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Coronavirus live news: China builds quarantine centre for 4,000 people; California passes 3m cases Coronavirus live news: China builds quarantine centre for 4,000 people; California passes 3m cases
(30 minutes later)
China builds Covid-19 quarantine centre for Shijiazhuang; California cases have left hospitals overwhelmedChina builds Covid-19 quarantine centre for Shijiazhuang; California cases have left hospitals overwhelmed
Hospitals in Covid-hit regions of Japan are on the brink of collapse, medical experts have warned, as the country battles a third wave of infections that has caused record numbers of people to fall seriously ill.
Japan reported more than 4,900 coronavirus infections on Monday, with serious cases rising to a record high of 973, local media reported.
Although Japan has avoided the huge caseloads and death tolls seen in some other countries, infections have doubled over the past six weeks to about 338,000, according to the public broadcaster NHK, with 4,623 deaths.
The increase, coupled with the discovery of the first recorded community transmissions of a fast-spreading strain of Covid-19 initially identified in Britain, is adding to pressure on the prime minister, Yoshihide Suga, to move quickly to protect stretched medical services.
Good morning, good afternoon and good evening everyone, and thanks to the amazing Amelia Hill for steering the blog until now.
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And that’s goodbye from me, Amelia Hill, and hello to the marvellous Mattha Busby to be your guide over the next few hours.
Daily case counts of Covid have nearly tripled in Dubai in the past month but in the face of a growing economic crisis, the city won’t lock down, Reuters is reporting.
“Dubai’s economy is a house of cards,” said Matthew Page, a non-resident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “Its competitive advantage is being a place where rules don’t apply.”
While most countries banned tourists from the UK over fears of the fast-spreading virus variant found there, Dubai – home to some 240,000 British expats – kept its doors open: Emirates flew five daily flights to London’s Heathrow airport during the Christmas holidays and within days, the new virus strain had arrived in the emirates.
“People have had enough of this pandemic already,” said Iris Sabellano from Dubai’s Al Arabi Travel Agency. “With vaccines coming out, they feel it’s not the end of the world, they’re not going to die.”
But there are signs that the stampede is slowing. Israeli tourists have vanished due to new quarantine rules. Britain slammed shut its travel corridor with Dubai last week.
The UAE does not make public information about disease clusters or hospitalisations but the country has reported more than 256,000 cases and 751 deaths. Analysts speculate the UAE’s unique demographics – 90% expatriate, comprising mostly healthy, young labourers – have prevented well-staffed hospitals from becoming overwhelmed and kept the death rate low, at 0.3%.
But that hasn’t assuaged Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s more conservative neighbour and the country’s capital. Without explanation, Abu Dhabi has kept its border with Dubai shut, despite promises to reopen by Christmas. Anyone crossing into Abu Dhabi must present a negative coronavirus test.
Europe has been inoculating its people since December - but African health authorities say it could still be months, until they get their first vaccines, Reuters is reporting.Europe has been inoculating its people since December - but African health authorities say it could still be months, until they get their first vaccines, Reuters is reporting.
African states have accused richer regions of cornering most of the supplies. The head of the World Health Organisation - Ethiopia’s Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus - said last week the world was on the brink of “catastrophic moral failure” when it came to sharing out shots.African states have accused richer regions of cornering most of the supplies. The head of the World Health Organisation - Ethiopia’s Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus - said last week the world was on the brink of “catastrophic moral failure” when it came to sharing out shots.
Daily tallies of confirmed cases hit record levels across Africa this month, and the second wave is infecting twice as many people per day as the height of last year’s first, according to the African Union’s Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Daily tallies of confirmed cases hit record levels across Africa this month, and the second wave is infecting twice as many people per day as the height of last year’s first, according to the African Union’s Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Nigeria has reported 110,387 confirmed cases, and 1,435 deaths, though African officials have warned that low testing could mask more cases.Nigeria has reported 110,387 confirmed cases, and 1,435 deaths, though African officials have warned that low testing could mask more cases.
Privately, some doctors say they worry that when vaccines arrive in Nigeria, they will go first to the rich and powerful. Dr Ndaeyo Iwot, acting executive secretary of primary health care in Abuja, said the government would track doses to clamp down on any corruption. “It will go through the system,” he said.Privately, some doctors say they worry that when vaccines arrive in Nigeria, they will go first to the rich and powerful. Dr Ndaeyo Iwot, acting executive secretary of primary health care in Abuja, said the government would track doses to clamp down on any corruption. “It will go through the system,” he said.
The quarantine controversy over tennis’ Australian Open has raised questions about whether large-scale international sporting events can take place in the middle of a pandemic and could offer a preview of the difficulties facing this summer’s Tokyo Olympics, CNN is reporting.The quarantine controversy over tennis’ Australian Open has raised questions about whether large-scale international sporting events can take place in the middle of a pandemic and could offer a preview of the difficulties facing this summer’s Tokyo Olympics, CNN is reporting.
Players arriving in the Australian state of Victoria have been placed into a 14-day quarantine ahead with most allotted five hours each day to go out and train in strict bio-secure bubbles. But 72 players have been unable to leave their hotel rooms and cannot practice after passengers on their flights tested positive for Covid-19.Players arriving in the Australian state of Victoria have been placed into a 14-day quarantine ahead with most allotted five hours each day to go out and train in strict bio-secure bubbles. But 72 players have been unable to leave their hotel rooms and cannot practice after passengers on their flights tested positive for Covid-19.
Some tennis stars have expressed anger and frustration at being kept cooped up ahead of the first grand slam of the tennis season. They include record eight-time Australian Open men’s singles winner Novak Djokovic, who put forward a list of proposals that would loosen the restrictions on the quarantining stars, including moving players to houses with courts, better food, and reducing the number of days in isolation.Some tennis stars have expressed anger and frustration at being kept cooped up ahead of the first grand slam of the tennis season. They include record eight-time Australian Open men’s singles winner Novak Djokovic, who put forward a list of proposals that would loosen the restrictions on the quarantining stars, including moving players to houses with courts, better food, and reducing the number of days in isolation.
In response, Victoria State Premier Daniel Andrews said: “People area free to provide lists of demands, but the answer is No.”In response, Victoria State Premier Daniel Andrews said: “People area free to provide lists of demands, but the answer is No.”
North Korea’s trade with China plunged more than 80% last year, Chinese customs data has shown, as the isolated country’s strict coronavirus lockdown encumbers an economy already burdened by international sanctions.North Korea’s trade with China plunged more than 80% last year, Chinese customs data has shown, as the isolated country’s strict coronavirus lockdown encumbers an economy already burdened by international sanctions.
China is North Korea’s top ally and accounts for some 90% of its trade volumes. Two-way trade plummeted nearly 80.7% to $539 million last year from 2019, Chinese customs data released on Monday showed, according to Reuters.China is North Korea’s top ally and accounts for some 90% of its trade volumes. Two-way trade plummeted nearly 80.7% to $539 million last year from 2019, Chinese customs data released on Monday showed, according to Reuters.
North Korea’s exports to China totalled $48 million, down about 77.7%, while its imports fell 80.9% to $491 million.North Korea’s exports to China totalled $48 million, down about 77.7%, while its imports fell 80.9% to $491 million.
No reason for the lower trade was given but the new data underscored the extent that North Korea has become isolated since it sealed its border last January to ward off the coronavirus that had been detected in neighbouring China just a few weeks earlier.No reason for the lower trade was given but the new data underscored the extent that North Korea has become isolated since it sealed its border last January to ward off the coronavirus that had been detected in neighbouring China just a few weeks earlier.
North Korea has not confirmed any cases of Covid-19 but all points of entry have been closed, public transport and inter-state movement rigidly restricted and gatherings of more than five people banned, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said recently.North Korea has not confirmed any cases of Covid-19 but all points of entry have been closed, public transport and inter-state movement rigidly restricted and gatherings of more than five people banned, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said recently.
Rwanda has reintroduced tough lockdown measures in its capital, Kigali, after a surge in coronavirus cases.Rwanda has reintroduced tough lockdown measures in its capital, Kigali, after a surge in coronavirus cases.
The government has also banned movement into and out of the city, except for essential services and for tourists, it said, citing a jump in the number of cases found in a given sample of tests, known as the positivity rate.The government has also banned movement into and out of the city, except for essential services and for tourists, it said, citing a jump in the number of cases found in a given sample of tests, known as the positivity rate.
“All employees, public and private, shall work from home, except for those providing essential services,” the government said in a statement.“All employees, public and private, shall work from home, except for those providing essential services,” the government said in a statement.
Rwanda, which has 11,259 cases of the disease caused by the coronavirus and 146 deaths, said the number of tests returning positive results for Covid-19 has tripled to 7.7% from 2.6% at the start of this month.Rwanda, which has 11,259 cases of the disease caused by the coronavirus and 146 deaths, said the number of tests returning positive results for Covid-19 has tripled to 7.7% from 2.6% at the start of this month.
African nations are grappling with a second wave of coronavirus, infections rising to at least 3.3 million and 79,500 deaths so far, a Reuters tally showed.African nations are grappling with a second wave of coronavirus, infections rising to at least 3.3 million and 79,500 deaths so far, a Reuters tally showed.
Of every 100 infections reported around the world, about five are from African nations, up from 3.4 in October, the data showed.Of every 100 infections reported around the world, about five are from African nations, up from 3.4 in October, the data showed.
Businesses in Kigali will shut down, the government said, except for those dealing with essential services like food, medicine and fuel. “Citizens are urged to significantly reduce social interactions and limit movements,” it said.Businesses in Kigali will shut down, the government said, except for those dealing with essential services like food, medicine and fuel. “Citizens are urged to significantly reduce social interactions and limit movements,” it said.
Taiwan has cancelled a major festival during the upcoming lunar new year holiday as the country reported four locally transmitted cases of Covid-19, the biggest daily rise in local infections in nearly 11 months.Taiwan has cancelled a major festival during the upcoming lunar new year holiday as the country reported four locally transmitted cases of Covid-19, the biggest daily rise in local infections in nearly 11 months.
Taiwan, which has kept the pandemic well under control thanks to early and effective prevention methods, has been unnerved by new domestic transmissions, first in December and now in a hospital in the northern city of Taoyuan.Taiwan, which has kept the pandemic well under control thanks to early and effective prevention methods, has been unnerved by new domestic transmissions, first in December and now in a hospital in the northern city of Taoyuan.
It has reported 868 cases, the majority of which were imported, including seven deaths, with 102 in hospital being treated.It has reported 868 cases, the majority of which were imported, including seven deaths, with 102 in hospital being treated.
The Taiwan Lantern Festival, an annual celebration to mark the end of the upcoming lunar new year in mid-February, will be cancelled this year because of Covid-19, the ministry of transportation and communications said, citing the recent local infection cases.The Taiwan Lantern Festival, an annual celebration to mark the end of the upcoming lunar new year in mid-February, will be cancelled this year because of Covid-19, the ministry of transportation and communications said, citing the recent local infection cases.
“This is a tough decision, but pandemic-prevention is our top priority,” transportation minister Lin Chia-lung told reporters.“This is a tough decision, but pandemic-prevention is our top priority,” transportation minister Lin Chia-lung told reporters.
The festival, which features oversized lanterns and fireworks displays, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and has become a major selling point for the government to attract tourists from overseas.The festival, which features oversized lanterns and fireworks displays, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and has become a major selling point for the government to attract tourists from overseas.
Lin Chih-Chien, mayor of the northern city of Hsinchu, where the festival was to be held, said several technology companies there had asked the government to cancel the event, citing concerns of a local outbreak curtailing production at a technology hub that hosts firms including the world’s largest chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd.Lin Chih-Chien, mayor of the northern city of Hsinchu, where the festival was to be held, said several technology companies there had asked the government to cancel the event, citing concerns of a local outbreak curtailing production at a technology hub that hosts firms including the world’s largest chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd.
The announcement came shortly after Taiwan reported four locally transmitted cases of Covid-19, the most since 29 February.The announcement came shortly after Taiwan reported four locally transmitted cases of Covid-19, the most since 29 February.
All four cases are related to the Taoyuan hospital outbreak and Taiwan’s health ministry is planning to move more than 200 patients out of the hospital into isolation wards.All four cases are related to the Taoyuan hospital outbreak and Taiwan’s health ministry is planning to move more than 200 patients out of the hospital into isolation wards.
“We strongly recommend that large-scale events be cancelled,” said the health minister Chen Shih-chung. “The situation is under our control at the moment because the cases can be clearly traced.”“We strongly recommend that large-scale events be cancelled,” said the health minister Chen Shih-chung. “The situation is under our control at the moment because the cases can be clearly traced.”
The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, wants to extend coronavirus restrictions until 15 February and make medical masks obligatory on public transport and in shops, according to a draft resolution by the federal government seen by Reuters on Tuesday.The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, wants to extend coronavirus restrictions until 15 February and make medical masks obligatory on public transport and in shops, according to a draft resolution by the federal government seen by Reuters on Tuesday.
The draft proposed keeping schools closed until mid-February and improving aid for companies affected by the lockdown extension. It also proposed creating a working group to work out how to exit restrictions safely and equitably.The draft proposed keeping schools closed until mid-February and improving aid for companies affected by the lockdown extension. It also proposed creating a working group to work out how to exit restrictions safely and equitably.
Merkel is due to meet on Tuesday with regional leaders to discuss measures to rein in the coronavirus pandemic. They will decide on extending a lockdown that has closed most shops and schools and introducing new restrictions, and are likely to agree stricter requirements for working from home with regional leaders today as they try to curb the spread of the virus.Merkel is due to meet on Tuesday with regional leaders to discuss measures to rein in the coronavirus pandemic. They will decide on extending a lockdown that has closed most shops and schools and introducing new restrictions, and are likely to agree stricter requirements for working from home with regional leaders today as they try to curb the spread of the virus.
New infections have been decreasing in recent days and pressure on intensive care units has eased slightly, but virologists are worried about the possible spread of more infectious variants of the virus, Reuters is reporting.New infections have been decreasing in recent days and pressure on intensive care units has eased slightly, but virologists are worried about the possible spread of more infectious variants of the virus, Reuters is reporting.
“The infection numbers have been going down for several weeks or stagnating and that’s good. Now we are facing a very aggressive mutation that we have to respond to,” the Berlin mayor, Michael Mueller, told German television.“The infection numbers have been going down for several weeks or stagnating and that’s good. Now we are facing a very aggressive mutation that we have to respond to,” the Berlin mayor, Michael Mueller, told German television.
Mueller said curfews, already in place in states including southern Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg, would be under discussion but were unlikely to be imposed everywhere.Mueller said curfews, already in place in states including southern Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg, would be under discussion but were unlikely to be imposed everywhere.
Also up for discussion is a compulsory wearing of heavy duty masks in shops and on public transport which offer more protection than cloth coverings, said Mueller.Also up for discussion is a compulsory wearing of heavy duty masks in shops and on public transport which offer more protection than cloth coverings, said Mueller.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases had risen by 11,369 to 2.05m, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Tuesday. The death toll was up 989 at 47,622.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases had risen by 11,369 to 2.05m, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Tuesday. The death toll was up 989 at 47,622.
“We will have to step it up a notch to bring the current early successes to the finish line,” the economy minister Peter Altmaier told broadcaster RTL/n-tv.“We will have to step it up a notch to bring the current early successes to the finish line,” the economy minister Peter Altmaier told broadcaster RTL/n-tv.
Russia has reported 21,734 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, including 3,281 in Moscow, pushing the national tally to 3,612,800.Russia has reported 21,734 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, including 3,281 in Moscow, pushing the national tally to 3,612,800.
Authorities said 586 people had died overnight, taking the official death toll to 66,623, Reuters is reporting.Authorities said 586 people had died overnight, taking the official death toll to 66,623, Reuters is reporting.
The Palestinian Authority could receive Russia’s main Covid-19 vaccine, known as Sputnik V, within days, according to a PA official.The Palestinian Authority could receive Russia’s main Covid-19 vaccine, known as Sputnik V, within days, according to a PA official.
The PA health ministry last week issued ”emergency approval” for administering Sputnik in areas of the occupied West Bank where the Palestinians exercise limited self-rule.The PA health ministry last week issued ”emergency approval” for administering Sputnik in areas of the occupied West Bank where the Palestinians exercise limited self-rule.
An Israeli official said earlier that a first batch of 5,000 units of the vaccine could arrive in the West Bank on Tuesday.An Israeli official said earlier that a first batch of 5,000 units of the vaccine could arrive in the West Bank on Tuesday.
Hussein Al-Sheikh, PA minister for civil affairs, told Reuters the delivery would not take place on Tuesday, but added he expected it to happen “within days”.Hussein Al-Sheikh, PA minister for civil affairs, told Reuters the delivery would not take place on Tuesday, but added he expected it to happen “within days”.
French health minister Olivier Véran said on Tuesday that coronavirus was still circulating at a “worrying” level in France, but stopped short of recommending a third national lockdown.French health minister Olivier Véran said on Tuesday that coronavirus was still circulating at a “worrying” level in France, but stopped short of recommending a third national lockdown.
“We already took a tough decision last week to impose a 6pm curfew on the country as a whole,” Véran told France Inter radio. “I cannot say we will impose a confinement but the circulation of the virus remains worrying.”“We already took a tough decision last week to impose a 6pm curfew on the country as a whole,” Véran told France Inter radio. “I cannot say we will impose a confinement but the circulation of the virus remains worrying.”
Britain’s government is still aiming to review Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in mid-February, Northern Ireland minister Brandon Lewis said on Tuesday.Britain’s government is still aiming to review Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in mid-February, Northern Ireland minister Brandon Lewis said on Tuesday.
“When we put these current restrictions in place we said we would do a review in mid-February … and that’s still the case,” Lewis told Sky News“When we put these current restrictions in place we said we would do a review in mid-February … and that’s still the case,” Lewis told Sky News
A representative of Chinese company Sinovac has denied claims that its vaccine – dubbed CoronaVac – is among the most expensive in the world.A representative of Chinese company Sinovac has denied claims that its vaccine – dubbed CoronaVac – is among the most expensive in the world.
The Philippine Star is reporting prices of Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech’s CoronaVac in different countries ranging from $5 (P240), to $14 (~P672), up to $38 (~P1,826).The Philippine Star is reporting prices of Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech’s CoronaVac in different countries ranging from $5 (P240), to $14 (~P672), up to $38 (~P1,826).
On Sunday, Senator Panfilo Lacson tweeted saying, “The difference in prices of Sinovac vaccine at $5, $14 and $38 reminds me of an old story about how corruption is committed in three Southeast Asian countries—UNDER the table, ON the table, and INCLUDING the table.”On Sunday, Senator Panfilo Lacson tweeted saying, “The difference in prices of Sinovac vaccine at $5, $14 and $38 reminds me of an old story about how corruption is committed in three Southeast Asian countries—UNDER the table, ON the table, and INCLUDING the table.”
“Here, it may cost $38.50 (P1,847.25) per dose but is co­vered by a confidentiality disclosure agreement,” he added.“Here, it may cost $38.50 (P1,847.25) per dose but is co­vered by a confidentiality disclosure agreement,” he added.
Sinovac Biotech’s general manager Helen Yang has denied claims its vaccine is among the most expensive. Last week, varying prices of the different vaccines have been circulating online, which shows that Sinovac is priced at P1,443 to P3,629.50.Sinovac Biotech’s general manager Helen Yang has denied claims its vaccine is among the most expensive. Last week, varying prices of the different vaccines have been circulating online, which shows that Sinovac is priced at P1,443 to P3,629.50.
In an interview with Pinky Webb on CNN Philippines on 18 January, Yang said it was “definitely not on the (most) expensive”, adding: “It is the mission of Sinovac to provide the vaccine at an affordable price.”In an interview with Pinky Webb on CNN Philippines on 18 January, Yang said it was “definitely not on the (most) expensive”, adding: “It is the mission of Sinovac to provide the vaccine at an affordable price.”
While Yang declined to disclose the amount per dose, she did however say that it is “reasonable”.While Yang declined to disclose the amount per dose, she did however say that it is “reasonable”.
China is building a massive Covid-19 quarantine centre on the outskirts of Shijiazhuang city, AFP is reporting, to curb the city’s growing Covid-19 outbreaks.China is building a massive Covid-19 quarantine centre on the outskirts of Shijiazhuang city, AFP is reporting, to curb the city’s growing Covid-19 outbreaks.
The facility, which will be ready in a matter of days, will be large enough to move entire villages into if there are any localised resurgences of the virus.The facility, which will be ready in a matter of days, will be large enough to move entire villages into if there are any localised resurgences of the virus.
China has largely brought the virus under control but still experiences spates of small, localised outbreaks. The scenes outside Shijiazhuang, northern China, are reminiscent of Beijing’s efforts early last year to build makeshift field hospitals in Wuhan – the central city where Covid-19 cases first emerged – within days of the virus’s appearance.China has largely brought the virus under control but still experiences spates of small, localised outbreaks. The scenes outside Shijiazhuang, northern China, are reminiscent of Beijing’s efforts early last year to build makeshift field hospitals in Wuhan – the central city where Covid-19 cases first emerged – within days of the virus’s appearance.
The quarantine buildings in Shijiazhuang are equipped with bathrooms, wifi and air conditioning and will house close contacts of confirmed virus patients.The quarantine buildings in Shijiazhuang are equipped with bathrooms, wifi and air conditioning and will house close contacts of confirmed virus patients.
State broadcaster CCTV showed workers in hi-vis vests and hard hats assembling the cabin-like structures in the dark, while flags bearing the names of construction teams and Communist party units fluttered from the completed buildings.State broadcaster CCTV showed workers in hi-vis vests and hard hats assembling the cabin-like structures in the dark, while flags bearing the names of construction teams and Communist party units fluttered from the completed buildings.
The facility is expected to have enough rooms to hold more than 4,000 people once it is completed, CCTV said on Tuesday.The facility is expected to have enough rooms to hold more than 4,000 people once it is completed, CCTV said on Tuesday.
The Times is reporting on a British Airways pilot who has returned home after a record 243 days in hospital with Covid-19.The Times is reporting on a British Airways pilot who has returned home after a record 243 days in hospital with Covid-19.
Nicholas Synnott, 59, was admitted to hospital in Texas in March and released just before Christmas to go home to Betchworth, Surrey. He is recuperating with his wife, Nicola, 54, who spent every day at his bedside in the hospital and has been credited with aiding his recovery.Nicholas Synnott, 59, was admitted to hospital in Texas in March and released just before Christmas to go home to Betchworth, Surrey. He is recuperating with his wife, Nicola, 54, who spent every day at his bedside in the hospital and has been credited with aiding his recovery.
The father-of-two told ABC 30 News after leaving UT Health and Memorial Hermann hospital: “I went through a dark phrase where psychologically there were issues I had to deal with.”The father-of-two told ABC 30 News after leaving UT Health and Memorial Hermann hospital: “I went through a dark phrase where psychologically there were issues I had to deal with.”
Doctors said he had gone into respiratory failure, been placed on a ventilator and then on a heart and lung machine before he began to recover.Doctors said he had gone into respiratory failure, been placed on a ventilator and then on a heart and lung machine before he began to recover.
Dr Biswajit Kar, a cardiologist who treated Synnott, said: “Every organ of his body was affected by Covid-19. But yet, because his health was so good as a pilot prior to the illness, he could sustain all this and survive something as serious as this.”Dr Biswajit Kar, a cardiologist who treated Synnott, said: “Every organ of his body was affected by Covid-19. But yet, because his health was so good as a pilot prior to the illness, he could sustain all this and survive something as serious as this.”
Staunch your tears and stay your sorrows – Helen might have departed this ‘ere blog but I, Amelia Hill, am here to walk beside for the next few hours – more like a wise guide, I like to think, than that mad pontificator the Ancient Mariner. But I guess we need to see what the next few hours bring …Staunch your tears and stay your sorrows – Helen might have departed this ‘ere blog but I, Amelia Hill, am here to walk beside for the next few hours – more like a wise guide, I like to think, than that mad pontificator the Ancient Mariner. But I guess we need to see what the next few hours bring …