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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’
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 whilst maintaining the Christmas magic.
Members of the socially distant Santa School travel to Southwark Cathedral, London.
Lessons in how to give presents safely.
A petition with over 104,000 signatures is gathering momentum online as the dispute between parents and government over potential fines if they decide to keep their children off school from September continues.
The petition, started by Jennifer Dunstan, is calling for the government to not force parents to send their children to school until coronavirus numbers have significantly decreased and scientists agree it is safe to do so.In the petition she states: “I am a lone parent to an amazing nine-year-old son who goes to a special needs school. If I get coronavirus, I’ll have no one to look after him while I’m ill. I’m terrified that the government is going to try to force us to send our children to school while Covid-19 rates are still high. Parents should not be put in that position.
“I desperately want my son to go back to school, but I have a chronic illness called ME and we don’t have other people who can look after him if I get sick. So I will only take him to school when the scientists agree that it’s safe. I should not be fined - and my son should not lose his place - just for trying to keep my family safe.”
Here is a summary of the latest rates of new Covid-19 cases in key areas of England, according to a tally by the PA news agency.Here is a summary of the latest rates of new Covid-19 cases in key areas of England, according to a tally by the PA news agency.
OldhamOldham
There were 149 new cases of Covid-19 recorded in Oldham in the seven days to August 20. This is the equivalent of 62.8 cases per 100,000 people - down from 102.5 per 100,000 in the previous week (the seven days to August 13). Oldham continues to record the highest rate of new cases in England, but the rolling rate has fallen steadily since a peak of 112.2 in the seven days to August 11.Further restrictions were introduced in Oldham from midnight on Saturday August 22, with people told not to socialise with anyone outside their household and to use public transport only if it is essential. There were 149 new cases of Covid-19 recorded in Oldham in the seven days to 20 August. This is the equivalent of 62.8 cases per 100,000 people - down from 102.5 per 100,000 in the previous week (the seven days to August 13). Oldham continues to record the highest rate of new cases in England, but the rolling rate has fallen steadily since a peak of 112.2 in the seven days to 11 August. Further restrictions were introduced in Oldham from midnight on Saturday 22 August, with people told not to socialise with anyone outside their household and to use public transport only if it is essential.
PendlePendle is currently recording the second highest rate in England, but here too the numbers are falling. Some 55 new cases were recorded in the seven days to August 20 - the equivalent of 59.7 cases per 100,000 people. This is down from 90.1 cases per 100,000 in the seven days to August 13. PendlePendle is currently recording the second highest rate in England, but here too the numbers are falling. Some 55 new cases were recorded in the seven days to 20 August - the equivalent of 59.7 cases per 100,000 people. This is down from 90.1 cases per 100,000 in the seven days to 13 August.
Blackburn with DarwenA total of 76 new cases were recorded in Blackburn with Darwen in the seven days to August 20, or 50.8 per 100,000 people. This is down from 94.9 in the previous seven days. Both Blackburn with Darwen and Pendle have had the same additional restrictions imposed as in Oldham. Blackburn with DarwenA total of 76 new cases were recorded in Blackburn with Darwen in the seven days to 20 August, or 50.8 per 100,000 people. This is down from 94.9 in the previous seven days. Both Blackburn with Darwen and Pendle have had the same additional restrictions imposed as in Oldham.
LeicesterCases continue to fall in Leicester. The latest figures show 167 new cases were recorded in the seven days to August 20, or 47.1 per 100,000 people. This is down from 60.7 in the previous seven days. At the peak of the recent outbreak in the city, the rolling rate was as high as 159.5 cases per 100,000 for the seven days to June 24. LeicesterCases continue to fall in Leicester. The latest figures show 167 new cases were recorded in the seven days to 20 August, or 47.1 per 100,000 people. This is down from 60.7 in the previous seven days. At the peak of the recent outbreak in the city, the rolling rate was as high as 159.5 cases per 100,000 for the seven days to 24 June.
BirminghamThe city of Birmingham was placed on the Government’s national watchlist on August 21 as an “area of enhanced support”, meaning it will be provided with extra resources and support to help increase testing and manage outbreaks if necessary.No new restrictions have been placed on residents, however, and the number of new cases is falling.Birmingham currently has the 17th highest rate in England, with 23.6 cases per 100,000 people recorded in the seven days to August 20 - down from 30.4 in the previous seven days. BirminghamThe city of Birmingham was placed on the government’s national watchlist on 21 August as an “area of enhanced support”, meaning it will be provided with extra resources and support to help increase testing and manage outbreaks if necessary.
No new restrictions have been placed on residents, however, and the number of new cases is falling.
Birmingham currently has the 17th highest rate in England, with 23.6 cases per 100,000 people recorded in the seven days to 20 August - down from 30.4 in the previous seven days.
NorthamptonFor a few days earlier in August Northampton had the highest rate in England, thanks to an outbreak at the town’s Greencore sandwich factory. The spike in cases caused by that outbreak has now passed. Northampton’s latest seven-day rate is 35.6 cases per 100,000, down from 117.5.NorthamptonFor a few days earlier in August Northampton had the highest rate in England, thanks to an outbreak at the town’s Greencore sandwich factory. The spike in cases caused by that outbreak has now passed. Northampton’s latest seven-day rate is 35.6 cases per 100,000, down from 117.5.
Stoke-on-TrentThis is one area where the latest numbers are showing a notable jump. Stoke-on-Trent recorded 79 new cases in the seven days to August 20, the equivalent of 30.8 cases per 100,000. This is up from 15.6 in the previous seven days. Stoke-on-Trent currently has the 11th highest rate in England. Stoke-on-TrentThis is one area where the latest numbers are showing a notable jump. Stoke-on-Trent recorded 79 new cases in the seven days to 20 August, the equivalent of 30.8 cases per 100,000. This is up from 15.6 in the previous seven days. Stoke-on-Trent currently has the 11th highest rate in England.
Note: all numbers have been calculated by the PA news agency based on the latest Public Health England data published on the Government’s coronavirus online dashboard. Data for the most recent three days (August 21-23) has been excluded as it is incomplete and likely to be revised. The dashboard is due to be updated later today. Note: all numbers have been calculated by the PA news agency based on the latest Public Health England data published on the government’s coronavirus online dashboard. Data for the most recent three days (August 21-23) has been excluded as it is incomplete and likely to be revised. The dashboard is due to be updated later today.
Tesco will create 16,000 new permanent roles across the UK to support the growth of its online business, it has announced.Tesco will create 16,000 new permanent roles across the UK to support the growth of its online business, it has announced.
The company said 10,000 of the new roles will be for pickers, who assemble orders, and 3,000 drivers will be hired, in addition to other positions within the distribution network.The company said 10,000 of the new roles will be for pickers, who assemble orders, and 3,000 drivers will be hired, in addition to other positions within the distribution network.
Many of the jobs will be filled by temporary workers who have been employed by Tesco during the pandemic.Many of the jobs will be filled by temporary workers who have been employed by Tesco during the pandemic.
People with eating disorders could be at risk of suffering long-term consequences from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, researchers have warned. The fallout from routines being disrupted in lockdown, a focus on food and exercise which came to dominate the public conversation, and healthcare moving online, could all have lasting effects, academics from Northumbria University in Newcastle said.People with eating disorders could be at risk of suffering long-term consequences from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, researchers have warned. The fallout from routines being disrupted in lockdown, a focus on food and exercise which came to dominate the public conversation, and healthcare moving online, could all have lasting effects, academics from Northumbria University in Newcastle said.
While positive messaging around diet and fitness can be beneficial to the majority of people, it is important to recognise these can be “triggering or upsetting” for others, their paper published in the Journal of Eating Disorders said. The study looked at data from 129 people recruited online who were experiencing, or in recovery from, an eating disorder during the early stages of lockdown.While positive messaging around diet and fitness can be beneficial to the majority of people, it is important to recognise these can be “triggering or upsetting” for others, their paper published in the Journal of Eating Disorders said. The study looked at data from 129 people recruited online who were experiencing, or in recovery from, an eating disorder during the early stages of lockdown.
Key themes identified included disruption to living situations, increased social isolation and reduced access to usual support networks, changes to physical activity rates and changes to relationship with food. One of the major challenges was a reduction in healthcare service provision, as well as discrepancies in access to healthcare services.Key themes identified included disruption to living situations, increased social isolation and reduced access to usual support networks, changes to physical activity rates and changes to relationship with food. One of the major challenges was a reduction in healthcare service provision, as well as discrepancies in access to healthcare services.
According to Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, approximately 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder. Until now, little was known about the impact of the pandemic on this population. Researchers said:According to Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, approximately 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder. Until now, little was known about the impact of the pandemic on this population. Researchers said:
Dr Dawn Branley-Bell, co-author of the paper, said:Dr Dawn Branley-Bell, co-author of the paper, said:
Hi. Caroline Davies here. I will be running the live blog for the rest of the day. You can get in touch via email on caroline.davies@theguardian.comHi. Caroline Davies here. I will be running the live blog for the rest of the day. You can get in touch via email on caroline.davies@theguardian.com
That’s it from me, Amy Walker. I’ll be handing over to my colleague Caroline Davies now, who will steer you through the rest of the day’s key UK coronavirus developments.That’s it from me, Amy Walker. I’ll be handing over to my colleague Caroline Davies now, who will steer you through the rest of the day’s key UK coronavirus developments.
If you missed it yesterday, the Observer’s science editor, Robin McKie, has written a useful analysis explaining why Covid fatalities currently remain low when infection numbers are rising across parts of the globe, including the UK.If you missed it yesterday, the Observer’s science editor, Robin McKie, has written a useful analysis explaining why Covid fatalities currently remain low when infection numbers are rising across parts of the globe, including the UK.
In areas including Oldham in Greater Manchester and Birmingham, cases of coronavirus have surged in recent weeks, although the number of deaths and cases of severe complications remain relatively low.In areas including Oldham in Greater Manchester and Birmingham, cases of coronavirus have surged in recent weeks, although the number of deaths and cases of severe complications remain relatively low.
Although doctors are unsure exactly what is going on, some have suggested that Covid-19 is now becoming more prevalent among younger people, who are less likely to die or suffer serious complications.Although doctors are unsure exactly what is going on, some have suggested that Covid-19 is now becoming more prevalent among younger people, who are less likely to die or suffer serious complications.
But researchers have pointed to the situation in the US where there was a recent spike in cases among those in their 20s and 30s, followed by a spike among older people who picked up the virus from younger people. As a result, there has been a jump in deaths, and scientists warn that a similar pattern could occur in the UK.But researchers have pointed to the situation in the US where there was a recent spike in cases among those in their 20s and 30s, followed by a spike among older people who picked up the virus from younger people. As a result, there has been a jump in deaths, and scientists warn that a similar pattern could occur in the UK.
You can read Robin’s analysis here:You can read Robin’s analysis here:
Eurostar has announced that rail passengers will be able to travel directly from Amsterdam to London from the end of October.Eurostar has announced that rail passengers will be able to travel directly from Amsterdam to London from the end of October.
The new service commences on 26 October and will enable people to travel from the Netherlands’ capital in four hours and nine minutes, with tickets costing at least £40 each way.The new service commences on 26 October and will enable people to travel from the Netherlands’ capital in four hours and nine minutes, with tickets costing at least £40 each way.
Passengers will also be able to travel back to St Pancras International in London from Rotterdam in three hours and 29 minutes.Passengers will also be able to travel back to St Pancras International in London from Rotterdam in three hours and 29 minutes.
The announcement comes after the UK government removed the Netherlands from its list of countries people can travel to without having to quarantine on their return.The announcement comes after the UK government removed the Netherlands from its list of countries people can travel to without having to quarantine on their return.
Travellers who arrive back in the UK from the Netherlands after 15 August have to self-isolate for 14 days under coronavirus safety measures.Travellers who arrive back in the UK from the Netherlands after 15 August have to self-isolate for 14 days under coronavirus safety measures.
As the dispute between teachers’ unions and the government over plans for schools to reopen in England next month continues, England’s deputy chief medical officer has said staff are more likely to get Covid-19 during their coffee break than in the classroom.As the dispute between teachers’ unions and the government over plans for schools to reopen in England next month continues, England’s deputy chief medical officer has said staff are more likely to get Covid-19 during their coffee break than in the classroom.
Dr Jenny Harries said the risk for teachers in schools is probably highest “between staff” and that a scenario in which all schools across the country would be forced to close again was “unlikely”. But in areas subject to potential local lockdowns, individual schools could close.Dr Jenny Harries said the risk for teachers in schools is probably highest “between staff” and that a scenario in which all schools across the country would be forced to close again was “unlikely”. But in areas subject to potential local lockdowns, individual schools could close.
Harries said no environment was “risk free” from the virus, but added that the risk to children was higher from seasonal flu compared with those currently posed by Covid-19. She told Sky News:Harries said no environment was “risk free” from the virus, but added that the risk to children was higher from seasonal flu compared with those currently posed by Covid-19. She told Sky News:
She added that a single case of coronavirus within a school “bubble” may not lead to the whole bubble being forced into isolation.She added that a single case of coronavirus within a school “bubble” may not lead to the whole bubble being forced into isolation.
Seventeen teachers at a special school in Dundee have contracted Covid-19, alongside two pupils and three community contacts, health officials in Tayside have disclosed.Seventeen teachers at a special school in Dundee have contracted Covid-19, alongside two pupils and three community contacts, health officials in Tayside have disclosed.
NHS Tayside shut Kingspark school last Wednesday for deep cleaning after the outbreak emerged, and on Friday closed it to allow staff and pupils to self-isolate for 14 days because of the pupils’ complex needs.NHS Tayside shut Kingspark school last Wednesday for deep cleaning after the outbreak emerged, and on Friday closed it to allow staff and pupils to self-isolate for 14 days because of the pupils’ complex needs.
The board said on Sunday that 22 people were infected, up from 12 on Friday. It said contact tracing had identified links to two other schools in Dundee, with one positive case at St Peter’s and St Paul’s primary, and another at Happy Times out-of school club at Downfield primary.The board said on Sunday that 22 people were infected, up from 12 on Friday. It said contact tracing had identified links to two other schools in Dundee, with one positive case at St Peter’s and St Paul’s primary, and another at Happy Times out-of school club at Downfield primary.
You can read more on this from our Scotland editor, Severin Carrell, here:You can read more on this from our Scotland editor, Severin Carrell, here:
Wetherspoon has warned that the coronavirus crisis will drag it to an annual loss after sales plunged following its reopening last month.
The pub chain told investors that bar and food sales are down 16.9% for the 44 days to 16 August, compared with the same period last year.
The group has now reopened 844 of its 873 pubs in the UK, after shutting all sites in March as a result of the national lockdown.
A statement by the company said sales had gradually improved, accelerated by the government’s eat out to help out scheme, but it expected a “period of more subdued sales” when the scheme ends at the end of August.
Founder Tim Martin said: “Wetherspoon had five positive tests for Covid-19 among its 43,000 staff before lockdown and has had 24 positive tests since pubs reopened on 4 July, since reopening, the amount of testing has substantially increased.
“Risk cannot be eliminated completely in pubs, but sensible social distancing and hygiene policies, combined with continued assistance and cooperation from the authorities, should minimise it”.
Last week, the Guardian revealed concerns about poor social distancing and overcrowding raised by customers at Wetherspoon pubs.
Boris Johnson is continuing his efforts to assure parents that the risk of children catching Covid-19 as they return to school is “very, very, very small”.
In a video posted on Twitter, the prime minister said:
He added that while he thought parents were still worried about their children contracting coronavirus, that both the risk of them catching it and suffering badly from it was extremely minimal.
Fines for parents who refuse to send their children back to school in England will be used as a “last resort” when classes resume in September following the coronavirus lockdown.
The school standards minister, Nick Gibb, said there was a “moral imperative” for children to attend classes when they return next month.
Preparations for the return of England’s schools come as the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, remains under intense pressure following the fiasco over the awarding of A-level grades.
Boris Johnson has led calls for parents to send their children back to class and the UK’s chief medical officers have said youngsters are more at risk of long-term harm if they do not attend school than if they return.
Gibb acknowledged that some parents would still have concerns but stressed that education was compulsory and fines could be used if necessary.“Fines for non-attendance have always been a last resort for headteachers and schools,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today.“What matters is that young people are attending school.
On a less sober note, bag-in-box wines have enjoyed a sales surge in the UK during lockdown as thrifty Britons opted for better value for money and fewer trips to the supermarket.
The Co-op chain reported an unprecedented 300% sales uplift across its range as consumers have shopped less but drank more at home during the closure of pubs and restaurants, with the trend set to continue into the autumn. Larger pack sizes – typically three litres, or four 75cl bottles – represent better value.
Amid the easing of lockdown the boom in UK camping and picnicking is now helping to drive sales, as consumers have recognised the portability, convenience and eco-credentials of the new-style products. The packaging means little oxygen enters even once it has been opened, so wine stays fresher for longer – up to six weeks – than in a bottle.
You can read more from our consumer affairs correspondent, Rebecca Smithers, here:
During his keynote speech at the Edinburgh television festival, which he is delivering now, Lord Hall said 94% of British people had used the BBC in March.
“Audiences came to us in their millions for information they could rely on and respite from worries everyone was experiencing,” he said, of the broadcaster’s lockdown ratings. “In some weeks TV viewing was up nearly 50% year on year.”
He emphasised the importance of public service broadcasting, adding that the BBC was more vital than ever. Hall added:
The BBC’s outgoing director general, Tony Hall, is expected to say that the public broadcaster plays such a critical role in countering fake news that according to international health chiefs it could positively influence the take-up of any vaccine during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Describing two pandemics – one of coronavirus and the other of disinformation spread on social media – Hall will highlight public service broadcasting as “vital to democracy” in a keynote speech to open the Edinburgh television festival this morning.
His speech has begun, but you can read the preceding report from my colleagues Caroline Davies and Jim Waterson here:
Pupils in Northern Ireland have returned to school for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown began in March.
Some parents have expressed concerns while teachers’ unions say educators have not been given enough time to respond to rules issued earlier this month.
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.
Pupils in primary 7, Year 12, Year 14 – whose preparation for exams was disrupted by the lockdown – and all vulnerable children are due to return to today.
All other pupils will begin the new school year next Monday after months of variable levels of home schooling.
On that note, the Tories are plugging away at trying to allay the fears of parents ahead of schools reopening on the airwaves this morning.
The minister for school standards, Nick Gibb, has insisted the measures schools are taking to minimise the risk of the transmission of Covid-19 are “very effective”.
“We live in a country where education is compulsory and I think parents can be reassured that the measures that schools are taking to make sure that we minimise the risk of the transmission of the virus are very effective,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Asked about fines for parents who don’t send their children back to school, he said: “Fines for non-attendance have always been a last resort for headteachers and schools. What matters is that young people are attending school.”
Teenager’s anxiety levels dropped during the coronavirus lockdown, a study by the University of Bristol has suggested.
The report published today by the National Institute for Health Research School (NIHR) is likely to raise questions about the impact of the school environment on young people’s mental health, amid calls from the prime minister for them to return to school next month.
A survey of 1,000 secondary school children in south west England found that 13- to 14-year-olds were less anxious during the lockdown than they had been last October.
Researchers compared findings from the original survey to answers given by the same teenagers in May this year, which showed that both girls and boys recorded lower levels of anxiety.
In October, 54% of 13- to 14-year-old girls and 26% of boys of the same age said they felt anxious, while in May – several weeks after schools had closed to most pupils – the proportion had dropped to 45% of girls and 18% of boys.
On Sunday, the UK’s chief medical adviser, Chris Whitty, told the BBC that children were more likely to be harmed by not returning to school next month than if they catch coronavirus.
The US president, Donald Trump, is considering fast-tracking an experimental Covid-19 vaccine being created in the UK for use in America ahead of the presidential election, the Financial Times has reported.
Human trials of the coronavirus vaccine candidate being developed at the University of Oxford in partnership with AstraZeneca suggest it is safe and includes an immune response to Covid-19.
Early results indicate the jab would provide double protection, generating an immune response which stimulates the body to produce both an antibody and T-cell response.
The FT report said Trump was considering bypassing normal US regulatory standards to fast-track the vaccine, with an option being explored involving the US Food and Drug Administration awarding “emergency use authorisation” in October.