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UK coronavirus live: secondary school pupils in Scotland should wear face coverings from Monday UK coronavirus live: new face mask rules for older pupils in Scotland; MPs to question Ofqual and Williamson
(32 minutes later)
Wearing masks in Scotland will not be mandatory, while in England Alok Sharma, business secretary, says pupils and staff will not be penalised for wearing masks Exam watchdog chiefs and education secretary to face questions; secondary school pupils to cover faces from Monday
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 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.
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”.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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 Professor 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.
The business secretary, Alok Sharma, has waded into the controversy over the Last Night of the Proms featuring traditional flag-waving anthems Rule, Britannia! and Land of Hope and Glory.The business secretary, Alok Sharma, has 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.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. Asked about the controversy, Sharma told Sky News on Tuesday: “The Last Night of the Proms gives huge amounts of pleasure to millions of people. I personally think it’s a very joyous occasion and it’s going to be very strange this year that you’re not going to have a live audience.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. Asked about the controversy, Sharma told Sky News on Tuesday: “The Last Night of the Proms gives huge amounts of pleasure to millions of people. I personally think it’s a very joyous occasion and it’s going to be very strange this year that you’re not going to have a live audience.
“I understand now that the BBC has said they will maintain some of these traditions. Personally, I would like to see the lyrics sung. I understand some songs will have lyrics sung and, of course, the BBC is always able to put on subtitles so if people want they can join in from home.“I understand now that the BBC has said they will maintain some of these traditions. Personally, I would like to see the lyrics sung. I understand some songs will have lyrics sung and, of course, the BBC is always able to put on subtitles so if people want they can join in from home.
“I think what’s really important is that if you’re looking at this sort of stuff is, you should be looking to tackle the substance of problems, rather than the symbols. I think that’s a point the prime minister has made very well.”“I think what’s really important is that if you’re looking at this sort of stuff is, you should be looking to tackle the substance of problems, rather than the symbols. I think that’s a point the prime minister has made very well.”
Latest figures from public health authorities on the spread of Covid-19 in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.Latest figures from public health authorities on the spread of Covid-19 in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
People with eating disorders are at significant risk of negative impacts of the pandemic, a research paper says.People with eating disorders are at significant risk of negative impacts of the pandemic, a research paper says.
Data was collected from 129 people experiencing, or in recovery from, an eating disorder during the early stages of the UK pandemic lockdown. Participants were aged between 16 and 65 years.Data was collected from 129 people experiencing, or in recovery from, an eating disorder during the early stages of the UK pandemic lockdown. Participants were aged between 16 and 65 years.
When asked about the overall impact of the pandemic on their eating disorder symptoms, (86.7%) reported that their symptoms had worsened as a result of the pandemic, with over 30% reporting that their symptoms were much worse.When asked about the overall impact of the pandemic on their eating disorder symptoms, (86.7%) reported that their symptoms had worsened as a result of the pandemic, with over 30% reporting that their symptoms were much worse.
The paper was published in the Journal of Eating Disorders.The paper was published in the Journal of Eating Disorders.
People with blood cancer are at greater risk of dying if they go to hospital with coronavirus than people with other types of cancer, research shows.People with blood cancer are at greater risk of dying if they go to hospital with coronavirus than people with other types of cancer, research shows.
A paper published by Lancet Oncology found that of 224 people with blood cancer (leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma) who got coronavirus and ended up in hospital, 36% of them died.A paper published by Lancet Oncology found that of 224 people with blood cancer (leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma) who got coronavirus and ended up in hospital, 36% of them died.
There are more than 200,000 people with blood cancer who are in the “extremely clinically vulnerable” group.There are more than 200,000 people with blood cancer who are in the “extremely clinically vulnerable” group.
Analysis found that once you account for age and gender, people with leukaemia are more than twice as likely to die (125%) if they are diagnosed with coronavirus than the average person with cancer.Analysis found that once you account for age and gender, people with leukaemia are more than twice as likely to die (125%) if they are diagnosed with coronavirus than the average person with cancer.
People with lymphoma are 72% more likely to die, and people with myeloma are 65% more likely to die. People with other types of blood cancer appear slightly less likely to die (around 20% less likely) than the average person with cancer.People with lymphoma are 72% more likely to die, and people with myeloma are 65% more likely to die. People with other types of blood cancer appear slightly less likely to die (around 20% less likely) than the average person with cancer.
Gemma Peters, chief executive of Blood Cancer UK, said: “These findings confirm that the coronavirus is especially dangerous for people with blood cancer, and they will be very worrying for the 200,000 people in the UK who have been shielding because of it.Gemma Peters, chief executive of Blood Cancer UK, said: “These findings confirm that the coronavirus is especially dangerous for people with blood cancer, and they will be very worrying for the 200,000 people in the UK who have been shielding because of it.
“Thankfully, the coronavirus is now less prevalent in society than it was a few months ago, and so we’re no longer in a position where people with blood cancer shouldn’t leave their homes at all. But given they are at greater risk than people with other types of cancer, it’s important that people with blood cancer talk to their healthcare team about their own personal risk and that they do everything they can to avoid the virus. This includes avoiding coming into contact with people and avoiding crowded places, particularly indoors. And if they do develop symptoms of Covid-19 it is important they talk to their specialist blood cancer team immediately.“Thankfully, the coronavirus is now less prevalent in society than it was a few months ago, and so we’re no longer in a position where people with blood cancer shouldn’t leave their homes at all. But given they are at greater risk than people with other types of cancer, it’s important that people with blood cancer talk to their healthcare team about their own personal risk and that they do everything they can to avoid the virus. This includes avoiding coming into contact with people and avoiding crowded places, particularly indoors. And if they do develop symptoms of Covid-19 it is important they talk to their specialist blood cancer team immediately.
“As well as this, the government needs to do more to support people with blood cancer to protect themselves. In particular, ending the shielding scheme has effectively forced people with blood cancer to go back to work at a time when it is becoming increasingly clear they are high risk of dying if they get the virus.”“As well as this, the government needs to do more to support people with blood cancer to protect themselves. In particular, ending the shielding scheme has effectively forced people with blood cancer to go back to work at a time when it is becoming increasingly clear they are high risk of dying if they get the virus.”
Tesco is to permanently employ 16,000 extra staff taken on during the pandemic to help support a surge in online grocery trade.Tesco is to permanently employ 16,000 extra staff taken on during the pandemic to help support a surge in online grocery trade.
The roles include 10,000 pickers, who select and pack grocery orders for home delivery, and 3,000 drivers, as well as a variety of other roles in stores and distribution centres.The roles include 10,000 pickers, who select and pack grocery orders for home delivery, and 3,000 drivers, as well as a variety of other roles in stores and distribution centres.
Tesco’s move comes after the electrical goods specialist AO.com, the DIY chain Kingfisher and the delivery firms DPD and Hermes hired thousands more workers combined to cope with the rise in home deliveries.Tesco’s move comes after the electrical goods specialist AO.com, the DIY chain Kingfisher and the delivery firms DPD and Hermes hired thousands more workers combined to cope with the rise in home deliveries.
However, the shift online has hit high streets hard, with Marks & Spencer, John Lewis and Boots among the chains shutting stores and cutting jobs. London department store Liberty is also planning redundancies via a voluntary scheme under which at least 50 of its 550-plus UK team are expected to go.However, the shift online has hit high streets hard, with Marks & Spencer, John Lewis and Boots among the chains shutting stores and cutting jobs. London department store Liberty is also planning redundancies via a voluntary scheme under which at least 50 of its 550-plus UK team are expected to go.
Stress and exhaustion from the Covid-19 crisis threaten to intensify burnout among women working in the NHS just as it prepares to resume most services, according to a survey that has prompted calls for greater support for female staff.Stress and exhaustion from the Covid-19 crisis threaten to intensify burnout among women working in the NHS just as it prepares to resume most services, according to a survey that has prompted calls for greater support for female staff.
The pandemic had amplified alleged bullying, sexism and racism on the part of managers, some workers also warned, while 26% of women said they did not feel safe sharing personal concerns with their boss.The pandemic had amplified alleged bullying, sexism and racism on the part of managers, some workers also warned, while 26% of women said they did not feel safe sharing personal concerns with their boss.
This was especially true for staff from a minority ethnic background, who also reported feeling traumatised by the disproportionate impact of the virus, said the Health and Care Women Leaders Network of the NHS Confederation, which carried out the survey.This was especially true for staff from a minority ethnic background, who also reported feeling traumatised by the disproportionate impact of the virus, said the Health and Care Women Leaders Network of the NHS Confederation, which carried out the survey.
The exams debacle could fatally undermine Boris Johnson’s claim to be a champion of “levelling up”, a former education secretary has said.The exams debacle could fatally undermine Boris Johnson’s claim to be a champion of “levelling up”, a former education secretary has said.
Justine Greening, who was education secretary for two years under Theresa May, said that more had to be done to ensure young people were not failed again by the government.Justine Greening, who was education secretary for two years under Theresa May, said that more had to be done to ensure young people were not failed again by the government.
She said the fallout from the crisis, in which poorer pupils suffered disproportionately as A-level results were downgraded by algorithm until a humiliating government U-turn, could do to Johnson what Black Wednesday did to John Major.She said the fallout from the crisis, in which poorer pupils suffered disproportionately as A-level results were downgraded by algorithm until a humiliating government U-turn, could do to Johnson what Black Wednesday did to John Major.
“The exams crisis this summer threatens to be as damaging for the public’s confidence in Boris Johnson’s government’s ability to level up Britain, as the ERM crisis was for John Major’s government’s competence on economic management,” she said.“The exams crisis this summer threatens to be as damaging for the public’s confidence in Boris Johnson’s government’s ability to level up Britain, as the ERM crisis was for John Major’s government’s competence on economic management,” she said.
Greening, writing for the Guardian, also said she believed the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, would have been aware of the risk to disadvantaged pupils before the exams crisis unfolded and that more must be done to help disadvantaged students as schools reopen next week.Greening, writing for the Guardian, also said she believed the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, would have been aware of the risk to disadvantaged pupils before the exams crisis unfolded and that more must be done to help disadvantaged students as schools reopen next week.
“While talk about levelling up has continued, levelling down is what’s happened in reality,” she said.“While talk about levelling up has continued, levelling down is what’s happened in reality,” she said.
Coronavirus has led to more people switching jobs, research for the Office of National statistics shows.Coronavirus has led to more people switching jobs, research for the Office of National statistics shows.
It published an article that looks at people switching occupation in early 2020, and compared with the same period of 2019, before the pandemic.It published an article that looks at people switching occupation in early 2020, and compared with the same period of 2019, before the pandemic.
In 2002, 6.1% changed occupation in the first half of this year, compared with 5.7% in the same period last year.In 2002, 6.1% changed occupation in the first half of this year, compared with 5.7% in the same period last year.
Analysis of only those who have changed occupation in the first half of this year shows that associate professional and technical occupations experienced the greatest percentage of occupational outflows (20.9%) and occupational inflows (21.2%); over half (52.5%) also changed major industry.Analysis of only those who have changed occupation in the first half of this year shows that associate professional and technical occupations experienced the greatest percentage of occupational outflows (20.9%) and occupational inflows (21.2%); over half (52.5%) also changed major industry.
The Coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on the use of algorithms in decision making among government bodies, after one was used by the exam regulator Ofqual in recent A-level results.The Coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on the use of algorithms in decision making among government bodies, after one was used by the exam regulator Ofqual in recent A-level results.
It downgraded almost 40% of grades assessed by teachers, culminating in a humiliating government U-turn and the system being scrapped.It downgraded almost 40% of grades assessed by teachers, culminating in a humiliating government U-turn and the system being scrapped.
Guardian research shows that other uses of algorithms have been dropped with 20 councils no longer using an algorithm to flag claims as “high risk” for potential welfare fraud. The ones they flagged were pulled out by staff to double-check, potentially slowing down people’s claims without them being aware.Guardian research shows that other uses of algorithms have been dropped with 20 councils no longer using an algorithm to flag claims as “high risk” for potential welfare fraud. The ones they flagged were pulled out by staff to double-check, potentially slowing down people’s claims without them being aware.
The Home Office recently stopped using an algorithm to help decide visa applications after allegations that it contained “entrenched racism”. The charity the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) and the digital rights group Foxglove launched a legal challenge against the system, which was scrapped before a case went to court.The Home Office recently stopped using an algorithm to help decide visa applications after allegations that it contained “entrenched racism”. The charity the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) and the digital rights group Foxglove launched a legal challenge against the system, which was scrapped before a case went to court.