, she said.Sturgeon denied she had ever said there was no risk of Covid-19 transmission within schools and conceded the Kingspark school cluster could show it was an issue. She said the greatest risk for schools was transmission in the wider community. Even so “we must have the right mitigations in schools to keep the risk of transmission as low as possible”, she said.
BBC drama boss Piers Wenger has told the Edinburgh TV Festival that productions ranging from EastEnders to The Pursuit Of Love are using “ingenious” ways to navigate Covid-19 filming restrictions, including have actors kissing through a sheet of perspex, which is then taken out in post-production, or putting cast and crew in “bubbles”.BBC drama boss Piers Wenger has told the Edinburgh TV Festival that productions ranging from EastEnders to The Pursuit Of Love are using “ingenious” ways to navigate Covid-19 filming restrictions, including have actors kissing through a sheet of perspex, which is then taken out in post-production, or putting cast and crew in “bubbles”.
Also speaking at the festival, the BBC director of content, Charlotte Moore, has spoken about how the corporation has handled the coronavirus crisis, saying:Also speaking at the festival, the BBC director of content, Charlotte Moore, has spoken about how the corporation has handled the coronavirus crisis, saying:
The Guardian’s John Harris has been examining how the Covid crisis in the aviation industry is hitting towns across the UK, with workers from Belfast to Caerphilly fearing mass unemployment.The Guardian’s John Harris has been examining how the Covid crisis in the aviation industry is hitting towns across the UK, with workers from Belfast to Caerphilly fearing mass unemployment.
Near Caerphilly, nearly 600 posts are being lost at the vast aeroplane engine maintenance plant run by the global giant General Electric, which before the pandemic employed 1,400 people. In Broughton in north Wales, where employees of Airbus assemble wings for the company’s entire range of planes, there are plans to cut 1,400 jobs from a total of 6,000. In Derby and Nottinghamshire, Rolls-Royce is expected to lose about 1,500 workers.Near Caerphilly, nearly 600 posts are being lost at the vast aeroplane engine maintenance plant run by the global giant General Electric, which before the pandemic employed 1,400 people. In Broughton in north Wales, where employees of Airbus assemble wings for the company’s entire range of planes, there are plans to cut 1,400 jobs from a total of 6,000. In Derby and Nottinghamshire, Rolls-Royce is expected to lose about 1,500 workers.
You can read John’s full report below:You can read John’s full report below:
More on Tesco’s plan to create 16,000 new permanent roles to support growth of its online business.More on Tesco’s plan to create 16,000 new permanent roles to support growth of its online business.
These 16,000 jobs are in addition to around 4,000 permanent jobs that have already been created since the start of the pandemic, Tesco said.These 16,000 jobs are in addition to around 4,000 permanent jobs that have already been created since the start of the pandemic, Tesco said.
It expects the majority of these roles to be filled by staff who have joined the company on a temporary basis in recent months.It expects the majority of these roles to be filled by staff who have joined the company on a temporary basis in recent months.
Jason Tarry, chief executive officer of Tesco UK and ROI, said:Jason Tarry, chief executive officer of Tesco UK and ROI, said:
Preparing for Christmas in a pandemic. The Ministry of Fun’s summer Santa school at Southwark Cathedral in London is aiming to create Covid-safe Christmas grottos by teaching Father Christmases how to appear safely in person while maintaining the Christmas magic.Preparing for Christmas in a pandemic. The Ministry of Fun’s summer Santa school at Southwark Cathedral in London is aiming to create Covid-safe Christmas grottos by teaching Father Christmases how to appear safely in person while maintaining the Christmas magic.
Members of the physically distanced Santa School travel to Southwark Cathedral, London.Members of the physically distanced Santa School travel to Southwark Cathedral, London.
Lessons in how to give presents safely.Lessons in how to give presents safely.