This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2020/oct/08/uk-coronavirus-live-delaying-new-covid-restrictions-pubs-risk-of-party-weekend-boris-johnson
The article has changed 20 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 17 | Version 18 |
|---|---|
| UK coronavirus: 17,540 new cases as pubs and restaurants linked with 30% of infections in under-30s – as it happened | UK coronavirus: 17,540 new cases as pubs and restaurants linked with 30% of infections in under-30s – as it happened |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| UK records 17,540 new cases, 77 deaths and 609 new hospital admissions; Chris Whitty presents data on pubs and restaurants | UK records 17,540 new cases, 77 deaths and 609 new hospital admissions; Chris Whitty presents data on pubs and restaurants |
| The UK’s daily coronavirus case count has risen by a quarter in 24 hours, reaching 17,540. (See 4.29pm.) The figures were published a few hours after a health minister said hospitals in England were only 10 days away from reaching a critical point if the virus was not contained. (See 11.27am.) Boris Johnson is now expected to announced further restrictions for England shortly, which could see pubs and restaurants in the worst-affected areas facing full or partial closure. | The UK’s daily coronavirus case count has risen by a quarter in 24 hours, reaching 17,540. (See 4.29pm.) The figures were published a few hours after a health minister said hospitals in England were only 10 days away from reaching a critical point if the virus was not contained. (See 11.27am.) Boris Johnson is now expected to announced further restrictions for England shortly, which could see pubs and restaurants in the worst-affected areas facing full or partial closure. |
| The number of coronavirus patients in intensive care in the north of England will surpass the April peak in 22 days if infections continue rising at the current rate, MPs have been warned in a briefing chaired by Chris Whitty and a minister. | |
| Ministers are facing open revolt from leaders in northern England over fresh coronavirus restrictions due to be announced within days, as mayors, MPs, and council leaders, vowed they would fiercely oppose any new measures without substantial financial support. | Ministers are facing open revolt from leaders in northern England over fresh coronavirus restrictions due to be announced within days, as mayors, MPs, and council leaders, vowed they would fiercely oppose any new measures without substantial financial support. |
| More people died of Covid in the year to August than have died annually from flu and pneumonia combined in any year since 2000. | More people died of Covid in the year to August than have died annually from flu and pneumonia combined in any year since 2000. |
| Just 150 of the 1,000 academic mentors promised as part of the government’s £1bn education catchup plans will be in schools in England by the end of the year, the Guardian has learned. | Just 150 of the 1,000 academic mentors promised as part of the government’s £1bn education catchup plans will be in schools in England by the end of the year, the Guardian has learned. |
| The government faces a potentially serious rebellion over its plans to centralise and accelerate the housebuilding process in England after Theresa May led a string of senior Tory MPs in expressing opposition to the proposals in parliament. | The government faces a potentially serious rebellion over its plans to centralise and accelerate the housebuilding process in England after Theresa May led a string of senior Tory MPs in expressing opposition to the proposals in parliament. |
| The former ITV journalist Allegra Stratton is expected to be announced as the face of Downing Street’s new daily televised press briefings. | |
| That’s all from me for today. But our coverage continues on our global coronavirus live blog. It’s here. | That’s all from me for today. But our coverage continues on our global coronavirus live blog. It’s here. |
| The coronavirus crisis could result in 900,000 more people in the UK developing chronic health conditions through reduced employment, according to an expert report. | The coronavirus crisis could result in 900,000 more people in the UK developing chronic health conditions through reduced employment, according to an expert report. |
| Public Health Wales published the report looking at how the economic impact of Covid could affect people’s health. | |
| It is well established that unemployment can have a long-term impact on health, and the figures in the report are based on the assumption that unemployment in Wales could rise from 3.8% last year to 7% (a figure based on a Bank of England projection). | |
| Rajendra Kadel, a public health economist at Public Health Wales and the lead author of the report, said: | |
| The report suggests that, with unemployment rising in line with the projection, the proportion of people in Wales with a longstanding illness could increase from 46.4% before the pandemic to 50.3% in 2022-23. | |
| For adults with a limiting longstanding illness, the impact would be more extreme, the report says. It says the proportion of adults with a limiting longstanding illness could rise from 18.1% before the pandemic to 24.4% in 2022-23. | |
| A UK government report (pdf) on the possible long-term direct and indirect health impacts of coronavirus, released earlier this year along with other documents from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, said there could be “18,000 excess deaths as a result of the medium-term mortality impacts of the lockdown-induced recession, occurring two to five years following the lockdown”. | |
| The tourist hotspots of Santorini and Zante are among Greek islands being added to England’s travel corridor in a rare boost to holidaymakers’ plans, meaning visitors returning from there will no longer need to quarantine for a fortnight. | The tourist hotspots of Santorini and Zante are among Greek islands being added to England’s travel corridor in a rare boost to holidaymakers’ plans, meaning visitors returning from there will no longer need to quarantine for a fortnight. |
| Lesbos, Serifos and Tinos are also being added to the list of locations exempt from Covid-19 quarantine restrictions, Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, has announced. The new changes, prompted by a decrease in confirmed coronavirus cases, come into effect from 4am on Saturday. | |
| But plans for people travelling to Italy have been dealt a blow after the country – which is still on England’s travel corridor list– introduced compulsory Covid testing for UK visitors. | |
| Italy’s minister of health, Roberto Speranza, announced that arrivals from countries deemed “at greater risk” for the virus, including the UK, France and Spain, must now provide evidence of a negative test taken in the 72 hours before travel. | Italy’s minister of health, Roberto Speranza, announced that arrivals from countries deemed “at greater risk” for the virus, including the UK, France and Spain, must now provide evidence of a negative test taken in the 72 hours before travel. |
| The Scottish government has recorded 1,027 new coronavirus cases and five new deaths. Some 13.5% of tests being carried out are positive. The details are here. | The Scottish government has recorded 1,027 new coronavirus cases and five new deaths. Some 13.5% of tests being carried out are positive. The details are here. |
| The figures for new cases in Scotland are slightly below yesterday’s (1,054), but much higher than this time last week (668). | The figures for new cases in Scotland are slightly below yesterday’s (1,054), but much higher than this time last week (668). |
| Public Health Wales has recorded 638 new cases and one further death. The details are here. | Public Health Wales has recorded 638 new cases and one further death. The details are here. |
| The number of new cases in Wales is down on yesterday (752) but much higher than the day before (425). | The number of new cases in Wales is down on yesterday (752) but much higher than the day before (425). |
| And in Northern Ireland the Department of Health has recorded 923 new cases (up from 828 yesterday) and one further death (the same as yesterday). The details are here. | And in Northern Ireland the Department of Health has recorded 923 new cases (up from 828 yesterday) and one further death (the same as yesterday). The details are here. |
| The public appointments commissioner, Peter Riddell, has labelled “authoritatively inspired” reports floating former newspaper editors Charles Moore and Paul Dacre for top jobs at the BBC and Ofcom “extremely unhelpful”, warning they risk prejudicing the recruitment process. | The public appointments commissioner, Peter Riddell, has labelled “authoritatively inspired” reports floating former newspaper editors Charles Moore and Paul Dacre for top jobs at the BBC and Ofcom “extremely unhelpful”, warning they risk prejudicing the recruitment process. |
| It emerged last month that ex-Telegraph editor, Moore, was Downing Street’s choice to be the next BBC chairman although he has since ruled himself out. Former Daily Mail editor Dacre was also said to have been approached by Boris Johnson to become chairman of the communications watchdog, Ofcom. | It emerged last month that ex-Telegraph editor, Moore, was Downing Street’s choice to be the next BBC chairman although he has since ruled himself out. Former Daily Mail editor Dacre was also said to have been approached by Boris Johnson to become chairman of the communications watchdog, Ofcom. |
| Referencing the reports concerning Dacre, Moore, as well as Robbie Gibb, who ran No 10’s press team under Theresa May and is now reportedly a frontrunner for the BBC role, Riddell was asked whether he was concerned individuals were apparently being lined up for the roles before the recruitment process had begun. | Referencing the reports concerning Dacre, Moore, as well as Robbie Gibb, who ran No 10’s press team under Theresa May and is now reportedly a frontrunner for the BBC role, Riddell was asked whether he was concerned individuals were apparently being lined up for the roles before the recruitment process had begun. |
| In response, Riddell told the public administration and constitutional affairs committee this afternoon: | In response, Riddell told the public administration and constitutional affairs committee this afternoon: |
| He further said that the effect would be to deter strong candidates. Two potentially strong candidates for the BBC contacted him last week to question whether it would be a fair and open competition, he said. | He further said that the effect would be to deter strong candidates. Two potentially strong candidates for the BBC contacted him last week to question whether it would be a fair and open competition, he said. |
| He added: “I think to appear to give, which the stories have done, a kind of official sanction that someone who’s lined up, in the phrase you’ve used, is very unhelpful to the process.” | He added: “I think to appear to give, which the stories have done, a kind of official sanction that someone who’s lined up, in the phrase you’ve used, is very unhelpful to the process.” |
| Five more Nightingale courts, with 16 additional courtrooms, are due to open by the end of the month to boost capacity to hear cases during the pandemic. (See 2.52pm.) | Five more Nightingale courts, with 16 additional courtrooms, are due to open by the end of the month to boost capacity to hear cases during the pandemic. (See 2.52pm.) |
| Confirming the scheduled expansion of emergency sites, a spokesperson for HM Courts and Tribunal Service said: | Confirming the scheduled expansion of emergency sites, a spokesperson for HM Courts and Tribunal Service said: |
| As leaders in northern England vow to fiercely oppose any new restrictions, like pub closures, without substantial financial support, it’s worth clarifying exactly what the Scottish government is offering to businesses that are being forced to shut down from Friday. | As leaders in northern England vow to fiercely oppose any new restrictions, like pub closures, without substantial financial support, it’s worth clarifying exactly what the Scottish government is offering to businesses that are being forced to shut down from Friday. |
| Yesterday Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, announced a £40m fund for those affected, but many in the sector have warned that this won’t even cover the required furlough contributions for the period, never mind ongoing fixed costs and stock. | Yesterday Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, announced a £40m fund for those affected, but many in the sector have warned that this won’t even cover the required furlough contributions for the period, never mind ongoing fixed costs and stock. |
| Today, Sturgeon said that the fund would take the form of grants and also a discretionary fund for those impacted, even if they were not required to close. But also added, apropos the ending of the furlough scheme: “We cannot plug all the gaps that are the responsibility of the UK government.” | Today, Sturgeon said that the fund would take the form of grants and also a discretionary fund for those impacted, even if they were not required to close. But also added, apropos the ending of the furlough scheme: “We cannot plug all the gaps that are the responsibility of the UK government.” |
| The number of coronavirus patients in intensive care in the north of England will surpass the April peak if infections continue rising at the current rate, MPs have been warned in a briefing chaired by Chris Whitty and a minister. My colleagues Helen Pidd and Josh Halliday have the story here. | The number of coronavirus patients in intensive care in the north of England will surpass the April peak if infections continue rising at the current rate, MPs have been warned in a briefing chaired by Chris Whitty and a minister. My colleagues Helen Pidd and Josh Halliday have the story here. |
| Here are more figures from the government’s coronavirus dashboard. | Here are more figures from the government’s coronavirus dashboard. |
| The UK has recorded 77 further deaths. This is the highest daily figure since early July, seven more than yesterday’s figure (70) and 18 more than the figure a week ago today (59). It takes the headline total to 42,592. But this only counts people who died within 28 days of testing positive. The dashboard says the total number of deaths where coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificate, registered up to last Friday, is 57,347. | The UK has recorded 77 further deaths. This is the highest daily figure since early July, seven more than yesterday’s figure (70) and 18 more than the figure a week ago today (59). It takes the headline total to 42,592. But this only counts people who died within 28 days of testing positive. The dashboard says the total number of deaths where coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificate, registered up to last Friday, is 57,347. |
| Hospital admissions in England have now passed 500 a day. On Tuesday, the last day for which figures are published on the dashboard, 524 coronavirus patients were admitted to hospital in England - up from 472 the previous day. | Hospital admissions in England have now passed 500 a day. On Tuesday, the last day for which figures are published on the dashboard, 524 coronavirus patients were admitted to hospital in England - up from 472 the previous day. |
| There are now more than 3,000 patients in hospital in England with coronavirus. Yesterday the figure was 2,944, but now it’s 3,044. | There are now more than 3,000 patients in hospital in England with coronavirus. Yesterday the figure was 2,944, but now it’s 3,044. |
| But the number of hospital patients in England on mechanical ventilation has fallen slightly from 376 yesterday to 368 today. | But the number of hospital patients in England on mechanical ventilation has fallen slightly from 376 yesterday to 368 today. |
| The government has updated its daily coronavirus dashboard. And the key figure is startling. | The government has updated its daily coronavirus dashboard. And the key figure is startling. |
| The UK has recorded 17,540 more coronavirus cases. That’s a new daily record (excluding the Sunday figure inflated by the addition of cases that went missing) and an increase of more than 3,000 - or around 25% - on yesterday’s total (14,162). These figures are far higher than any recorded positive case figures at the peak of the epidemic in the spring. That does not mean that overall case numbers are comparable, because much more testing is taking place now, and the overwhelming majority of positive cases in March and April were never picked up by the figures. But the speed of the increase shows why ministers and health officials are so worried about what will happen if the virus is not contained. | The UK has recorded 17,540 more coronavirus cases. That’s a new daily record (excluding the Sunday figure inflated by the addition of cases that went missing) and an increase of more than 3,000 - or around 25% - on yesterday’s total (14,162). These figures are far higher than any recorded positive case figures at the peak of the epidemic in the spring. That does not mean that overall case numbers are comparable, because much more testing is taking place now, and the overwhelming majority of positive cases in March and April were never picked up by the figures. But the speed of the increase shows why ministers and health officials are so worried about what will happen if the virus is not contained. |
| At a briefing for MPs from the north of England and the Midlands earlier, Prof Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, presented data showing that pubs and restaurants are implicated in more than 30% of coronavirus infections amongst the under-30s - the group amongst whom the virus is spreading most quickly, according to HuffPost’s Arj Singh. | At a briefing for MPs from the north of England and the Midlands earlier, Prof Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, presented data showing that pubs and restaurants are implicated in more than 30% of coronavirus infections amongst the under-30s - the group amongst whom the virus is spreading most quickly, according to HuffPost’s Arj Singh. |
| If you include not just customers in pubs and restaurants, but people who work in them, the figure for under-30s reaches more than 40% of cases. | If you include not just customers in pubs and restaurants, but people who work in them, the figure for under-30s reaches more than 40% of cases. |
| Many MPs have been questioning restrictions on pubs, particularly the compulsory 10pm closing time, on the grounds that other data implies they play a limited role in the transmission of the virus. For example, this chart, from a Public Health England surveillance report (pdf) published last week, suggests that when people who test positive are asked what they had been doing in the days before getting ill, that might have led to them catching the virus, shopping came top, followed by eating out. | Many MPs have been questioning restrictions on pubs, particularly the compulsory 10pm closing time, on the grounds that other data implies they play a limited role in the transmission of the virus. For example, this chart, from a Public Health England surveillance report (pdf) published last week, suggests that when people who test positive are asked what they had been doing in the days before getting ill, that might have led to them catching the virus, shopping came top, followed by eating out. |
| Amongst all age groups, the chart Whitty presented to MPs suggests around 24% of Covid cases are linked to people visiting pubs and restaurants - or 30% if staff are included. | Amongst all age groups, the chart Whitty presented to MPs suggests around 24% of Covid cases are linked to people visiting pubs and restaurants - or 30% if staff are included. |
| At FMQs, Nicola Sturgeon went into some detail about yesterday’s Scottish government evidence paper (pdf) which showed that both the R number and the growth rate of infection in Scotland was the highest in the UK. | At FMQs, Nicola Sturgeon went into some detail about yesterday’s Scottish government evidence paper (pdf) which showed that both the R number and the growth rate of infection in Scotland was the highest in the UK. |
| The R value is thought to be less meaningful when there is not widespread community transmission and where the rise in cases is driven by clusters, which can make the value much higher. | The R value is thought to be less meaningful when there is not widespread community transmission and where the rise in cases is driven by clusters, which can make the value much higher. |
| The rate of positive cases by health board for the week ending 5 October was 146.1 per 100,000 for Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board, the highest in Scotland, while in Manchester local authority, another area currently threatened with pub closures, it is 512.4 per 100,000. | The rate of positive cases by health board for the week ending 5 October was 146.1 per 100,000 for Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board, the highest in Scotland, while in Manchester local authority, another area currently threatened with pub closures, it is 512.4 per 100,000. |
| Responding to a question about whether she had made a strategic error in trying to drive the virus as low as possible over the summer. She said: | Responding to a question about whether she had made a strategic error in trying to drive the virus as low as possible over the summer. She said: |
| Allegra Stratton, the former Guardian, BBC and ITV journalist who currently works at the Treasury as Rishi Sunak’s communications chief, has been appointed as Boris Johnson’s new press secretary, the BBC’s Vicki Young reports. Stratton will be fronting the new daily televised press briefings that No 10 plans to launch soon. She has been seen as the favourite to get the job for some time. | Allegra Stratton, the former Guardian, BBC and ITV journalist who currently works at the Treasury as Rishi Sunak’s communications chief, has been appointed as Boris Johnson’s new press secretary, the BBC’s Vicki Young reports. Stratton will be fronting the new daily televised press briefings that No 10 plans to launch soon. She has been seen as the favourite to get the job for some time. |
| NHS England has recorded 43 further coronavirus hospital deaths. There were 13 in the north-east and Yorkshire, 11 in the north-west, 10 in the Midlands, six in London, two in the east of England, one in the south-east and none in the south-west. The details are here. | NHS England has recorded 43 further coronavirus hospital deaths. There were 13 in the north-east and Yorkshire, 11 in the north-west, 10 in the Midlands, six in London, two in the east of England, one in the south-east and none in the south-west. The details are here. |
| Today’s total is below the figures for Tuesday and Wednesday (50 and 54 respectively), and one lower than the figure for last Thursday (44). | Today’s total is below the figures for Tuesday and Wednesday (50 and 54 respectively), and one lower than the figure for last Thursday (44). |
| But these headline figures only include patients who tested positive. The NHS England bulletin for today also records another eight deaths where a positive test was not received but Covid was mentioned on the death certificate. This time last week there were five deaths in this category. | But these headline figures only include patients who tested positive. The NHS England bulletin for today also records another eight deaths where a positive test was not received but Covid was mentioned on the death certificate. This time last week there were five deaths in this category. |
| The backlog of criminal cases waiting to go to trial continues to lengthen due to the pandemic, according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Justice. | The backlog of criminal cases waiting to go to trial continues to lengthen due to the pandemic, according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Justice. |
| Figures to the end of September show that there were 509,347 outstanding cases in the magistrates’ courts, and 48,713 outstanding crown court cases. | Figures to the end of September show that there were 509,347 outstanding cases in the magistrates’ courts, and 48,713 outstanding crown court cases. |
| Although the backlog declined very slightly in the lower courts, delays have increased significantly in crown courts. | Although the backlog declined very slightly in the lower courts, delays have increased significantly in crown courts. |
| Some trials are already being postponed to 2022 because of problems hearing cases when the courts cannot work at full capacity under coronavirus-safe conditions. Lawyers point out out that the backlog was already growing before the pandemic because of austerity cuts to judges’ sitting days. | Some trials are already being postponed to 2022 because of problems hearing cases when the courts cannot work at full capacity under coronavirus-safe conditions. Lawyers point out out that the backlog was already growing before the pandemic because of austerity cuts to judges’ sitting days. |
| The Ministry of Justice has established a number of emergency, socially distanced Nightingale courts in alternative locations, such as theatres, offices, council chambers and decommissioned courts. Labour has criticised the measures as inadequate. | The Ministry of Justice has established a number of emergency, socially distanced Nightingale courts in alternative locations, such as theatres, offices, council chambers and decommissioned courts. Labour has criticised the measures as inadequate. |
| Responding to the latest figures, Amanda Pinto QC, chair of the Bar Council, said: | Responding to the latest figures, Amanda Pinto QC, chair of the Bar Council, said: |