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UK coronavirus live: new face mask rules for older pupils in Scotland; MPs to question Ofqual and Williamson UK coronavirus live: Johnson may review mask rules in English schools if medical advice changes
(32 minutes later)
Exam watchdog chiefs and education secretary to face questions; secondary school pupils to cover faces from Monday PM says he will change guidance if it is necessary; Ofqual chiefs and Williamson to face MPs; secondary school pupils in Scotland to cover faces from Monday as Wales reviews mask guidance for schools
Two more ‘Nightingale’ courts have started to hear cases in efforts to clear the backlog exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) headquarters in Westminster and a former court building in Fleetwood, Lancashire, opened on Monday.
A press conference room in the government building at 102 Petty France has been converted into a court room and will hear cases from East and West London Family Courts.
In Fleetwood, the building will hear civil or family cases listed for Preston or Blackpool Magistrates’ Courts. It comes after Nightingale courts opened in Swansea, Middlesbrough, Hertfordshire and Telford last week. There are 10 in total so far, with two in Leeds and Peterborough yet to open.
Not everything has been as transparent or as smooth as one might have hoped however. Here was the experience of the new arrangements yesterday of the Evening Standard’s courts correspondent.
The Welsh health minister, Vaughan Gething, has issued a stern warning against traditional pub crawls and stag and hen parties following a spike in coronavirus cases in Cardiff.
Gething stopped short of putting a limit on the number of venues people should go to but he stressed that every visit to a new pub or bar was another chance for Covid to be transmitted.
He said: “At this point in time there isn’t a need to close pubs and restaurants. This depends on the behaviour of all of us. This is a choice about how we behave to keep coronavirus at bay for all of us.”
There have been 47 positive tests in the last week - 37% of all cases in Wales. Public health officials said many of the new cases were among people between the ages of 20 and 30.
Gething hinted that hospitality venues faced being shut before schools, adding:
Gething said that Welsh authorities had not said there is a limit to the number of places to go to but that people need to limit contact with others.
Facebook has recruited ten former policy officials since the start of last year, adding to suspicions that technology firms are trying to develop a closer relationship to the government.The Times reported that officials left roles in government and with regulators to work on policy and communications for Facebook. Whitehall watchers said there is usually a ‘mini exodus’ of staff from key departments in the weeks and months after a general election, but rarely as many as ten civil servants departing to the same company. Senior Conservative MPs said that Facebook was seeking to limit regulations before they were introduced.Julian Knight, the Tory chairman of the Commons committee on digital, culture, media and sport, told The Times that the public “have a right to question the cosy relationship between government and big tech at all levels”. Facebook said their policy teams play a key role in developing and applying Facebook’s policies such as our community standards — which set out what is and isn’t allowed on their platforms.
Questioned about the exam results fiasco, Johnson added that in hindsight, the Government “might have done some things differently.”
He told reporters that those who had done their A-levels and GCSEs this year, had been “in many ways a remarkable generation.”
Guidance saying that face coverings are not required in England’s schools could be altered if the medical advice changed, according to the Prime Minister.
Boris Johnson told reporters: “On the issue of whether or not to wear masks in some contexts - you know, we’ll look at the the changing medical evidence as we go on. If we need to change the advice then of course we will.”
Asked why the UK Government was ignoring World Health Organisation (WHO_ advice that children aged over 12 should wear masks, he said: “The overwhelming priority is to get all pupils into school.
Guidance on whether children in Wales should wear face coverings in schools is to be reviewed, according to authorities in Wales.
The Welsh government’s Health minister, Vaughan Gething, said:
The briefing where Gething made those those comments can be watched again here.
The Welsh move comes after it was announced that Scottish secondary school pupils will have to wear face coverings in corridors, communal areas and school buses from next week.
There have been 44 cases of coronavirus confirmed in Scotland since yesterday, Nicola Sturgeon has announced at her regular media briefing, including seven in Tayside, where the cluster around the 2 Sisters food processing plant continues.There have been 44 cases of coronavirus confirmed in Scotland since yesterday, Nicola Sturgeon has announced at her regular media briefing, including seven in Tayside, where the cluster around the 2 Sisters food processing plant continues.
Scotland’s first minister said that over past six days more than 900 people have been tested at mobile testing unit outside the plant in Coupar Angus, and that there is still little evidence of community transmission.Scotland’s first minister said that over past six days more than 900 people have been tested at mobile testing unit outside the plant in Coupar Angus, and that there is still little evidence of community transmission.
Sturgeon also said there had been a “major spike” in demand for testing over the weekend, and announced the establishment of 11 local walk-through testing centres, the first of these will be housed in the Victory Memorial Hall in St Andrews. She also said three mobile testing units would be deployed across the central belt of Scotland, the first of which will be operational in Glasgow this afternoon.Sturgeon also said there had been a “major spike” in demand for testing over the weekend, and announced the establishment of 11 local walk-through testing centres, the first of these will be housed in the Victory Memorial Hall in St Andrews. She also said three mobile testing units would be deployed across the central belt of Scotland, the first of which will be operational in Glasgow this afternoon.
On the decision to give “obligatory guidance” to young people to wear face coverings in high schools, she said: “I don’t under-estimate how challenging it is for teachers to do their already difficult jobs and be mindful of all the different requirements to keep Covid under control.”On the decision to give “obligatory guidance” to young people to wear face coverings in high schools, she said: “I don’t under-estimate how challenging it is for teachers to do their already difficult jobs and be mindful of all the different requirements to keep Covid under control.”
Asked about compulsion, given that the guidance is not yet mandatory, she said that “ideally we don’t want to have an enforcement regime around this guidance in schools”. She went on: “Schools already have behavioural policies in place, this is another aspect of that and in my view much better done in that way of being part of the process for young people understanding things we have to adhere to [to combat the virus].”Asked about compulsion, given that the guidance is not yet mandatory, she said that “ideally we don’t want to have an enforcement regime around this guidance in schools”. She went on: “Schools already have behavioural policies in place, this is another aspect of that and in my view much better done in that way of being part of the process for young people understanding things we have to adhere to [to combat the virus].”
Problems with the UK government’s website meant that it wasn’t possible to book a local Covid-19 drive-through test for about three hours today.Problems with the UK government’s website meant that it wasn’t possible to book a local Covid-19 drive-through test for about three hours today.
I’ve been contacted by someone in Brighton who was trying to book a test earlier and was found that the website was, intermittently, either down or else it directed him to go to London. I called the government’s helpline and was told that the site was down for about three hours today.I’ve been contacted by someone in Brighton who was trying to book a test earlier and was found that the website was, intermittently, either down or else it directed him to go to London. I called the government’s helpline and was told that the site was down for about three hours today.
When the person in Brighton phoned an official number he was told there was nothing that could be done at the moment as the system was down and “multiple calls” with the same complaint had been coming in.When the person in Brighton phoned an official number he was told there was nothing that could be done at the moment as the system was down and “multiple calls” with the same complaint had been coming in.
He called back and was told “very few (if any) people are able to book a test online today due to technical errors, and so I should just turn up at the test centre, do the swab test, and complete/enter barcode details AFTER completing the test.”He called back and was told “very few (if any) people are able to book a test online today due to technical errors, and so I should just turn up at the test centre, do the swab test, and complete/enter barcode details AFTER completing the test.”
Headteachers and teaching unions have been responding to the decision in Scotland that all secondary pupils should wear face masks in schools from Monday.Headteachers and teaching unions have been responding to the decision in Scotland that all secondary pupils should wear face masks in schools from Monday.
If there’s to be a U-turn in England, they want it sooner rather than later, but most agree - whatever the government says - staff and students should be allowed to wear face coverings if they want to.If there’s to be a U-turn in England, they want it sooner rather than later, but most agree - whatever the government says - staff and students should be allowed to wear face coverings if they want to.
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, urged ministers to review the existing guidance, which says masks are not necessary in schools, and to provide clear direction one way or another. “We have two concerns,” he said.Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, urged ministers to review the existing guidance, which says masks are not necessary in schools, and to provide clear direction one way or another. “We have two concerns,” he said.
A spokesman for the National Association of Head Teachers said: “Where there are individual members of staff or pupils who feel the need to wear a mask in order to feel safe enough to come to school, then we have confidence that our members would be able to make a sensible decision and allow that.A spokesman for the National Association of Head Teachers said: “Where there are individual members of staff or pupils who feel the need to wear a mask in order to feel safe enough to come to school, then we have confidence that our members would be able to make a sensible decision and allow that.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, added that it should be permissible for staff members and students to wear face masks if they wish to do so.Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, added that it should be permissible for staff members and students to wear face masks if they wish to do so.
Parents should avoid chatting with friends at the school gates after dropping their children off in order to help limit Covid-19’s spread, the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, has suggested.Parents should avoid chatting with friends at the school gates after dropping their children off in order to help limit Covid-19’s spread, the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, has suggested.
Continuing his drive to get children back into England’s classrooms in September, Williamson said that parents should show “understanding and consideration”.Continuing his drive to get children back into England’s classrooms in September, Williamson said that parents should show “understanding and consideration”.
The minister, who continues to face calls for his resignation over the handling of the exams fiasco, suggested that parents should “drop their children off and then get on with all the tasks of their day”.The minister, who continues to face calls for his resignation over the handling of the exams fiasco, suggested that parents should “drop their children off and then get on with all the tasks of their day”.
In an interview with the Evening Standard, Williamson conceded that not all children may be back in class on the first day but his goal was to see them coming back “over the next few weeks”.In an interview with the Evening Standard, Williamson conceded that not all children may be back in class on the first day but his goal was to see them coming back “over the next few weeks”.
Williamson told the Evening Standard:Williamson told the Evening Standard:
Virgin Atlantic’s creditors will vote on a £1.2bn rescue deal today, as the airline tries to secure its future following the coronavirus crisis.Virgin Atlantic’s creditors will vote on a £1.2bn rescue deal today, as the airline tries to secure its future following the coronavirus crisis.
The airline last month revealed the privately-funded recapitalisation plan agreed with its shareholders and investors, after Virgin’s attempts to win UK state support were unsuccessful. The plan is designed to help it survive another 18 months of travel turmoil, with a return to profit in 2022.The airline last month revealed the privately-funded recapitalisation plan agreed with its shareholders and investors, after Virgin’s attempts to win UK state support were unsuccessful. The plan is designed to help it survive another 18 months of travel turmoil, with a return to profit in 2022.
The carrier, founded by Sir Richard Branson, has previously said it will run out of money and could collapse into administration if creditors do not back the deal.The carrier, founded by Sir Richard Branson, has previously said it will run out of money and could collapse into administration if creditors do not back the deal.
Almost 200 of the airline’s affected trade creditors, each of whom is owed more than £50,000, will vote on Tuesday at a hearing at the high court in London. Virgin Atlantic needs to gain support equivalent to 75% of the overall outstanding value of money owed.Almost 200 of the airline’s affected trade creditors, each of whom is owed more than £50,000, will vote on Tuesday at a hearing at the high court in London. Virgin Atlantic needs to gain support equivalent to 75% of the overall outstanding value of money owed.
Senior officials from the exams body, Ofqual, are to face questions next week about the grades fiasco from MPs on the House of Commons education committee.Senior officials from the exams body, Ofqual, are to face questions next week about the grades fiasco from MPs on the House of Commons education committee.
The education secretary, Gavin Williamson, is scheduled to come before the committee on 16 September at what the committee billed as a “regular accountability session”.The education secretary, Gavin Williamson, is scheduled to come before the committee on 16 September at what the committee billed as a “regular accountability session”.
A statement released by the committee said it would question the chief regulator, Sally Collier, and the Ofqual chair, Roger Taylor, “on what went wrong in the awarding of grades, where responsibility lies and how and why problems with the standardisation model were not identified earlier”.A statement released by the committee said it would question the chief regulator, Sally Collier, and the Ofqual chair, Roger Taylor, “on what went wrong in the awarding of grades, where responsibility lies and how and why problems with the standardisation model were not identified earlier”.
“MPs are also likely to ask what steps are being taken to support students, schools and colleges who have lost out because of the standardisation model and subsequent U-turn, and about lessons learnt to ensure a fair system should exams be cancelled in the future.”“MPs are also likely to ask what steps are being taken to support students, schools and colleges who have lost out because of the standardisation model and subsequent U-turn, and about lessons learnt to ensure a fair system should exams be cancelled in the future.”
Both Collier and Taylor are due to appear on 2 September.Both Collier and Taylor are due to appear on 2 September.
Birmingham city council has announced new enforcement measures targeting businesses flouting Covid-19 restrictions, coming into force from tomorrow.Birmingham city council has announced new enforcement measures targeting businesses flouting Covid-19 restrictions, coming into force from tomorrow.
The latest steps were approved following a meeting of local authority chiefs and the government’s gold command, and come on the back of concerns about a recent rise in infections in the city - although the rate is now falling.The latest steps were approved following a meeting of local authority chiefs and the government’s gold command, and come on the back of concerns about a recent rise in infections in the city - although the rate is now falling.
In a statement, the council said the “enhanced measures” would tackle the fact much of the current guidance is “not legally enforceable” at the moment.In a statement, the council said the “enhanced measures” would tackle the fact much of the current guidance is “not legally enforceable” at the moment.
Councillor Ian Ward, the leader of Birmingham city council, said:Councillor Ian Ward, the leader of Birmingham city council, said:
We reported yesterday that a police chief has warned that people are acting like “the virus isn’t out there” after a weekend of illegal gatherings in the West Midlands, despite Birmingham edging closer to a local lockdown.We reported yesterday that a police chief has warned that people are acting like “the virus isn’t out there” after a weekend of illegal gatherings in the West Midlands, despite Birmingham edging closer to a local lockdown.
Scientists in Wales will launch a study this week into whether mouthwash can be used to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.Scientists in Wales will launch a study this week into whether mouthwash can be used to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Covid-19 patients at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff will take part in new research to find out if it has the potential to reduce the levels of the virus in saliva.Covid-19 patients at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff will take part in new research to find out if it has the potential to reduce the levels of the virus in saliva.
Sars-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus with an outer fatty (lipid) membrane, and previous studies are said to show that agents usually found in mouthwash - such as low amounts of ethanol, povidone-iodine and cetylpyridinium - could disrupt the membranes of other lipid viruses.Sars-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus with an outer fatty (lipid) membrane, and previous studies are said to show that agents usually found in mouthwash - such as low amounts of ethanol, povidone-iodine and cetylpyridinium - could disrupt the membranes of other lipid viruses.
Dentyl is the only UK mouthwash brand to take part in the 12-week study led by Prof David Thomas from Cardiff University and called: “The measurement of mouthwash anti-viral activity against Covid-19.”Dentyl is the only UK mouthwash brand to take part in the 12-week study led by Prof David Thomas from Cardiff University and called: “The measurement of mouthwash anti-viral activity against Covid-19.”
Dr Thomas said: “We are very keen to start this much-needed clinical trial as our review of the literature indicated that we need to look deeper into the possible positive impact that mouthwashes may play on the transmission of Covid-19.Dr Thomas said: “We are very keen to start this much-needed clinical trial as our review of the literature indicated that we need to look deeper into the possible positive impact that mouthwashes may play on the transmission of Covid-19.
Senior political figures in England might have survived controversies over alleged breaches of social distancing or lockdown restrictions but pressure is building from Brussels on the European trade commissioner, Phil Hogan, who has been resisting moves to quit over breaches in Ireland.Senior political figures in England might have survived controversies over alleged breaches of social distancing or lockdown restrictions but pressure is building from Brussels on the European trade commissioner, Phil Hogan, who has been resisting moves to quit over breaches in Ireland.
RTE’s Tony Connelly tweets that European commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, has asked Hogan to provide further details of his movements in Ireland.RTE’s Tony Connelly tweets that European commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, has asked Hogan to provide further details of his movements in Ireland.
The Irish representative on the European commission was asked on Saturday by Ireland’s prime minister and deputy prime minister to consider his position after his attendance at a golf dinner caused public outrage and led to other political resignations.The Irish representative on the European commission was asked on Saturday by Ireland’s prime minister and deputy prime minister to consider his position after his attendance at a golf dinner caused public outrage and led to other political resignations.
Hogan, who offered an initial apology on Friday only after the prime minister, Micheál Martin, demanded one, said on Sunday he had listened carefully to the views of Martin and the deputy prime minister, Leo Varadkar.Hogan, who offered an initial apology on Friday only after the prime minister, Micheál Martin, demanded one, said on Sunday he had listened carefully to the views of Martin and the deputy prime minister, Leo Varadkar.
Deaths in the UK have risen above average for the first time since mid-June, according to new figures, but Covid-19 is not believed to be behind the rise.Deaths in the UK have risen above average for the first time since mid-June, according to new figures, but Covid-19 is not believed to be behind the rise.
Instead, the heatwave during the week ending August 14 is likely to explain the weekly increase, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).Instead, the heatwave during the week ending August 14 is likely to explain the weekly increase, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
There were 9,392 deaths from all causes in England and Wales in the week ending August 14 - 447 more deaths compared with the previous week.There were 9,392 deaths from all causes in England and Wales in the week ending August 14 - 447 more deaths compared with the previous week.
It took the number of deaths that week to 3.4% above the average for this time of year over the past five years - the first time the average has been exceeded since June 12.It took the number of deaths that week to 3.4% above the average for this time of year over the past five years - the first time the average has been exceeded since June 12.
Meanwhile, deaths involving coronavirus have been falling. Some 139 deaths registered in the week ending August 14 mentioned “novel coronavirus”, an 8.6% fall from the 152 deaths in the previous week.Meanwhile, deaths involving coronavirus have been falling. Some 139 deaths registered in the week ending August 14 mentioned “novel coronavirus”, an 8.6% fall from the 152 deaths in the previous week.
It is the lowest number of weekly deaths involving Covid-19 registered since the week ending March 20, before the lockdown. Overall, there were 10,580 deaths from all causes registered across the UK in the week ending 14 August - 265 deaths higher than the five-year average and 370 more deaths than the previous week.It is the lowest number of weekly deaths involving Covid-19 registered since the week ending March 20, before the lockdown. Overall, there were 10,580 deaths from all causes registered across the UK in the week ending 14 August - 265 deaths higher than the five-year average and 370 more deaths than the previous week.
This is Ben Quinn picking up the blog now. If you want to flag up pandemic-related stories that we should be covering today you can reach me on Twitter at @BenQuinn75 or by email.This is Ben Quinn picking up the blog now. If you want to flag up pandemic-related stories that we should be covering today you can reach me on Twitter at @BenQuinn75 or by email.
I will be logging off soon and handing over the blog to my colleague Ben Quinn. Below are some of the latest developments of the day so far:I will be logging off soon and handing over the blog to my colleague Ben Quinn. Below are some of the latest developments of the day so far:
• A leading member of the Oxford university team trying to find a vaccine for coronavirus has not ruled it out being ready for this winter. Andrew Pollard, professor of paediatric infection and immunity at Oxford university, said: “If cases accrue rapidly in clinical trials we could have data to put before regulators this year.”• A leading member of the Oxford university team trying to find a vaccine for coronavirus has not ruled it out being ready for this winter. Andrew Pollard, professor of paediatric infection and immunity at Oxford university, said: “If cases accrue rapidly in clinical trials we could have data to put before regulators this year.”
• Scotland’s education minister, John Swinney, has announced that all secondary pupils should wear face coverings in corridors and communal areas from next Monday. The measure applies to all high schools but Swinney added that nobody should be sent home for not wearing a mask.• Scotland’s education minister, John Swinney, has announced that all secondary pupils should wear face coverings in corridors and communal areas from next Monday. The measure applies to all high schools but Swinney added that nobody should be sent home for not wearing a mask.
• Alok Sharma, the business secretary, said school staff or young people would not be penalised for wearing facemasks when schools reopen, although the advice is that they are currently not necessary. Speaking on the Radio 4 Today programme, Sharma said that the government has followed scientific and medical advice.• Alok Sharma, the business secretary, said school staff or young people would not be penalised for wearing facemasks when schools reopen, although the advice is that they are currently not necessary. Speaking on the Radio 4 Today programme, Sharma said that the government has followed scientific and medical advice.
• Sharma also waded into the controversy over the Last Night of the Proms featuring traditional flag-waving anthems Rule, Britannia! and Land of Hope and Glory. Following suggestions that the music might be axed because of perceived links to colonialism, the BBC confirmed on Monday night that the songs would be performed – but as orchestral versions with no singing. Sharma said he would like to see the lyrics sung and suggested the BBC could put subtitles up so people can join in from home.• Sharma also waded into the controversy over the Last Night of the Proms featuring traditional flag-waving anthems Rule, Britannia! and Land of Hope and Glory. Following suggestions that the music might be axed because of perceived links to colonialism, the BBC confirmed on Monday night that the songs would be performed – but as orchestral versions with no singing. Sharma said he would like to see the lyrics sung and suggested the BBC could put subtitles up so people can join in from home.
Three prisoners tested positive for coronavirus in a Teesside jail block that has now been locked down.Three prisoners tested positive for coronavirus in a Teesside jail block that has now been locked down.
It comes after widespread testing of almost 800 inmates at HMP Holme House in Stockton. One house block, of around 170 prisoners, has now been isolated as a precaution following the positive tests.A prison service spokesperson said:It comes after widespread testing of almost 800 inmates at HMP Holme House in Stockton. One house block, of around 170 prisoners, has now been isolated as a precaution following the positive tests.A prison service spokesperson said:
The service also confirmed no prison officers have tested positive for Covid-19.The 770 inmates were tested as part of a DHSC-commissioned testing study in prisons across the country to help increase our understandingof the virus. Visits to Holme House have not been suspended, the service added.The service also confirmed no prison officers have tested positive for Covid-19.The 770 inmates were tested as part of a DHSC-commissioned testing study in prisons across the country to help increase our understandingof the virus. Visits to Holme House have not been suspended, the service added.