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UK coronavirus: Johnson may review mask rules in English schools if medical advice changes — as it happened UK coronavirus: Johnson may review mask rules in English schools if medical advice changes — as it happened
(32 minutes later)
Ofqual chiefs and Williamson face MPs; secondary school pupils in Scotland to cover faces from Monday as Wales reviews schools mask guidanceOfqual chiefs and Williamson face MPs; secondary school pupils in Scotland to cover faces from Monday as Wales reviews schools mask guidance
• Advice on wearing masks in schools in England will shift if the medical evidence is persuasive, Boris Johnson has said as pressure mounts from schools and unions.“On the issue of whether or not to wear masks in some contexts – you know, we’ll look at the changing medical evidence as we go on,” the prime minister told reporters on Tuesday. “If we need to change the advice then of course we will.”No 10’s initial advice that masks could impede communication between teachers and pupils and have little health benefit was being rapidly overtaken by events as dozens of schools prepared to take the unilateral decision to provide face coverings.• Advice on wearing masks in schools in England will shift if the medical evidence is persuasive, Boris Johnson has said as pressure mounts from schools and unions.“On the issue of whether or not to wear masks in some contexts – you know, we’ll look at the changing medical evidence as we go on,” the prime minister told reporters on Tuesday. “If we need to change the advice then of course we will.”No 10’s initial advice that masks could impede communication between teachers and pupils and have little health benefit was being rapidly overtaken by events as dozens of schools prepared to take the unilateral decision to provide face coverings.
• The head of England’s exam regulator, Sally Collier, has resigned over the exams fiasco that has engulfed schools and universities.News of her departure came hours after the education select committee announced she had been called to give evidence to MPs on the exams debacle at a hearing next Wednesday. An education source said: “She knew she’d reached the end of the line.”Collier, the chief regulator and Ofqual chief executive, oversaw the development of the flawed exams algorithm that was scrapped after it downgraded nearly 40% of A-level results. The algorithm was created after ministers insisted on avoiding grade inflation.• The head of England’s exam regulator, Sally Collier, has resigned over the exams fiasco that has engulfed schools and universities.News of her departure came hours after the education select committee announced she had been called to give evidence to MPs on the exams debacle at a hearing next Wednesday. An education source said: “She knew she’d reached the end of the line.”Collier, the chief regulator and Ofqual chief executive, oversaw the development of the flawed exams algorithm that was scrapped after it downgraded nearly 40% of A-level results. The algorithm was created after ministers insisted on avoiding grade inflation.
• Trials of the Oxford coronavirus vaccine may have gathered enough data to show whether it works and is safe by the end of the year – but it will then need to go through the regulatory process, scientists say.Prof Andrew Pollard, the director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said it was “just possible” there may be enough clinical trial data on the vaccine to put before the regulators this year.Prof Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, has said a vaccine may not be ready until next winter. Pollard suggested they were hoping to go faster.• Trials of the Oxford coronavirus vaccine may have gathered enough data to show whether it works and is safe by the end of the year – but it will then need to go through the regulatory process, scientists say.Prof Andrew Pollard, the director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said it was “just possible” there may be enough clinical trial data on the vaccine to put before the regulators this year.Prof Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, has said a vaccine may not be ready until next winter. Pollard suggested they were hoping to go faster.
We’re wrapping up the UK liveblog now but you can continue to follow our coverage of UK and global developments here. Thanks for reading.We’re wrapping up the UK liveblog now but you can continue to follow our coverage of UK and global developments here. Thanks for reading.
The EU’s trade commissioner has said he broke no public health regulations governing the pandemic while in Ireland.The EU’s trade commissioner has said he broke no public health regulations governing the pandemic while in Ireland.
Phil Hogan, whose role makes him of key interest to British government officials pursuing post-Brexit trade talks, provided 20 pages of documents to the head of the European commission, Ursula von der Leyen, after she requested further details of his trip home earlier this month.Phil Hogan, whose role makes him of key interest to British government officials pursuing post-Brexit trade talks, provided 20 pages of documents to the head of the European commission, Ursula von der Leyen, after she requested further details of his trip home earlier this month.
The former Irish government official said he believed he complied with rules designed to limit the spread of coronavirus in the country.The former Irish government official said he believed he complied with rules designed to limit the spread of coronavirus in the country.
Hogan was among 81 guests who attended a controversial golf dinner in the west of Ireland. He returned to the Republic on 31 July and was required to restrict his movements for 14 days.Hogan was among 81 guests who attended a controversial golf dinner in the west of Ireland. He returned to the Republic on 31 July and was required to restrict his movements for 14 days.
In a document published on the European commission website, Hogan said he tested negative for Covid-19 while in hospital for treatment on 5 August and claimed that “ended the self-restriction period”.In a document published on the European commission website, Hogan said he tested negative for Covid-19 while in hospital for treatment on 5 August and claimed that “ended the self-restriction period”.
He told the Irish broadcaster RTÉ:He told the Irish broadcaster RTÉ:
The “eat out to help out” scheme encouraged more people into UK restaurants last week, taking the total number of meals claimed since the beginning of August to more than 64m – the equivalent of one for nearly every person in the country.The “eat out to help out” scheme encouraged more people into UK restaurants last week, taking the total number of meals claimed since the beginning of August to more than 64m – the equivalent of one for nearly every person in the country.
The figures released by HM Revenue & Customs suggest the scheme – where diners can claim a half-price discount up to a maximum of £10 per head on food and non-alcoholic drink on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August – has provided a much-needed boost for the embattled hospitality sector.The figures released by HM Revenue & Customs suggest the scheme – where diners can claim a half-price discount up to a maximum of £10 per head on food and non-alcoholic drink on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August – has provided a much-needed boost for the embattled hospitality sector.
Ahead of the end of the scheme next week, the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, said the figures demonstrated how popular it had been so far, with 10.5m meals claimed in the first week, rising to 35m in the second and 64m by the third.Ahead of the end of the scheme next week, the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, said the figures demonstrated how popular it had been so far, with 10.5m meals claimed in the first week, rising to 35m in the second and 64m by the third.
Autistic children need time to prepare for changes on wearing face coverings within schools, a charity has said, after Boris Johnson hinted at a U-turn on the policy.Autistic children need time to prepare for changes on wearing face coverings within schools, a charity has said, after Boris Johnson hinted at a U-turn on the policy.
Tim Nicholls, the head of policy and public affairs at the National Autistic Society, said face coverings in schools would be another “unexpected change” for autistic children.Tim Nicholls, the head of policy and public affairs at the National Autistic Society, said face coverings in schools would be another “unexpected change” for autistic children.
Secondary school pupils in Scotland will be required to wear face coverings in between lessons from Monday, while the prime minister suggested there could be a change to the current advice for schools in England.Secondary school pupils in Scotland will be required to wear face coverings in between lessons from Monday, while the prime minister suggested there could be a change to the current advice for schools in England.
The current guidance says face coverings are not recommended, but Boris Johnson told reporters: “If we need to change the advice then of course we will.”The current guidance says face coverings are not recommended, but Boris Johnson told reporters: “If we need to change the advice then of course we will.”
Nicholls said wearing a mask could feel suffocating and overwhelming for some pupils with autism, while others may have difficulty understanding why it was required.Nicholls said wearing a mask could feel suffocating and overwhelming for some pupils with autism, while others may have difficulty understanding why it was required.
“They are going back to schools that look and feel incredibly different from when they were last there,” he told the PA Media news agency.“They are going back to schools that look and feel incredibly different from when they were last there,” he told the PA Media news agency.
Parliamentary authorities have been accused of censorship after refusing to accept a charity’s petition highlighting non-Covid patients not receiving NHS care during the pandemic.Parliamentary authorities have been accused of censorship after refusing to accept a charity’s petition highlighting non-Covid patients not receiving NHS care during the pandemic.
Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) submitted the petition in June. It said that NHS England’s decision in March to restrict most normal care, so that hospitals could focus on the influx of Covid patients, “has meant access even to urgent diagnostic procedures and treatment for non-covid conditions has been severely restricted, putting lives at risk”.Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) submitted the petition in June. It said that NHS England’s decision in March to restrict most normal care, so that hospitals could focus on the influx of Covid patients, “has meant access even to urgent diagnostic procedures and treatment for non-covid conditions has been severely restricted, putting lives at risk”.
But parliament’s petition team, which decides which proposals are hosted online, rejected AvMA’s petition, saying that reopening NHS services now that the pandemic has subsided is not a matter for ministers.But parliament’s petition team, which decides which proposals are hosted online, rejected AvMA’s petition, saying that reopening NHS services now that the pandemic has subsided is not a matter for ministers.
It said: “We can’t accept your petition because the UK government aren’t responsible for the issue you raise. This is an operational matter for the NHS.”It said: “We can’t accept your petition because the UK government aren’t responsible for the issue you raise. This is an operational matter for the NHS.”
Government ministers have been told they still have questions to answer over this summer’s grading chaos, following the resignation of the Ofqual chief regulator in the wake of the A-level and GCSE results U-turn in England.Government ministers have been told they still have questions to answer over this summer’s grading chaos, following the resignation of the Ofqual chief regulator in the wake of the A-level and GCSE results U-turn in England.
Sally Collier will be replaced by her predecessor Dame Glenys Stacey, the exams regulator said.Sally Collier will be replaced by her predecessor Dame Glenys Stacey, the exams regulator said.
In a statement on Tuesday, Ofqual said Collier had decided “that the next stage of the awarding process would be better overseen by new leadership”.In a statement on Tuesday, Ofqual said Collier had decided “that the next stage of the awarding process would be better overseen by new leadership”.
However, the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) said questions still remained for ministers over what went wrong, and the National Education Union (NEU) said issues “run far deeper than the actions of one chief executive”.However, the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) said questions still remained for ministers over what went wrong, and the National Education Union (NEU) said issues “run far deeper than the actions of one chief executive”.
The Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman, Layla Moran, accused the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, of letting someone else “take the blame” for what had happened, and reiterated a call for him to resign.The Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman, Layla Moran, accused the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, of letting someone else “take the blame” for what had happened, and reiterated a call for him to resign.
The education select committee has said Ofqual representatives will appear in front of MPs on 2 September, while Williamson is due before the committee on 16 September.The education select committee has said Ofqual representatives will appear in front of MPs on 2 September, while Williamson is due before the committee on 16 September.
The committee chairman, Robert Halfon, said Collier had agreed to appear in front of MPs before her resignation and he hoped she still would.The committee chairman, Robert Halfon, said Collier had agreed to appear in front of MPs before her resignation and he hoped she still would.
Geoff Barton, the general secretary of the ASCL said Collier’s resignation “follows the failure of the statistical model that led to this year’s grading fiasco, but the fault is not hers alone”. He added:Geoff Barton, the general secretary of the ASCL said Collier’s resignation “follows the failure of the statistical model that led to this year’s grading fiasco, but the fault is not hers alone”. He added:
The ASCL has written to Williamson to request an “immediate independent review to rapidly establish what happened and what went wrong”.The ASCL has written to Williamson to request an “immediate independent review to rapidly establish what happened and what went wrong”.
Barton added: “We believe that public confidence has been so badly damaged that full transparency is essential.”Barton added: “We believe that public confidence has been so badly damaged that full transparency is essential.”
The NEU joint general secretary Kevin Courtney said:The NEU joint general secretary Kevin Courtney said:
There have been a further 1,184 Covid-19 cases recorded in the UK, and 16 more deaths, Public Health England has confirmed after technical problems with the online Covid-19 dashboard, which is failing to load data.There have been a further 1,184 Covid-19 cases recorded in the UK, and 16 more deaths, Public Health England has confirmed after technical problems with the online Covid-19 dashboard, which is failing to load data.
This takes the total number of recorded cases to 327,798 and the total number of fatalities to 41,449.This takes the total number of recorded cases to 327,798 and the total number of fatalities to 41,449.
The coronavirus pandemic has led to a dip in the number of cancer patients in England being treated with radiotherapy, a charity has said.The coronavirus pandemic has led to a dip in the number of cancer patients in England being treated with radiotherapy, a charity has said.
New analysis by Macmillan Cancer Support found that the number of people in England receiving radiotherapy for one of five common types of cancer dropped 24% in April.New analysis by Macmillan Cancer Support found that the number of people in England receiving radiotherapy for one of five common types of cancer dropped 24% in April.
There were around 3,500 records of people with breast, prostate, lung, bladder or oesophageal cancer having radiotherapy in April this year, compared with around 4,600 in April 2019.There were around 3,500 records of people with breast, prostate, lung, bladder or oesophageal cancer having radiotherapy in April this year, compared with around 4,600 in April 2019.
Radiotherapy data from Public Health England’s national cancer registration and analysis service showed the figures increased in May when there were 4,800 records of people with these types of cancer having radiotherapy.Radiotherapy data from Public Health England’s national cancer registration and analysis service showed the figures increased in May when there were 4,800 records of people with these types of cancer having radiotherapy.
But the figure was still 14% down on last year, according to the Macmillan analysis.But the figure was still 14% down on last year, according to the Macmillan analysis.
Sara Bainbridge, the head of policy and influence at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:Sara Bainbridge, the head of policy and influence at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:
In further research, Jo’s Cervical Cancer found that minority ethnic women are less likely than white women to attend cervical cancer screenings during the pandemic.In further research, Jo’s Cervical Cancer found that minority ethnic women are less likely than white women to attend cervical cancer screenings during the pandemic.
Figures from the charity, published by the Guardian, show that black, Asian and minority ethnic women (BAME) are twice as likely (20%) to be strongly worried about contracting the virus at a cervical cancer screening than white women (9.4%).Figures from the charity, published by the Guardian, show that black, Asian and minority ethnic women (BAME) are twice as likely (20%) to be strongly worried about contracting the virus at a cervical cancer screening than white women (9.4%).
Two in five BAME women (39.6%) said they would feel unsafe visiting a doctor’s surgery at the moment compared with 27.2% of white women, according to a poll of 2,000 women.Two in five BAME women (39.6%) said they would feel unsafe visiting a doctor’s surgery at the moment compared with 27.2% of white women, according to a poll of 2,000 women.
And 17.3% of women with BAME heritage said they believe that delaying cervical cancer screening is the safest thing to do at the moment, compared with 8.1% of white women.And 17.3% of women with BAME heritage said they believe that delaying cervical cancer screening is the safest thing to do at the moment, compared with 8.1% of white women.
Coronavirus restrictions in parts of northern England are expected to continue when the government reviews existing measures later this week, but will be more tightly targeted and focus on smaller areas.Coronavirus restrictions in parts of northern England are expected to continue when the government reviews existing measures later this week, but will be more tightly targeted and focus on smaller areas.
People in Oldham in Greater Manchester, and in specific wards in Pendle and Blackburn in Lancashire were told not to socialise with anyone outside their household from midnight on Saturday.People in Oldham in Greater Manchester, and in specific wards in Pendle and Blackburn in Lancashire were told not to socialise with anyone outside their household from midnight on Saturday.
They were also advised to only use public transport if essential and numbers attending weddings, civil partnerships and funerals were restricted to up to 20.They were also advised to only use public transport if essential and numbers attending weddings, civil partnerships and funerals were restricted to up to 20.
Council chiefs in Blackburn welcomed the announcement after they campaigned for a targeted approach at a “really local level” and said resources and efforts could be concentrated on the places that needed it most.Council chiefs in Blackburn welcomed the announcement after they campaigned for a targeted approach at a “really local level” and said resources and efforts could be concentrated on the places that needed it most.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) also lifted restrictions in Wigan, Rossendale and Darwen, bringing them in line with the rest of England.The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) also lifted restrictions in Wigan, Rossendale and Darwen, bringing them in line with the rest of England.
The next announcement by the DHSC on restrictions in the “northern area of intervention” is due to take place after a meeting on Thursday of the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) chaired by the health and social care secretary, Matt Hancock, and England’s chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty.The next announcement by the DHSC on restrictions in the “northern area of intervention” is due to take place after a meeting on Thursday of the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) chaired by the health and social care secretary, Matt Hancock, and England’s chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty.
Local councils and MPs are expected to make their recommendations to the JBC by Wednesday over where, if any, restrictions should be imposed in their local areas.Local councils and MPs are expected to make their recommendations to the JBC by Wednesday over where, if any, restrictions should be imposed in their local areas.
The Tory leader of Bolton council has called on the government to lift restrictions in the borough.The Tory leader of Bolton council has called on the government to lift restrictions in the borough.
Councillor David Greenhalgh said:Councillor David Greenhalgh said:
Mohammed Iqbal, the leader of Pendle council, criticised the extra restrictions imposed in the borough as the number of Covid-19 cases continued to fall. He said:Mohammed Iqbal, the leader of Pendle council, criticised the extra restrictions imposed in the borough as the number of Covid-19 cases continued to fall. He said:
Last week Hancock said: “Our approach is to make the action we take as targeted as possible, with the maximum possible local consensus.Last week Hancock said: “Our approach is to make the action we take as targeted as possible, with the maximum possible local consensus.
“To do that we are introducing a new process to increase engagement between local leaders, both councils and MPs, with the aim of taking as targeted action as possible.“To do that we are introducing a new process to increase engagement between local leaders, both councils and MPs, with the aim of taking as targeted action as possible.
“This will allow local councils to focus resources on to the wards which need more targeted intervention in order to drive infection rates down, and gives local people a stronger voice at the table.”“This will allow local councils to focus resources on to the wards which need more targeted intervention in order to drive infection rates down, and gives local people a stronger voice at the table.”
The Guardian’s deputy political editor is reporting that a number of Tory MPs are concerned about a possible government U-turn on masks in schools as Boris Johnson comes under growing pressure to review Public Health England advice which “does not recommend them”.The Guardian’s deputy political editor is reporting that a number of Tory MPs are concerned about a possible government U-turn on masks in schools as Boris Johnson comes under growing pressure to review Public Health England advice which “does not recommend them”.
“Several are strongly opposed and want concerns conveyed to Number 10,” Jessica Elgot has tweeted.“Several are strongly opposed and want concerns conveyed to Number 10,” Jessica Elgot has tweeted.
A 75-year-old woman from Nottinghamshire was the earliest person to catch coronavirus in the UK, according to new research from scientists which also shows that the disease was widely circulating in communities in early February, reports Amy Walker. Scientists believe a 75-year-old woman from Nottinghamshire was the first known person to catch coronavirus in the UK and the earliest to die from it, as research shows the disease was circulating widely in communities in early February.
Samples analysed by the University of Nottingham show the woman tested positive for the virus on 21 February. She is also believed to be the first person in the country to die from Covid-19, after being admitted to hospital with severe breathing difficulties. Samples analysed by the University of Nottingham show the unnamed woman, who had an underlying health condition, tested positive for the virus on 21 February.
It was previously believed that the UK’s first case was a man in Surrey who contracted the virus later in February. The results of a retrospective analysis of samples from a Nottingham hospital, dating back to January 2020, found the virus was circulating in communities between early February and March, and was undetected because of restrictive case definitions informing testing policy at the time. She was admitted to Queen’s medical centre (QMC), in Nottingham, and died on 3 March, two days earlier than the first recorded Covid-19 death in the UK. Her positive coronavirus test results were not returned until 16 March, almost two weeks after her death.
Initial testing for coronavirus in the UK required that a patient had a recent travel history to Hubei province in China or contact with a known case and one or more symptoms of fever, shortness of breath and a new and persistent dry cough. Previously, the first case caught in the UK was believed to be a man in Surrey who was reported to have tested positive on 28 February.
This criteria was revised on several occasions to include travel to mainland China and several other Asian countries initially, then expanded further to include Iran and northern Italy, before finally being removed as essential criteria for diagnostic testing by mid-March. Scientists retrospectively analysed samples from the QMC hospital dating back to January, and discovered the virus had been circulating in the area between early February and March.
DNA sequencing conducted as part of the analysis by the university showed there had been multiple introductions of the virus into the East Midlands before wide scale testing was introduced. Their study said this was undetected at the time because the government was restrictive both in its definition of coronavirus symptoms, and over who could be tested.
It also found that the first official case of coronavirus in the area – a traveller who returned from South Korea on 28 February – had most likely caught the virus in Nottingham, rather than in South Korea as had been assumed. Read the full story here:
The National Deaf Children’s Society said that schools and colleges must be ready to meet the needs of deaf pupils - such as investing in clear masks. The National Deaf Children’s Society said that schools and colleges must be ready to meet the needs of deaf pupils by doing things such as investing in clear masks.
As speculation builds that the government may be about to a policy U-turn which would pave the way for near-mandatory use of face coverings in English schools, the organisation said that the use of facemasks in education would have serious consequences for the UK’s 50,000 deaf children. As speculation builds that the government may be about to make a policy U-turn, paving the way for near-mandatory use of face coverings in English schools, the organisation said the use of face masks in education would have serious consequences for the UK’s 50,000 deaf children.
Ian Noon, chief policy adviser of the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: Ian Noon, the chief policy adviser of the National Deaf Children’s Society, said:
A mother has said she will not send her son to school if rules in England are not changed, and he is not allowed to wear a mask.A mother has said she will not send her son to school if rules in England are not changed, and he is not allowed to wear a mask.
Amid increasing pressure, Boris Johnson has hinted that guidance which says face coverings are not required for schoolchildren in England could be changed, with some reports saying a U-turn has already been agreed by the government.Amid increasing pressure, Boris Johnson has hinted that guidance which says face coverings are not required for schoolchildren in England could be changed, with some reports saying a U-turn has already been agreed by the government.
Debra Kidd, 52, is from Saddleworth, near Oldham, Greater Manchester, where additional lockdown measures are currently in place amid a rise in coronavirus cases.Debra Kidd, 52, is from Saddleworth, near Oldham, Greater Manchester, where additional lockdown measures are currently in place amid a rise in coronavirus cases.
She told the PA Media news agency her son Sam, 13, had been told by Saddleworth school that children would not be required to wear masks and would be expected to remove them at the front gates.She told the PA Media news agency her son Sam, 13, had been told by Saddleworth school that children would not be required to wear masks and would be expected to remove them at the front gates.
“We’ve complained about this and the school says it is following government guidance,” she said. “Our position is that if he can’t wear a mask, he’s not going back.”“We’ve complained about this and the school says it is following government guidance,” she said. “Our position is that if he can’t wear a mask, he’s not going back.”
Virgin Atlantic says it has reached “a significant milestone in safeguarding its future” after creditors voted to approve a £1.2bn bailout.Virgin Atlantic says it has reached “a significant milestone in safeguarding its future” after creditors voted to approve a £1.2bn bailout.
The vote was a key part of a court-sanctioned process being used by the airline to implement the deal.The vote was a key part of a court-sanctioned process being used by the airline to implement the deal.
It warned earlier this month it could run out of money by the end of September if the rescue package was rejected.It warned earlier this month it could run out of money by the end of September if the rescue package was rejected.
The company said in a statement:The company said in a statement:
Phil Hogan, the European trade commissioner who is battling to save his job, has sent the European commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, a 20-page summary of his movements during the period he breached lockdown rules in Ireland.Phil Hogan, the European trade commissioner who is battling to save his job, has sent the European commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, a 20-page summary of his movements during the period he breached lockdown rules in Ireland.
Hogan, a former Irish minister whose role at the commission makes him a key figure in post-Brexit trade deal talks between the EU and the UK, has apologised for attending an event in his home country that may have breached Covid-19 regulations but he remains under pressure. Von der Leyen requested detailed of his movements.Hogan, a former Irish minister whose role at the commission makes him a key figure in post-Brexit trade deal talks between the EU and the UK, has apologised for attending an event in his home country that may have breached Covid-19 regulations but he remains under pressure. Von der Leyen requested detailed of his movements.
The commission has published details of a memo from Hogan here, but holes are already being picked in the details provided.The commission has published details of a memo from Hogan here, but holes are already being picked in the details provided.
Five patients on a cancer ward in Northern Ireland have tested positive for Covid-19.Five patients on a cancer ward in Northern Ireland have tested positive for Covid-19.
It is the second cluster of infections at Craigavon Area hospital in Co Armagh. A member of staff has tested positive and three close staff contacts are self-isolating as a precaution, the Southern health and social care trust said.It is the second cluster of infections at Craigavon Area hospital in Co Armagh. A member of staff has tested positive and three close staff contacts are self-isolating as a precaution, the Southern health and social care trust said.
It added: “Covid-19 is rising again in our community. We urgently appeal to everyone to wash their hands, cover their face and maintain social distancing.It added: “Covid-19 is rising again in our community. We urgently appeal to everyone to wash their hands, cover their face and maintain social distancing.
The ward is closed to admissions. Trust staff are working closely with the Public Health Agency to manage the situation.The ward is closed to admissions. Trust staff are working closely with the Public Health Agency to manage the situation.
Trials of the Oxford coronavirus vaccine may have gathered enough data to show whether it works and is safe by the end of the year – but it will then need to go through the regulatory process, scientists say.Trials of the Oxford coronavirus vaccine may have gathered enough data to show whether it works and is safe by the end of the year – but it will then need to go through the regulatory process, scientists say.
Prof Andrew Pollard, the director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said it is “just possible” that there may be enough clinical trial data on Oxford University’s Covid-19 vaccine to put before the regulators this year.Prof Andrew Pollard, the director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said it is “just possible” that there may be enough clinical trial data on Oxford University’s Covid-19 vaccine to put before the regulators this year.
Prof Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, has said a vaccine may not be ready until next winter. Pollard suggested they were hoping to go faster.Prof Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, has said a vaccine may not be ready until next winter. Pollard suggested they were hoping to go faster.
“I think that Chris Whitty is quite rightly being cautious, that it could take as long as that to first of all demonstrate a vaccine works and is safe and then to go through the processes of regulators looking at that very carefully to make sure everything’s been done correctly,” Pollard told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.“I think that Chris Whitty is quite rightly being cautious, that it could take as long as that to first of all demonstrate a vaccine works and is safe and then to go through the processes of regulators looking at that very carefully to make sure everything’s been done correctly,” Pollard told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Students have begun receiving their BTec grades, a week after exam board Pearson withdrew some and delayed the publication of others to give itself time to recalculate scores in the week of the A-level exam results fiasco.Students have begun receiving their BTec grades, a week after exam board Pearson withdrew some and delayed the publication of others to give itself time to recalculate scores in the week of the A-level exam results fiasco.
About 200,000 people who had taken the level one and two vocational qualifications were told last week, just hours before results day, that they would not be receiving them on time. A further 250,000 level-three grades, which had already been awarded, were also reassessed.About 200,000 people who had taken the level one and two vocational qualifications were told last week, just hours before results day, that they would not be receiving them on time. A further 250,000 level-three grades, which had already been awarded, were also reassessed.
It came after an outcry over A-level and GCSE results led to the scrapping of an algorithm that had calculated pupils’ grades in lieu of exams. After the algorithm downgraded the results of many pupils from the estimates given by their teachers, while apparently favouring pupils from private schools, pupils held multiple protests with many calling for the resignation of the education secretary, Gavin Williamson.It came after an outcry over A-level and GCSE results led to the scrapping of an algorithm that had calculated pupils’ grades in lieu of exams. After the algorithm downgraded the results of many pupils from the estimates given by their teachers, while apparently favouring pupils from private schools, pupils held multiple protests with many calling for the resignation of the education secretary, Gavin Williamson.
Boris Johnson is facing fresh calls to meet bereaved families who lost their loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic.Boris Johnson is facing fresh calls to meet bereaved families who lost their loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group said they have asked for meetings with the prime minister on four occasions.The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group said they have asked for meetings with the prime minister on four occasions.
Earlier this month, the all-party parliamentary group on Coronavirus heard from bereaved families who said they felt they are being “swept under the carpet” by the government.Earlier this month, the all-party parliamentary group on Coronavirus heard from bereaved families who said they felt they are being “swept under the carpet” by the government.
The APPG chairwoman, Liberal Democrat Layla Moran, wrote to the prime minister and said she was shocked to learn that he had “refused” to meet the group - which represents 1,450 families.The APPG chairwoman, Liberal Democrat Layla Moran, wrote to the prime minister and said she was shocked to learn that he had “refused” to meet the group - which represents 1,450 families.
Commenting on the letter, Jo Goodman, who lost her father, Stuart, after he was diagnosed with Covid-19 aged 72, said:Commenting on the letter, Jo Goodman, who lost her father, Stuart, after he was diagnosed with Covid-19 aged 72, said: