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UK coronavirus live: fining parents should be 'last resort' if pupils do not return, Gavin Williamson says UK coronavirus live: fining parents should be 'last resort' if pupils do not return, Gavin Williamson says
(32 minutes later)
Education secretary says schools should work with parents to encourage children to return to schoolEducation secretary says schools should work with parents to encourage children to return to school
The Guardian’s health editor, Sarah Boseley, takes a look at different drugs and therapies being trialled and used on patients with Covid-19.
There are some positive results, which may be beginning to bring the hospital death toll down, but there is still a long way to go towards something that will cure all comers, she writes.
Read her run down on some of the most promising here:
The government said 41,433 people had died in the UK within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Monday, an increase of four on the day before.Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies show there have now been 57,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.The government also said that as of 9am on Monday, there had been a further 853 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus. Overall, 326,614 cases have been confirmed.The government said 41,433 people had died in the UK within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Monday, an increase of four on the day before.Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies show there have now been 57,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.The government also said that as of 9am on Monday, there had been a further 853 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus. Overall, 326,614 cases have been confirmed.
Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins has said police “can’t win” when dealing with coronavirus restrictions, as he defended the decision to break up a child’s birthday party.Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins has said police “can’t win” when dealing with coronavirus restrictions, as he defended the decision to break up a child’s birthday party.
He said the force was spending an extra 100,000 a week policing the restrictions.He said the force was spending an extra 100,000 a week policing the restrictions.
The area is one of the places in the north of England where extra restrictions are in place to prevent socialising between households.The area is one of the places in the north of England where extra restrictions are in place to prevent socialising between households.
The force had been accused of being heavy-handed after issuing a fixed penalty notice when officers attended a home in Swinton where three families were celebrating a child’s birthday in a private garden.The force had been accused of being heavy-handed after issuing a fixed penalty notice when officers attended a home in Swinton where three families were celebrating a child’s birthday in a private garden.
Speaking to Radio 5 Live , Hopkins said: “It feels a bit at the moment like we can’t win.”Speaking to Radio 5 Live , Hopkins said: “It feels a bit at the moment like we can’t win.”
He said 19 fixed penalty notices had been issued at the weekend, when police attended 126 incidents. The child’s birthday party was going on past 8pm and was mainly attended by adults, he said, adding: “It wasn’t sort of jelly and ice cream with a bunch of three and four-year-olds sat around in the middle of the afternoon.He said 19 fixed penalty notices had been issued at the weekend, when police attended 126 incidents. The child’s birthday party was going on past 8pm and was mainly attended by adults, he said, adding: “It wasn’t sort of jelly and ice cream with a bunch of three and four-year-olds sat around in the middle of the afternoon.
“Officers decided, based on what they had seen, to issue a fixed penalty notice.”He said officers were also called to a party being held for a terminally-ill child and decided not to issue a fine after attending.“We are trying to absolutely balance what we’re doing, but it’s a really difficult position for us at the moment,” he said.“Officers decided, based on what they had seen, to issue a fixed penalty notice.”He said officers were also called to a party being held for a terminally-ill child and decided not to issue a fine after attending.“We are trying to absolutely balance what we’re doing, but it’s a really difficult position for us at the moment,” he said.
In Northern Ireland, three-quarters of teachers do not feel it is safe for pupils to return to their school or college as it reopens, a union said.In Northern Ireland, three-quarters of teachers do not feel it is safe for pupils to return to their school or college as it reopens, a union said.
Some pupils started to return to classes across Northern Ireland today.Some pupils started to return to classes across Northern Ireland today.
But teachers’ unions say educators had not been given enough time to respond to rules issued earlier this month.But teachers’ unions say educators had not been given enough time to respond to rules issued earlier this month.
Justin McCamphill, NASUWT national official in Northern Ireland, said:Justin McCamphill, NASUWT national official in Northern Ireland, said:
Northern Ireland’s chief medical officer, Dr Michael McBride, has insisted it is safe to return.Northern Ireland’s chief medical officer, Dr Michael McBride, has insisted it is safe to return.
However, three schools did not reopen following the detection of Covid-19 cases. Ballyclare secondary school is set to reopen on Tuesday following a deep clean and 72-hour incubation period. St Kevin’s primary school and St Louise’s College, both on the Falls Road in west Belfast, have also delayed their reopening following positive cases among the school community.However, three schools did not reopen following the detection of Covid-19 cases. Ballyclare secondary school is set to reopen on Tuesday following a deep clean and 72-hour incubation period. St Kevin’s primary school and St Louise’s College, both on the Falls Road in west Belfast, have also delayed their reopening following positive cases among the school community.
Education minister Peter Weir said:Education minister Peter Weir said:
While the government is keen to stress now is the right time for children to return to school, an education union has warned the process may not be easy in all areas of the country.While the government is keen to stress now is the right time for children to return to school, an education union has warned the process may not be easy in all areas of the country.
Head teachers and parents need to see government contingency plans for areas where coronavirus cases are on the rise, said Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union.Head teachers and parents need to see government contingency plans for areas where coronavirus cases are on the rise, said Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union.
He also pointed out that class sizes in other countries are smaller, making it easier to handle a return to school.He also pointed out that class sizes in other countries are smaller, making it easier to handle a return to school.
Speaking to the PA Media news agency, Courtney said:Speaking to the PA Media news agency, Courtney said:
More from the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, who has been speaking to the media on a trip to a school.More from the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, who has been speaking to the media on a trip to a school.
He said the government had asked teachers to plan to be able to educate children from home if a school has to be closed due to an outbreak. Asked whether teachers have been provided with enough information, he said:He said the government had asked teachers to plan to be able to educate children from home if a school has to be closed due to an outbreak. Asked whether teachers have been provided with enough information, he said:
Hi. This is Caroline Davies back again. Just a reminder you can get in touch via email on caroline.davies@theguardian.comHi. This is Caroline Davies back again. Just a reminder you can get in touch via email on caroline.davies@theguardian.com
The education secretary, Gavin Williamson, has been speaking to the media during a trip to a school.The education secretary, Gavin Williamson, has been speaking to the media during a trip to a school.
He said schools should only fine parents as a “last resort” if they refuse to send their children back to school when they reopen next month:He said schools should only fine parents as a “last resort” if they refuse to send their children back to school when they reopen next month:
Free Covid-19 insurance is to be provided to customers of Virgin Atlantic, offering financial cover should they or a companion fall ill with coronavirus while travelling.Free Covid-19 insurance is to be provided to customers of Virgin Atlantic, offering financial cover should they or a companion fall ill with coronavirus while travelling.
PA Media reports that the airline’s new policy includes emergency medical costs as well as associated transport, accommodation and repatriation expenses up to a value of £500,000 per customer.PA Media reports that the airline’s new policy includes emergency medical costs as well as associated transport, accommodation and repatriation expenses up to a value of £500,000 per customer.
It will also cover up to £3,000 of expenses if a customer is denied boarding a plane or held in quarantine due to a suspected or positive case of coronavirus during a trip.It will also cover up to £3,000 of expenses if a customer is denied boarding a plane or held in quarantine due to a suspected or positive case of coronavirus during a trip.
All existing and new bookings for travel from August 24 until March 31 next year will have the “Virgin Atlantic Covid-19 Cover” automatically applied.All existing and new bookings for travel from August 24 until March 31 next year will have the “Virgin Atlantic Covid-19 Cover” automatically applied.
England and Scotland ran out of coronavirus home testing kits within hours on Monday, amid a backlog in laboratories.England and Scotland ran out of coronavirus home testing kits within hours on Monday, amid a backlog in laboratories.
People were advised to travel long distances to test centres after being told that the daily allowance of home tests had run out.People were advised to travel long distances to test centres after being told that the daily allowance of home tests had run out.
Callers to the NHS 119 number for Covid-19 were told: “We’re very sorry – the available allocation has already been issued at this time.”Callers to the NHS 119 number for Covid-19 were told: “We’re very sorry – the available allocation has already been issued at this time.”
The reason behind the apparent shortage is unclear, but laboratories have been struggling to clear a backlog of tests since the end of July. The Department of Health and Social Care has been contacted for a comment.The reason behind the apparent shortage is unclear, but laboratories have been struggling to clear a backlog of tests since the end of July. The Department of Health and Social Care has been contacted for a comment.
Full story:Full story:
This isn’t explicitly coronavirus-related but campers staying on the coast of Wales and west England – many who will be on Covid-enforced staycations – have been told to batten down the hatches as Storm Francis heads their way.
Forecasters are predicting gales of up to 70mph and about a month’s worth of rain when the 36-hour weather front hits overnight. It doesn’t rain but it pours, etc. You can read the full story here:
The president of the European commission has requested further details about her trade commissioner’s attendance at a controversial golf dinner in Ireland.
The trade commissioner, Phil Hogan, has been under pressure to step down from his EU role after attending last week’s function with more than 80 people present.
He has apologised but refused to resign over the matter. Our latest story on this is here, from yesterday.
A spokeswoman for Hogan’s boss, the European commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said today that his actions were under investigation and that, having received initial information from Hogan about his trip, Von der Leyen had now requested further details.
She said: “The president has requested further clarifications because details are important and she wishes to have them.”
Afternoon all. It’s Josh Halliday here, taking over from Caroline for a short while.
The NHS test and trace system has faced fresh criticism for a flaw in its online booking system which tries to direct people to test centres more than 100 miles away.
Some people with coronavirus symptoms who try to book a test online are directed to centres which would take them more than three hours to reach by car, PA Media reports.
A person from Ilfracombe in Devon who has symptoms of Covid-19 is directed to a test centre in Swansea when they try to book a test online.
This would see them drive past centres in Taunton, Bristol and Cardiff on their six-and-a-half hour round trip, driving 175 miles in each direction.
People in Felixstowe, Suffolk have been directed to Clacton-on-Sea in Essex, with the government coronavirus test booking website saying it is just 13.8 miles away.
However, the journey is 40 miles by car, taking almost an hour to get from one place to another.
And people in the region with symptoms of Covid-19 would be forced to drive past their closest test centre in Ipswich on their way to Clacton.
Labour said problems with the booking system should be resolved as a “matter of urgency” and it was “hugely disappointing” that the issues were still occurring.
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 Strictly was the “hardest” show to film under current circumstances, but the professionals were 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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.