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UK coronavirus live: Covid-19 death toll passes 60,000 UK coronavirus live: Covid-19 death toll passes 60,000
(30 minutes later)
Total number of deaths from Covid-19 across UK reaches 61,116; 55 MPs sign letter to PM expressing fears that government’s ‘levelling up’ for the north is being abandonedTotal number of deaths from Covid-19 across UK reaches 61,116; 55 MPs sign letter to PM expressing fears that government’s ‘levelling up’ for the north is being abandoned
Baroness Doreen Lawrence, author of a Labour-commissioned review of the impact of coronavirus on minority groups, has been speaking to the BBC about her findings. She says that the government has acted to mitigate those impacts “too late”.
“From the time the government knew about Covid, nothing was done,” she said. “When the deaths start going up around black and ethnic minorities, even then I don’t think anyone took much notice of that, and so for us to actually hear these voices and hear people and from their families and people within professions whose colleagues have died... to me that’s quite important.”
One nurse told the review: “I don’t come to work to die”. Lady Lawrence said: “That was such a telling thing for me, that sort of choked me... nothing’s changed. How on earth have they prepared [for the second wave]? That have not prepared.”
My colleague Mark Sweney reports on one of the economic winners of the pandemic: publishing.
Bloomsbury has reported its most profitable first half since 2008, he writes, with profits surging 60% to £4m in the six months to the end of August. Revenues grew 10% to £78.3m. The better-than-expected performance sent Bloomsbury shares 15% higher, to 242p, at midday on Tuesday.
Nigel Newton, the company’s chief executive, said:
You can read Mark’s story here:
This is Archie Bland, covering UK coronavirus live until 1.30pm.This is Archie Bland, covering UK coronavirus live until 1.30pm.
The latest ONS data reveals an interesting detail on infection rates: people who have been on holiday appear to contract the virus at a similar frequency to those who have not.The latest ONS data reveals an interesting detail on infection rates: people who have been on holiday appear to contract the virus at a similar frequency to those who have not.
A major long-term study to track Covid-19 in the population had previously found that there were higher positivity rates among people who had travelled abroad. But the new figures, covering September 25 - October 8, show there is “no longer a difference”.A major long-term study to track Covid-19 in the population had previously found that there were higher positivity rates among people who had travelled abroad. But the new figures, covering September 25 - October 8, show there is “no longer a difference”.
Just 3% of participants had travelled abroad. And 0.49% of those who had done so said they had not travelled abroad in the last 30 days tested positive for the virus, compared with 0.58% who had travelled. Just 3% of participants had travelled abroad. Of those who said they had not travelled abroad in the last 30 days, 0.49% tested positive for the virus, compared with 0.58% who had travelled.
Other key findings in the latest data set:Other key findings in the latest data set:
•Urban areas in England have higher positivity rates than rural areas.•34% of those who tested positive had no symptoms when they were tested.•32% of those who tested positive had cough, fever or anosmia (a loss of their sense of smell) at the time of their test.•Those aged 17 to 24 had higher rates of positive Covid-19 swabs both in areas where there were high levels of infection and in areas with low levels of infection. Urban areas in England have higher positivity rates than rural areas.• 34% of those who tested positive had no symptoms when they were tested.• 32% of those who tested positive had a cough, fever or anosmia (a loss of their sense of smell) at the time of their test.• Those aged 17 to 24 had higher rates of positive Covid-19 swabs both in areas where there were high levels of infection and in areas with low levels of infection.
This morning councillor David Mellen, the leader of Nottingham city council, said it is “difficult to tell” whether the city has the government support it needs for tier 3, adding that all areas have been given a “flat rate”. This morning David Mellen, the leader of Nottingham city council, said it was “difficult to tell” whether the city had the government support it needed for tier 3, adding that all areas had been given a “flat rate”.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:
Mellen said costs and lost income from the first wave of Covid-19 “were not fully met as was promised”, meaning that budgets are “strained and stretched”. Mellen said costs and lost income from the first wave of Covid-19 “were not fully met as was promised”, meaning that budgets were “strained and stretched”.
Visitors to Nottingham city centre have been reacting to the announcement of forthcoming tier 3 measures on Thursday.Visitors to Nottingham city centre have been reacting to the announcement of forthcoming tier 3 measures on Thursday.
Carl Bellamy, who is retired, told PA he believed the “necessary” measures would be effective “if people obey the bloody rules”.Carl Bellamy, who is retired, told PA he believed the “necessary” measures would be effective “if people obey the bloody rules”.
On the possibility of a four-week review of the measures, Bellamy said:On the possibility of a four-week review of the measures, Bellamy said:
Nottingham resident Carl Green said the tier 3 restrictions were the right move for the city at present:Nottingham resident Carl Green said the tier 3 restrictions were the right move for the city at present:
Jason Weliczko, who has run the popular Robin Hood baked potato shack in the city centre for 29 years, said he fears the R rate will simply rise again after the restrictions lift. Jason Weliczko, who has run the popular Robin Hood baked potato shack in the city centre for 29 years, said he fears the R number will simply rise again after the restrictions lift.
The majority of secondary schools in England sent home at least one student because of coronavirus last week, UK government figures show.The majority of secondary schools in England sent home at least one student because of coronavirus last week, UK government figures show.
Around 6-7% of state school pupils - excluding schools on half term - did not attend class for Covid-19-related reasons on 22 October, the Department for Education statistics suggest.Around 6-7% of state school pupils - excluding schools on half term - did not attend class for Covid-19-related reasons on 22 October, the Department for Education statistics suggest.
More than a quarter (26%) of schools said they had one or more pupils self-isolating due to potential contact with a case of coronavirus inside the school.This equates to 55% of secondary schools and 20% of primary schools. More than a quarter (26%) of schools said they had one or more pupils self-isolating due to potential contact with a case of coronavirus inside the school. This equates to 55% of secondary schools and 20% of primary schools.
Overall, approximately 86% of students on the roll in state schools, excluding schools on half-term breaks, were in attendance on 22 October.Overall, approximately 86% of students on the roll in state schools, excluding schools on half-term breaks, were in attendance on 22 October.
Around 82% of secondary school pupils and 90% of primary school pupils were in school last week, the figures show.Around 82% of secondary school pupils and 90% of primary school pupils were in school last week, the figures show.
This is from Wythenshawe, Manchester.This is from Wythenshawe, Manchester.
A health watchdog has raised concerns about patients who were sent home from hospital before they got the result of their Covid-19 test, PA Media reports.A health watchdog has raised concerns about patients who were sent home from hospital before they got the result of their Covid-19 test, PA Media reports.
A new investigation by Healthwatch England and the British Red Cross found that 30% of those who were tested for Covid-19 while in hospital did not receive their test results before they left, according to a poll of 500 patients and carers.A new investigation by Healthwatch England and the British Red Cross found that 30% of those who were tested for Covid-19 while in hospital did not receive their test results before they left, according to a poll of 500 patients and carers.
Experts said more must be done to improve hospital discharges as the second wave of Covid-19 hits alongside traditional winter pressures.Experts said more must be done to improve hospital discharges as the second wave of Covid-19 hits alongside traditional winter pressures.
The poll also found that 82% of respondents did not receive a follow-up visit and assessment at home after being discharged. Of these, 18% had some form of unmet need. Some told researchers they did not feel ready to leave hospital and 35% said they did not get a contact for further advice.The poll also found that 82% of respondents did not receive a follow-up visit and assessment at home after being discharged. Of these, 18% had some form of unmet need. Some told researchers they did not feel ready to leave hospital and 35% said they did not get a contact for further advice.
Healthwatch England and the British Red Cross have made a number of recommendations to help manage hospital discharges during a second peak of the crisis. These include: post-discharge check-ins and assessments, discharge checklists and giving patients a single point of contact for further support.Healthwatch England and the British Red Cross have made a number of recommendations to help manage hospital discharges during a second peak of the crisis. These include: post-discharge check-ins and assessments, discharge checklists and giving patients a single point of contact for further support.
Sir Robert Francis, chairman of Healthwatch England, said it was essential to learn the lessons from March, “when hospitals were asked to discharge patients with little or no notice and the speed with which this took place was important but led to mistakes”.Sir Robert Francis, chairman of Healthwatch England, said it was essential to learn the lessons from March, “when hospitals were asked to discharge patients with little or no notice and the speed with which this took place was important but led to mistakes”.
British Red Cross chief executive Mike Adamson said simple interventions, like getting equipment and medicine delivered, or follow-up visits “can make the difference between good recovery or someone regressing to the point of readmission - precisely at the time we want people to stay well and stay at home.” The British Red Cross chief executive, Mike Adamson, said simple interventions, such as getting equipment and medicine delivered, or follow-up visits “can make the difference between good recovery or someone regressing to the point of readmission - precisely at the time we want people to stay well and stay at home”.
Prof Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director, said:Prof Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director, said:
A hospital in Northern Ireland has run out of beds and is asking patients to not attend its emergency department in the latest sign that Covid-19 may overwhelm the region’s health system. A hospital in Northern Ireland has run out of beds and is asking patients to not attend its emergency department, in the latest sign that Covid-19 may overwhelm the region’s health system.
On Tuesday, 33 patients were awaiting a bed in Antrim Area Hospital, which warned it was operating “beyond capacity”. On Tuesday, 33 patients were awaiting a bed in Antrim Area hospital, which said it was operating “beyond capacity”.
The Northern Health Trust said 180 to 200 staff were self-isolating across the trust, leaving gaps that further strained the system. On Monday, Northern Ireland reported 342 inpatients with Covid-19, exceeding the previous daily peak of 322 recorded on 8 April.The Northern Health Trust said 180 to 200 staff were self-isolating across the trust, leaving gaps that further strained the system. On Monday, Northern Ireland reported 342 inpatients with Covid-19, exceeding the previous daily peak of 322 recorded on 8 April.
Tom Black, chair of the British Medical Association in Northern Ireland, said a Nightingale hospital could supply more intensive care beds but that the system was experiencing a “triple whammy” of rising cases, staff shortages and threat of further winter pressures. Tom Black, the chair of the British Medical Association in Northern Ireland, said a Nightingale hospital could supply more intensive care beds but that the system was experiencing a “triple whammy” of rising cases, staff shortages and threat of further winter pressures.
“This second wave seems to be much worse than the first wave,” he told BBC Radio Foyle.“This second wave seems to be much worse than the first wave,” he told BBC Radio Foyle.
GPs had experienced a lot of pressure over the last two months, now it was the turn of emergency departments, said Black.GPs had experienced a lot of pressure over the last two months, now it was the turn of emergency departments, said Black.
Structural racism led to the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus pandemic on black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, a review by Dame Doreen Lawrence has concluded.
The report, commissioned by Labour, contradicts the government’s adviser on ethnicity, Dr Raghib Ali, who last week dismissed claims that inequalities within government, health, employment and the education system help to explain why Covid-19 killed disproportionately more people from minority ethnic communities.
Lawrence’s review found BAME people are over-represented in public-facing industries where they cannot work from home, are more likely to live in overcrowded housing and have been put at risk by the government’s alleged failure to facilitate Covid-secure workplaces.
She demanded that the government set out an urgent winter plan to tackle the disproportionate impact of Covid on BAME people and ensure comprehensive ethnicity data is collected across the NHS and social care.
In the report’s foreword, Lawrence said minority ethnic people have been “overexposed, under protected, stigmatised and overlooked”.
My colleague Rajeev Syal has the story:
We asked readers what they wanted to know about the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. From the ins and outs of exiting local lockdowns to why Dominic Cummings wasn’t sacked, the Guardian’s political correspondent, Peter Walker, has the answers.
Drivers are being warned to expect a rise in collisions with deer due to the latest coronavirus restrictions, PA Media reports.
The British Deer Society and the AA said the combination of quieter roads, a twilight rush-hour and seasonal migrations has led to a “new danger”. Empty roads are believed to lull animals into a false sense of security.
The latest government figures show that car traffic is down to 85% of pre-pandemic levels, amid measures such as the 10pm curfew for hospitality venues.
In May, emergency services in the south-west warned of more deer activity on the roads during the first coronavirus lockdown.
An AA poll of 13,800 drivers suggested that 16% had seen an increase in deer or other wildlife on roads during or since lockdown. This figure rises to 42% for 18- to 24-year-olds, who are the most likely to drive in the evening for sport and social activities.
The British Deer Society’s chief executive, David McAuley, urged drivers to be careful, particularly on roads with wildlife warning signs and when driving through rural areas, as road traffic accidents involving deer are especially frequent in autumn and winter during the breeding season.
Motorists are advised to reduce their speed and watch out for deer on the edges of roads, especially at dawn and dusk. If they see a deer crossing in front of their car, they should slow down and expect more to follow.
The AA’s president, Edmund King, warned early-morning and evening drivers to be on their guard, as during lockdown there was a greater incidence of deer and other wildlife “being spotted on roads you would not normally expect to see them, such as closer to and even within villages and other places of human population”.
The Covid-19 death toll across the UK has passed 61,000.
The total number of deaths registered by the three statistical agencies across England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland now stands at 59,927.
However, more up-to-date UK government figures show that 1,189 deaths have occured within 28 days of a positive test since the figures were registered in each nation: 1,044 in England, 62 in Scotland, 47 in Wales and 36 in Northern Ireland.
This brings the number of deaths across the four nations of the UK to 61,116.
There were 670 Covid-19 deaths registered in England and Wales in the week to 16 October, new data from the ONS revealed.
This is an increase of 53% on the previous week, when 438 deaths were reported, and indicates that the widespread rise in new coronavirus cases seen in recent months is leading to a rise in fatalities.
It means the number of deaths registered in England and Wales continues to double every fortnight, from 139 in the week ending 18 September, to 321 two weeks later, and 670 today.
Deaths involving Covid-19 in hospitals as a proportion of all deaths in hospitals increased from 8.4% in week 41 to 12.0% in week 42.
Covid-19 deaths increased across all English regions but were highest in the north-west, with 229 deaths.
The numbers of deaths from all causes in hospitals remained below the five-year average, but deaths in private homes remained high, with 776 excess deaths. Care homes reported 90 more deaths than the 5-year average.
Boris Johnson is preparing to give councils extra money for a holiday club pilot scheme to be extended so children could receive at least one free meal a day outside term time, the Daily Telegraph (paywall) reports.
Ministers are examining the proposal made by the government’s food tsar, Henry Dimbleby, and reports suggest the government could combine the scheme with extra study time for children still catching up on learning after schools were closed during the spring.
This political manoeuvring would, my colleague Sally Weale reports, enable the government to mitigate the damaging impact of its refusal to accede to Marcus Rashford’s campaign without appearing to perform yet another U-turn.
The holiday activity and food programme (HAF) was trialled across 17 local authorities over the summer, catering for 50,000 disadvantaged children.
Rashford has backed some of the recommendations made by Dimbleby, who leads the National Food Strategy and has called for the HAF to be extended across England to help an additional 1.1 million children.
Dimbleby told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the government wasn’t doing enough to address the issue of child hunger and called for urgent action:
He said that “in-kind support” through holiday clubs, providing food and education, had been shown to have a better impact than putting the same “small amount of money” into universal credit.
Nicola Davis reports that the proportion of people in England with coronavirus antibodies dropped by more than a quarter in the space of three months, fuelling concerns over reinfection.
The findings come from the React-2 study, which is based on home finger-prick antibody test results from random participants across all 314 local authorities.
The first results, based on data from 100,000 people, were released in August, revealing that about 6% of the population of England had the antibodies – protective proteins produced in response to an infection – although the team say that could be a slight underestimate.
The new work – not yet peer-reviewed – extends this with more testing in two fresh cohorts, each yielding results from more than 100,000 adults.
The results reveal that just 4.4% of those tested in the most recent round, between 15 and 28 September, had detectable coronavirus antibodies.
Graham Cooke, co-author of the report and professor of infectious diseases at Imperial College London, said:
The Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson has said he would back tier 4 restrictions “if necessary” to bring infection rates down.
The city is one of five northern locations currently under the nation’s strictest level of lockdown measures due to a surge in coronavirus cases.
In an interview with BBC Breakfast, Anderson, whose brother Bill was one of 61 people in the city to die after contracting the virus in one week, said he is not opposed to the introduction of “tougher measures if necessary”.
He told the programme:
Anderson added he would review the results of the current tier 3 restrictions in 14 to 16 days’ time to determine whether they had gone far enough in halting the spread of the virus.
Good morning. Leading the front pages today is the letter sent to the prime minister by more than 50 Conservative MPs in parts of the north of England - many from former “red wall” seats won in the last election - that have been hardest hit by the pandemic, demanding a “clear roadmap” for exiting lockdown restrictions and arguing that Covid-19 “has exposed in sharp relief the deep structural and systemic disadvantage faced by our communities”.
More regions were placed under the toughest coronavirus restrictions on Monday, meaning 8.2 million people in England – one in seven – will soon be living under tier 3. Of these, 92% are in the north of England. In the letter, the 55 MPs express fears that the government’s “levelling up” is being abandoned and warn of economic hardship “with no end in sight” without a regional recovery plan.
Here is our north of England editor Helen Pidd’s report:
Throughout the day please feel free, as always, to get in touch with me as I work if you have a tip or story to share. Your thoughts for coverage are always welcome!
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_