Coronavirus: Anyone over 60 is 'high risk', scientists warn
Scientists are urging anyone over 60 to consider themselves “high risk” amid the coronavirus outbreak. Boris Johnson has introduced draconian lockdown measures that only allow Britons to venture out for “very limited purposes” like shopping for essentials. These restrictions stand regardless of an individual’s age; however, officials recognise those over 70 as being particularly at risk of the infection. Scientists from Imperial College London and the University of Exeter have argued that this overlooks the more than 7 million Britons between 60 and 69 who may be at “considerable” risk. Early research suggests the coronavirus is mild in four out of five cases, but it can trigger a respiratory disease called COVID-19. One expert warned that immunity can decline “a decade earlier” than the government’s 70-year “cut-off”, adding that “you can be a very fit 65-year-old, but your immune system will not work as well as it did when you were 20”.
Coronavirus: 'Disruptive' social distancing likely for rest of 2020, says government
'Disruptive' social distancing measures are likely to be in place for the rest of 2020, the government has said.
“Disruptive” social distancing measures are likely be in place for the rest of 2020, the government has said. Prof Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, said on Wednesday that the measures will only be lifted if a COVID-19 vaccine has been found. The chances of that, he conceded, are “incredibly small”. Prof Whitty said at the government’s daily coronavirus press conference: “In the long run, the exit from this is going to be one of two things, ideally. Latest coronavirus news, updates and advice Live: Follow all the latest updates from the UK and around the world Fact-checker: The number of COVID-19 cases in your local area 6 charts and maps that explain how COVID-19 is spreading “One of which is a highly effective vaccine… and/or highly effective drugs so people stop dying of this disease, even if they catch it. “Until we have those – and the probability of having those in the next calendar year are incredibly small – we are going to have to rely on other social measures, which of course are very socially disruptive as everyone is finding at the moment.
"Army of thousands to help trace virus victims" is the front-page headline in the Times. It says that because tracking infections will play a key role in any easing of lockdown restrictions, Public Health England will train civil servants and council workers for the huge scheme. But its leader asks whether the government is capable of organising them, suggesting that local authorities might be better placed to do so. The Daily Telegraph agrees that tracing is a key part of efforts to resume normal life, but its opinion column points out that in this area "the UK seems to be behind the curve". It says a small team of tracers that had been set up was "wound down", although the government now "wants to build it up again". "Glimmer of light" is the front-page headline in the Daily Mirror. It's a reference to the foreign secretary's comment, at Wednesday's Downing Street briefing, that there was "light at the end of the tunnel".
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Wednesday's Downing Street briefing there was "light at the end of the tunnel" In its leader, the paper welcomes the suggestion that infections may be reaching a peak. But, it says: "We have to accept there is still a long way to go." The Guardian claims that Number 10 ignored a warning from the Department of Health, not to mention at last Saturday's Downing Street briefing, that a consignment of protective equipment was due to arrive from Turkey the following day. The plane landed on Wednesday. A source close to Health Secretary Matt Hancock is quoted saying that the disclosure about the advice is "categorically not true". But a cabinet source tells the paper: "Lots of people were clear that we shouldn't be talking about any shipments before they've arrived."
The Sun's front page headline is "wear a mask". It reports that, with senior scientists due to meet once again to discuss the issue, the government may be about to change its advice and encourage people to try to stop the infection spreading by wearing masks.
Not another peak-just less of a reduction after the peak. Better a limited number get it in the Summer rather than a massive spike in December.
Things will get better-look at China. Or the entire history of the world.
Besides, there are limits as to how long the country can withstand lockdown, both mentally and financially.
Likeliest outcome:-worse in April, improvements in May OR June, reduction (not removal) of lockdown, minor spike in the Autumn, then world gradually returns to normal.
Coronavirus could circulate around globe indefinitely, says government adviser
He said: “We absolutely must at least assume and prepare for, even if we can’t be sure it will happen, that this is not a discrete one-off episode. My belief is that this is now an endemic human infection. It has been in millions of people already and it is likely that this is here with the human race for the future. “I believe this virus will continue to circulate in human populations for many many years to come, if not permanently.”
“We have to have drugs to treat this infection because it will come back and there will be people that get sick. It is critical we develop vaccines so that we can prevent what I think we should assume are inevitable future waves.”
Saw this on the Times Forum today and wondered how many would agree? Or not?
Let me begin by saying I'm 72, and I have had a wonderful time on the planet. The elephant in the room is that we cannot continue in lockdown until an effective and available vaccine is to hand. It's simply not feasible. The political challenge is not when to ease lockdown but how to achieve it without the media being swamped with pictures of people dying on hospital trolleys. And that is a political, not a health imperative.
The current policy is not principally targeted at saving lives but getting us to die in an orderly manner. Ultimately we have to be adult enough to accept that this disease is a selective killer. Other older or unwell people may disagree that their death is a risk worth taking; but remember that if we are going to die after contracting this disease, most of us in the at-risk group will have done so before there is an effective vaccine anyway.
The price of exiting lockdown is that some people will die earlier than they would have if they had stayed indoors for 12 months then caught it in 2021, when out of sheer economic desperation we will have to rely on barely tested and unreliable vaccines. I may be one of them. But if the price of another 12 months of life in lockdown is that my grandson's life is economically blighted - and the children and grandchidren of all of us - then I have to say we should regard it as a price worth paying. Life is beautiful; but I want his and theirs to be too. Let the at-risk group choose to follow Mr Jones' strategy or not; in short, let's grow up and leave the decision to us, rather than wait for politicians who can't solve the problem anyway.
I have questioned how we get out of the lockdown for quite some time.
Either there is no plan, or they are not telling us what the plan is.
Maybe I am too thick to understand whats going on.
The Government are not keen on quoting facts, and seem to prefer stringing us along.
The experts are still saying that there will be no vaccine for 12 months, despite the Government inferring that it may be ready sooner.
Around 100 people in Korea have contracted the virus a second time.
So catching it once is no guarantee of immunity.
The whole point of the lockdown is to restrict the number of new cases, so that the NHS are able to manage.
Yet with these measures in place there were still in excess of 3,000 new cases today.
Who knows what that figure might be, if we were properly testing.
We would surely be finding more new cases if we were testing reasonable numbers of people.
You would think that those not observing the social distancing measures will continue the spread.
As will those visiting their supermarket, hospital patients being treated for other stuff etc.
Any relaxation of the rules will surely continue the spread.
There is no intention to test arrivals at ports and airports.
Yet at the beginning people on cruise ships weren't allowed to return without a test, and a positive test meant isolation.
It would be nice to hear a plan.
However if you can catch it more than once, there is no herd immunity, then the vaccine would seem to be the only way out.
The real questions then become, how long you can lock down the most vulnerable, and how long can the economy survive the lockdown.
I consider myself vulnerable as I am getting on a bit, too fat, and 50 plus years of smoking have hardly improved my lungs.
I am not sure that many vulnerable people will deliberately commit suicide by going out and catching the virus, in order to save the economy.
I just know that I wont be one of them.
Although it may be a feeling of British superiority, that makes us think It wont happen to me, despite the evidence.
Lets say they meet their 100,000 per day testing target by the end of the month, however unlikely that may seem at the moment. They are currently doing less than 20,000. Surely the increased testing will uncover more new cases, rather than less. This testing is likely to include the most at risk people, weekly test on NHS front line staff, care workers, and care home residents. This will surely result in more attributable deaths. Where is the peak then?
Not another peak-just less of a reduction after the peak. Better a limited number get it in the Summer rather than a massive spike in December.
Things will get better-look at China. Or the entire history of the world.
Besides, there are limits as to how long the country can withstand lockdown, both mentally and financially.
Likeliest outcome:-worse in April, improvements in May OR June, reduction (not removal) of lockdown, minor spike in the Autumn, then world gradually returns to normal.
Coronavirus could circulate around globe indefinitely, says government adviser
He said: “We absolutely must at least assume and prepare for, even if we can’t be sure it will happen, that this is not a discrete one-off episode. My belief is that this is now an endemic human infection. It has been in millions of people already and it is likely that this is here with the human race for the future. “I believe this virus will continue to circulate in human populations for many many years to come, if not permanently.”
“We have to have drugs to treat this infection because it will come back and there will be people that get sick. It is critical we develop vaccines so that we can prevent what I think we should assume are inevitable future waves.”
There was a poll referred to on last nights NewsNight in which, 49% thought that the Government has no exit strategy from the lockdown. 63% said that if the lockdown ended they would still be too scared to go out.
Tragedy as NHS nurse wakes up from coronavirus coma to find his partner has died - then is told his colleague on the same ward and her husband are also dead
David Courtney-Williams, a nurse, woke up at Morriston Hospital near Swansea to the news his partner, Steven, alongside his colleague Sharon Bamford and her husband had died from coronavirus.
"Sturgeon heaps pressure on Number 10 over virus plan," is the front page headline in the Times. The paper says the Scottish First Minister's announcement on Thursday, of ways in which the Covid-19 lockdown might be eased, has left Boris Johnson's government facing calls to reveal its own strategy. The former Conservative leader, Iain Duncan-Smith, is quoted as saying: "We must trust the British public to understand how this will happen. The Scottish administration is right." The Guardian agrees, suggesting in its leader that the Scottish government's paper on possible next steps in the crisis makes Holyrood "more truthful and proactive than its UK counterpart". It welcomes Nicola Sturgeon's candour in admitting that "the old reality" will not return for a long time, if at all. Ms Sturgeon's speech is described as a "landmark moment" by the New Statesman's website. It highlights the promise that, as a strategy develops, the public will share the thinking of the policymakers in Edinburgh. The magazine believes that contrasts with London's approach. "There is still the sense," it says, "that the man in Whitehall not only knows best, but that voters shouldn't worry their little heads about this kind of thing."
The Daily Telegraph's lead is "Johnson back at controls on Monday". The prime minister, the paper says, has told aides to arrange catch-up meetings with cabinet ministers next week. The Telegraph suggests his return is happening "amid cabinet concerns the lockdown has gone too far" and says there are hopes that he'll "inject fresh impetus into plans for an exit strategy". The easing of restrictions preoccupies the Sun. The headline for its leader is: "We must end lockdown as soon as it's safely possible, before our economy is completely destroyed." It points out that the latest forecasts are "cataclysmically worse than anything yet predicted". And it concludes that "we should be clamouring to get back to our jobs before they cease to exist". The Daily Mail has several pages of evidence that that's already happening. There are photographs of people queuing to shop at the B&Q home improvement chain, which has reopened some of its stores, as well as pictures of builders working on a construction site, and a road busy with traffic. "UK on move again" is the headline. Several backbench Conservatives tell the paper the lockdown must be eased. Under the headline "back to work", the leader in the Times states that "the government should do everything to encourage businesses that can reopen safely to do so". It believes the key question is whether companies can protect both staff and customers. Failure to do this risks what it calls a "debilitating second wave" of the pandemic.
The Mirror welcomes the government's move to widen testing, but adds that ministers will need to prove to the public they can implement the measures The Guardian reports that Remdesivir, a drug that was thought to be one of the best prospects for treating Covid-19, failed to have any effect in its first full trial. The paper explains that the study, involving 237 patients, was halted because of side-effects. A draft document about it was accidentally published on a World Health Organization database, the Guardian reports, but it has since been removed. The opinion column in the Mirror welcomes the government's moves to widen coronavirus testing, and trace those who've had contact with infected people. But it concludes that, after the problems with supplies of protective equipment for NHS workers, the public will need to be convinced that ministers can implement their new testing and tracing strategy.
Covid-19 test system for key workers is in crisis ALREADY as Government runs out of home testing kits within hours after Matt Hancock claims using the website will be as easy 'as booking a flight'
Britons struggled to book coronavirus test on Government's new online system today as Ministers race to meet their 100,000 daily target by the end of next week. Some ten million key workers and their households are now eligible for the tests, but some took to social media to complain that the process was 'not simple'. Others said they could not find a category for their job role, despite Health Secretary Matt Hancock (top, on ITV's Good Morning Britain today) claiming that it was 'a bit like booking a flight'. Mr Hancock said that people whose work is critical to the Covid-19 response, and those they live with, will be able to register for a test if they have symptoms. NHS staff, police officers, teachers, social workers, undertakers, journalists and those who work in supermarkets and food production are among those now eligible. Pictured: Testing at Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey yesterday (left).
Questions continue to be asked about the effectiveness of the government's approach to the coronavirus crisis. "They were warned" is the headline on the front of the Daily Mirror, which says a leaked cabinet office document shows the government was told last year to make plans for a possible pandemic - including stockpiling personal protective equipment. The story also features on the front of the Guardian, which says ministers were advised to organise advanced purchase agreements for other essential kit and establish procedures for disease surveillance and contact tracing. In its editorial, the Mirror says the document highlighted the main areas where the government subsequently "fell short" in its response and argues that the leak adds weight to calls for an independent inquiry into the handling of Covid-19. The Daily Telegraph says a government "diktat" that NHS hospitals should move hundreds of elderly patients into care homes has been branded "reckless". The paper says policy documents show officials told hospitals to transfer patients who no longer required hospital treatment back to care homes - even if they still had coronavirus or had never even been tested for it. Care home providers have told the paper the advice "significantly increased" the number of Covid-19 deaths in their homes. A government spokesman tells the paper all care home residents discharged from hospital will now be tested.
The New Statesman claims its investigation has found coronavirus was allowed to "run rampant" through care homes and that official figures drastically underestimate the number of people to have died there. It says its analysis suggests the disease's true impact has been "masked" because not enough care home residents were tested for the virus - meaning it wasn't listed on death certificates.
There is continued focus on what any exit from the lockdown may look like. The Times says the Treasury is drawing up plans to get people back to work. Under the proposals, businesses would have to put up signs warning people to keep two metres apart, close communal areas and ensure a widespread supply of hand-washing facilities. In its editorial, the paper welcomes such moves, but says the government needs to reinforce the message that workers under the age of 50 have little to fear from the virus. The Daily Mail says ministers are considering easing lockdown rules, by allowing people to socialise with up to 10 of their close friends or family - from no more than two households. But there remain calls for a tightening of the rules according to the Yorkshire Post, which reports that some landowners have illegally been closing countryside footpaths and putting up "abusive signs" warning people to stay away, amid fear that areas may be overwhelmed by visitors.
Choose ten lockdown friends and family: Government considers relaxing 'stay at home' rules to let small groups meet for meals, share childcare and to reunite couples who live apart - after Nicola Sturgeon touted similar 'bubble' plan
In an idea reminiscent of BT's 'Friends and Families' scheme, people would nominate a small list of those they want to be able to see, drawn from no more than one or two households. But those involved would not be allowed to mingle with others outside the 'cluster'. Ministers are still grappling with how to enforce the new system and prevent a free-for-all that could allow the coronavirus epidemic to take hold again. It comes as people were still out and about in the sunshine in London's Hyde Park, pictured top-left and Broadway Market, pictured bottom-left. A Whitehall source said: 'If we can find a way to allow a bit more flexibility without risking transmission of the disease running higher then we will do it.' However, Health Secretary Matt Hancock, pictured right, warned the government would not ease lockdown restrictions until ministers were certain they could prevent a deadly second wave of infection. Meanwhile, Scottish First Minster Nicola Sturgeon has revealed she is planning to restrict the lockdown restrictions to allow people to meet a bubble of up to 10 family and friends as part of the process of returning to normality.
Ministers were warned last year to stockpile PPE for a coronavirus pandemic - and told an outbreak could come in three waves, kill 65,000 people and cost £2.35TRILLION
Ministers were last year warned of the grave consequences a future pandemic would unleash on the UK, a leaked Cabinet Office briefing had revealed. Tens of thousands of deaths, crippling economic costs and creaking public services were predicted in the 2019 National Security Risk Assessment (NSRA) which mapped out how an outbreak would likely unfold. Foreboding the current coronavirus crisis, it recommended stockpiling personal protective equipment and drawing up plans to repatriate stranded Britons abroad. The government was also told to shore up the infrastructure needed to conduct mass contact tracing, in a revelation that will pour petrol on the simmering row over the lack of testing. The assessment said a relatively mild outbreak of 'moderate virulence' could lead to 65,600 deaths and could cost the UK £2.35trillion. It is not clear if Boris Johnson was prime minister when the report was written, or whether it was given to ministers serving the previous administration under Theresa May.
Priti Patel will warn 'selfish rule-breakers' to stop flouting coronavirus lockdown amid 'worrying increase in people moving around' and soaring traffic congestion
The Home Secretary will underscore her warning to stay indoors with the threat of beefing up the police's powers to enforce social distancing. Unseasonably warm weather has caused many Britons to defy ministers' instructions and head to parks, beaches and shopping centres in their droves (Victoria Park in London, right). A steady increase of traffic on the roads has also added to the growing unease in Downing Street that the country is becoming restless under the restrictions to everyday life. Police chiefs have repeatedly begged the nation to obey the rules, while one force yesterday branded those flouting the lockdown as 'selfish'. However their message has been undermined by their own officers failing to observe social distancing during Thursday's clap for carers on Westminster Bridge. Mr Patel will this afternoon use the daily Downing Street press briefing (left, at a previous briefing) to impress upon the public the seriousness of following the rules.
I’ve had another great idea..I might even submit it to Bojo to consider in this PPE mess
Why don’t we find and employ a captain of industry from the private sector to head up and source what we need: a non political figure, just someone to step in and sort it
Oh, no let’s get a Tory politician peer to do it...Jeux sans frontiers but with frontiers....
I have often thought this about the NHS.
I am not a Richard Branson fan, but he and people like him, seem to be able to recruit teams of people that are able to organise, and efficiently run businesses. In the case of Branson, he seems able to do this in so many diverse areas. In the case of the NHS, we just seem happy to make excuses. As a business it is a complete disaster. Yet the staff have my utmost admiration for their bravery, and service. You could not fault the front line staff.
I'm not a fan of the Health Minister. The man seems intent on blaming others for his own mistakes, while seeming like he is not even going to pretend he cares.
And yet.
Who is best placed to arrange for PPE? The Government? That would be the people who have no previous dealings with the suppliers, and zero experience of logistics.
Why do the NHS get a free pass here? They are one of the 10 largest employers in the world. The largest healthcare provider in the world. That employs some 1.7 million people. Which will include thousands of logistic experts-even before this pandemic they were providing and arranging logistics on a massive scale. The people who have years of building up relationships as the largest single healthcare purchaser in the world.
I used to run a small-medium firm of solicitors. As such, it was compulsory to have a detailed Business Recovery Plan (often called a Disaster Plan).
So why does the NHS not have a detailed plan? In relation to a health pandemic. when it was always a question of if, rather than when, one would appear. This is just not acceptable.
Why is it providing no leadership in relation to the way forward? It employs thousands of Managers, and yet (apparently) none that can actually help. I'm sure "science" (actually, it's just UK science, and ignore the "foreign" science) and Universities have a part to play. So why not the health provider?
The Chief Executive of the NHS oversees £120 billion of annual spending. Anyone seen him? Or even knows who he is?
The front line of the NHS deserve our applause. The Management deserve the disdain currently reserved for this Government.
Do you think they are facing a big liability from the families of front line staff who died after being forced to work without adequate protection?
Too early to say.
But probably, no. Not being forced...
Coronavirus: Married doctors launch legal challenge over government's PPE failures
A married couple who are both doctors are bringing a legal challenge against the government over its failure to provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to health and care workers. Meenal Viz, a clinical fellow in medicine who is six months pregnant, and GP trainee Nishant Joshi brought the complaint against Public Health England and the Department of Health in a pre-action letter this week.
Both NHS doctors said they had been exposed to patients infected with Covid-19, and challenged the lawfulness of current PPE guidance on when and how the vital gear is used, as well as its availability.
Why I detest Priti Patel in 1 sentence. One of hers.
There have been difficulties in delivering PPE. Everyone knows that. People have been blaming the Government, perhaps a little unfairly. Getting 98% coverage, 99%, but probably never 100%.
Her sentence, when questioned on this today?
"I'm sorry if people feel there have been failings." What a vile cop-out.
Come the revolution...
On a lighter note, why do people keep talking about a "herculean" effort? Surely that should be in the Labour Ward?
The Sunday Express declares that the prime minister is back to tighten his grip on the coronavirus crisis, with a crucial week of meetings about easing the lockdown. According to the Observer, Boris Johnson is returning to a dilemma because grim data on the disease means it's too soon to relax restrictions. It quotes Prof John Edmunds, a member of the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, who says the number of new Covid-19 cases is still too high and would overwhelm a testing and tracing system. Another expert, Prof Paul Hunter, warns that infections need to be down to a few hundred a day - which could take months. The Sunday Times focuses on opposing advice from Tory grandees who, it says, are putting concerted pressure on the prime minister to relax the lockdown. The paper says there's been a backlash since Downing Street briefed last week that Mr Johnson would not be rushing to lift restrictions after nearly losing his own life to the virus. It quotes six Conservative donors and three cabinet ministers who voice concerns about damage to the economy and the strain on the public as the lockdown continues with no end in sight. The Sunday Mirror leads with what it says is a "blistering letter to mealy-mouthed ministers" from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who argues that the public deserve "an adult conversation" about what comes next. "Stop treating us like children", demands the front-page headline.
Lockdown measures were introduced in the UK on 23 March According to the Mail on Sunday, scientists have hailed an immunity test developed at Oxford as a game-changer that could allow life to start to return to normal by June - by establishing who has had the disease already. The paper says ministers have ordered the production of up to 50 million of the tests, which can detect antibodies in a pinprick of blood in 20 minutes. But the Mail cautions that the strategy flies in the face of advice from the World Health Organization, which says there's no evidence that someone with antibodies is protected from a second infection.
The Sunday Telegraph reports that the government is working on a plan to quarantine all passengers arriving at British ports and airports for 14 days to stop the transmission of the virus from overseas. There would be large fines for those who fail to remain at the address given to the authorities as their place of isolation. The Telegraph says the scheme mirrors controls in force in Singapore and could be introduced here as early as next month.
"Boris bounces back to get UK moving" is the front page headline of the Daily Mail, which pictures the prime minister smiling as he returns to Downing Street. But the papers leave him in no doubt about the challenges he's facing. In its editorial, the Mail says it isn't plausible that the "grinding lockdown can prevail much longer", while many papers warn the cabinet is split between those concerned about the economy and others worried about an upsurge of infections which could overwhelm the NHS. There are growing doubts about the public mood too - with the i's political editor, Nigel Morris, saying the early approval of the government's handling of the crisis appears to be ebbing away. The Daily Telegraph suggests Mr Johnson is "increasingly bullish" about modifying the restrictions - possibly as early as this week. According to the Times, advisers have been appointed to help ministers draw up guidance for different sectors, so companies can get back to work. It suggests the rules could mean restricting numbers in gyms and barring shoppers from trying on clothes before they buy them.
The Financial Times believes one of the thorniest dilemmas is the question of when to re-open schools. It highlights research suggesting that two-thirds of British children have not taken part in online learning since the lockdown began and it argues that plans for the safe return to formal education need to be made now. One possible solution, it believes, is to split school pupils into groups which are kept apart.
The pictures of queues outside DIY stores, sunbathers on the beach, and cyclists bunched together on Wimbledon Common have led to questions about the lockdown rules - according to the Sun. Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation - which represents rank and file officers, tells the paper the government needs to issue clearer guidance. He asks: "Why is it OK to queue with hundreds outside a B&Q but not to sit on a blanket in a park well away from other people? It makes no sense whatsoever to my colleagues, and I doubt whether it makes any sense to the public."
Comments
Scientists are urging anyone over 60 to consider themselves “high risk” amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Boris Johnson has introduced draconian lockdown measures that only allow Britons to venture out for “very limited purposes” like shopping for essentials.
These restrictions stand regardless of an individual’s age; however, officials recognise those over 70 as being particularly at risk of the infection.
Scientists from Imperial College London and the University of Exeter have argued that this overlooks the more than 7 million Britons between 60 and 69 who may be at “considerable” risk.
Early research suggests the coronavirus is mild in four out of five cases, but it can trigger a respiratory disease called COVID-19.
One expert warned that immunity can decline “a decade earlier” than the government’s 70-year “cut-off”, adding that “you can be a very fit 65-year-old, but your immune system will not work as well as it did when you were 20”.
https://uk.yahoo.com/style/coronavirus-covid19-risk-age-sixty-131231825.html
'Disruptive' social distancing measures are likely to be in place for the rest of 2020, the government has said.
“Disruptive” social distancing measures are likely be in place for the rest of 2020, the government has said.
Prof Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, said on Wednesday that the measures will only be lifted if a COVID-19 vaccine has been found.
The chances of that, he conceded, are “incredibly small”.
Prof Whitty said at the government’s daily coronavirus press conference: “In the long run, the exit from this is going to be one of two things, ideally.
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“One of which is a highly effective vaccine… and/or highly effective drugs so people stop dying of this disease, even if they catch it.
“Until we have those – and the probability of having those in the next calendar year are incredibly small – we are going to have to rely on other social measures, which of course are very socially disruptive as everyone is finding at the moment.
https://uk.yahoo.com/news/coronavirus-social-distancing-2020-whitty-170955660.html
"Army of thousands to help trace virus victims" is the front-page headline in the Times.
It says that because tracking infections will play a key role in any easing of lockdown restrictions, Public Health England will train civil servants and council workers for the huge scheme.
But its leader asks whether the government is capable of organising them, suggesting that local authorities might be better placed to do so.
The Daily Telegraph agrees that tracing is a key part of efforts to resume normal life, but its opinion column points out that in this area "the UK seems to be behind the curve".
It says a small team of tracers that had been set up was "wound down", although the government now "wants to build it up again".
"Glimmer of light" is the front-page headline in the Daily Mirror.
It's a reference to the foreign secretary's comment, at Wednesday's Downing Street briefing, that there was "light at the end of the tunnel".
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Wednesday's Downing Street briefing there was "light at the end of the tunnel"
In its leader, the paper welcomes the suggestion that infections may be reaching a peak. But, it says: "We have to accept there is still a long way to go."
The Guardian claims that Number 10 ignored a warning from the Department of Health, not to mention at last Saturday's Downing Street briefing, that a consignment of protective equipment was due to arrive from Turkey the following day.
The plane landed on Wednesday.
A source close to Health Secretary Matt Hancock is quoted saying that the disclosure about the advice is "categorically not true".
But a cabinet source tells the paper: "Lots of people were clear that we shouldn't be talking about any shipments before they've arrived."
The Sun's front page headline is "wear a mask".
It reports that, with senior scientists due to meet once again to discuss the issue, the government may be about to change its advice and encourage people to try to stop the infection spreading by wearing masks.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-the-papers-52391112
He said: “We absolutely must at least assume and prepare for, even if we can’t be sure it will happen, that this is not a discrete one-off episode. My belief is that this is now an endemic human infection. It has been in millions of people already and it is likely that this is here with the human race for the future.
“I believe this virus will continue to circulate in human populations for many many years to come, if not permanently.”
“We have to have drugs to treat this infection because it will come back and there will be people that get sick. It is critical we develop vaccines so that we can prevent what I think we should assume are inevitable future waves.”
https://uk.yahoo.com/news/coronavirus-could-circulate-around-globe-171507863.html
Either there is no plan, or they are not telling us what the plan is.
Maybe I am too thick to understand whats going on.
The Government are not keen on quoting facts, and seem to prefer stringing us along.
The experts are still saying that there will be no vaccine for 12 months, despite the Government inferring that it may be ready sooner.
Around 100 people in Korea have contracted the virus a second time.
So catching it once is no guarantee of immunity.
The whole point of the lockdown is to restrict the number of new cases, so that the NHS are able to manage.
Yet with these measures in place there were still in excess of 3,000 new cases today.
Who knows what that figure might be, if we were properly testing.
We would surely be finding more new cases if we were testing reasonable numbers of people.
You would think that those not observing the social distancing measures will continue the spread.
As will those visiting their supermarket, hospital patients being treated for other stuff etc.
Any relaxation of the rules will surely continue the spread.
There is no intention to test arrivals at ports and airports.
Yet at the beginning people on cruise ships weren't allowed to return without a test, and a positive test meant isolation.
It would be nice to hear a plan.
However if you can catch it more than once, there is no herd immunity, then the vaccine would seem to be the only way out.
The real questions then become, how long you can lock down the most vulnerable, and how long can the economy survive the lockdown.
I consider myself vulnerable as I am getting on a bit, too fat, and 50 plus years of smoking have hardly improved my lungs.
I am not sure that many vulnerable people will deliberately commit suicide by going out and catching the virus, in order to save the economy.
I just know that I wont be one of them.
Although it may be a feeling of British superiority, that makes us think It wont happen to me, despite the evidence.
I don't believe it has been handled well so far.
Decisions are being made based on very poor data.
They are currently doing less than 20,000.
Surely the increased testing will uncover more new cases, rather than less.
This testing is likely to include the most at risk people, weekly test on NHS front line staff, care workers, and care home residents.
This will surely result in more attributable deaths.
Where is the peak then?
49% thought that the Government has no exit strategy from the lockdown.
63% said that if the lockdown ended they would still be too scared to go out.
David Courtney-Williams, a nurse, woke up at Morriston Hospital near Swansea to the news his partner, Steven, alongside his colleague Sharon Bamford and her husband had died from coronavirus.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/index.html
"Sturgeon heaps pressure on Number 10 over virus plan," is the front page headline in the Times.
The paper says the Scottish First Minister's announcement on Thursday, of ways in which the Covid-19 lockdown might be eased, has left Boris Johnson's government facing calls to reveal its own strategy.
The former Conservative leader, Iain Duncan-Smith, is quoted as saying: "We must trust the British public to understand how this will happen. The Scottish administration is right."
The Guardian agrees, suggesting in its leader that the Scottish government's paper on possible next steps in the crisis makes Holyrood "more truthful and proactive than its UK counterpart".
It welcomes Nicola Sturgeon's candour in admitting that "the old reality" will not return for a long time, if at all.
Ms Sturgeon's speech is described as a "landmark moment" by the New Statesman's website.
It highlights the promise that, as a strategy develops, the public will share the thinking of the policymakers in Edinburgh.
The magazine believes that contrasts with London's approach.
"There is still the sense," it says, "that the man in Whitehall not only knows best, but that voters shouldn't worry their little heads about this kind of thing."
The Daily Telegraph's lead is "Johnson back at controls on Monday".
The prime minister, the paper says, has told aides to arrange catch-up meetings with cabinet ministers next week.
The Telegraph suggests his return is happening "amid cabinet concerns the lockdown has gone too far" and says there are hopes that he'll "inject fresh impetus into plans for an exit strategy".
The easing of restrictions preoccupies the Sun. The headline for its leader is: "We must end lockdown as soon as it's safely possible, before our economy is completely destroyed."
It points out that the latest forecasts are "cataclysmically worse than anything yet predicted". And it concludes that "we should be clamouring to get back to our jobs before they cease to exist".
The Daily Mail has several pages of evidence that that's already happening.
There are photographs of people queuing to shop at the B&Q home improvement chain, which has reopened some of its stores, as well as pictures of builders working on a construction site, and a road busy with traffic. "UK on move again" is the headline. Several backbench Conservatives tell the paper the lockdown must be eased.
Under the headline "back to work", the leader in the Times states that "the government should do everything to encourage businesses that can reopen safely to do so".
It believes the key question is whether companies can protect both staff and customers. Failure to do this risks what it calls a "debilitating second wave" of the pandemic.
The Mirror welcomes the government's move to widen testing, but adds that ministers will need to prove to the public they can implement the measures
The Guardian reports that Remdesivir, a drug that was thought to be one of the best prospects for treating Covid-19, failed to have any effect in its first full trial.
The paper explains that the study, involving 237 patients, was halted because of side-effects.
A draft document about it was accidentally published on a World Health Organization database, the Guardian reports, but it has since been removed.
The opinion column in the Mirror welcomes the government's moves to widen coronavirus testing, and trace those who've had contact with infected people.
But it concludes that, after the problems with supplies of protective equipment for NHS workers, the public will need to be convinced that ministers can implement their new testing and tracing strategy.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-the-papers-52405838
Britons struggled to book coronavirus test on Government's new online system today as Ministers race to meet their 100,000 daily target by the end of next week. Some ten million key workers and their households are now eligible for the tests, but some took to social media to complain that the process was 'not simple'. Others said they could not find a category for their job role, despite Health Secretary Matt Hancock (top, on ITV's Good Morning Britain today) claiming that it was 'a bit like booking a flight'. Mr Hancock said that people whose work is critical to the Covid-19 response, and those they live with, will be able to register for a test if they have symptoms. NHS staff, police officers, teachers, social workers, undertakers, journalists and those who work in supermarkets and food production are among those now eligible. Pictured: Testing at Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey yesterday (left).
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/index.html
Questions continue to be asked about the effectiveness of the government's approach to the coronavirus crisis.
"They were warned" is the headline on the front of the Daily Mirror, which says a leaked cabinet office document shows the government was told last year to make plans for a possible pandemic - including stockpiling personal protective equipment.
The story also features on the front of the Guardian, which says ministers were advised to organise advanced purchase agreements for other essential kit and establish procedures for disease surveillance and contact tracing.
In its editorial, the Mirror says the document highlighted the main areas where the government subsequently "fell short" in its response and argues that the leak adds weight to calls for an independent inquiry into the handling of Covid-19.
The Daily Telegraph says a government "diktat" that NHS hospitals should move hundreds of elderly patients into care homes has been branded "reckless".
The paper says policy documents show officials told hospitals to transfer patients who no longer required hospital treatment back to care homes - even if they still had coronavirus or had never even been tested for it.
Care home providers have told the paper the advice "significantly increased" the number of Covid-19 deaths in their homes. A government spokesman tells the paper all care home residents discharged from hospital will now be tested.
The New Statesman claims its investigation has found coronavirus was allowed to "run rampant" through care homes and that official figures drastically underestimate the number of people to have died there.
It says its analysis suggests the disease's true impact has been "masked" because not enough care home residents were tested for the virus - meaning it wasn't listed on death certificates.
There is continued focus on what any exit from the lockdown may look like. The Times says the Treasury is drawing up plans to get people back to work.
Under the proposals, businesses would have to put up signs warning people to keep two metres apart, close communal areas and ensure a widespread supply of hand-washing facilities.
In its editorial, the paper welcomes such moves, but says the government needs to reinforce the message that workers under the age of 50 have little to fear from the virus.
The Daily Mail says ministers are considering easing lockdown rules, by allowing people to socialise with up to 10 of their close friends or family - from no more than two households.
But there remain calls for a tightening of the rules according to the Yorkshire Post, which reports that some landowners have illegally been closing countryside footpaths and putting up "abusive signs" warning people to stay away, amid fear that areas may be overwhelmed by visitors.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-the-papers-52421240
In an idea reminiscent of BT's 'Friends and Families' scheme, people would nominate a small list of those they want to be able to see, drawn from no more than one or two households. But those involved would not be allowed to mingle with others outside the 'cluster'. Ministers are still grappling with how to enforce the new system and prevent a free-for-all that could allow the coronavirus epidemic to take hold again. It comes as people were still out and about in the sunshine in London's Hyde Park, pictured top-left and Broadway Market, pictured bottom-left. A Whitehall source said: 'If we can find a way to allow a bit more flexibility without risking transmission of the disease running higher then we will do it.' However, Health Secretary Matt Hancock, pictured right, warned the government would not ease lockdown restrictions until ministers were certain they could prevent a deadly second wave of infection. Meanwhile, Scottish First Minster Nicola Sturgeon has revealed she is planning to restrict the lockdown restrictions to allow people to meet a bubble of up to 10 family and friends as part of the process of returning to normality.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/index.html
Ministers were last year warned of the grave consequences a future pandemic would unleash on the UK, a leaked Cabinet Office briefing had revealed. Tens of thousands of deaths, crippling economic costs and creaking public services were predicted in the 2019 National Security Risk Assessment (NSRA) which mapped out how an outbreak would likely unfold. Foreboding the current coronavirus crisis, it recommended stockpiling personal protective equipment and drawing up plans to repatriate stranded Britons abroad. The government was also told to shore up the infrastructure needed to conduct mass contact tracing, in a revelation that will pour petrol on the simmering row over the lack of testing. The assessment said a relatively mild outbreak of 'moderate virulence' could lead to 65,600 deaths and could cost the UK £2.35trillion. It is not clear if Boris Johnson was prime minister when the report was written, or whether it was given to ministers serving the previous administration under Theresa May.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/index.html
The Home Secretary will underscore her warning to stay indoors with the threat of beefing up the police's powers to enforce social distancing. Unseasonably warm weather has caused many Britons to defy ministers' instructions and head to parks, beaches and shopping centres in their droves (Victoria Park in London, right). A steady increase of traffic on the roads has also added to the growing unease in Downing Street that the country is becoming restless under the restrictions to everyday life. Police chiefs have repeatedly begged the nation to obey the rules, while one force yesterday branded those flouting the lockdown as 'selfish'. However their message has been undermined by their own officers failing to observe social distancing during Thursday's clap for carers on Westminster Bridge. Mr Patel will this afternoon use the daily Downing Street press briefing (left, at a previous briefing) to impress upon the public the seriousness of following the rules.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/index.html
A married couple who are both doctors are bringing a legal challenge against the government over its failure to provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to health and care workers.
Meenal Viz, a clinical fellow in medicine who is six months pregnant, and GP trainee Nishant Joshi brought the complaint against Public Health England and the Department of Health in a pre-action letter this week.
Both NHS doctors said they had been exposed to patients infected with Covid-19, and challenged the lawfulness of current PPE guidance on when and how the vital gear is used, as well as its availability.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/coronavirus-ppe-uk-legal-challenge-doctors-hancock-a9483391.html
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/coronavirus/coronavirus-sick-criminals-try-to-smuggle-£1m-of-cocaine-into-uk-in-face-masks/ar-BB13bTwP?ocid=spartandhp
The Sunday Express declares that the prime minister is back to tighten his grip on the coronavirus crisis, with a crucial week of meetings about easing the lockdown.
According to the Observer, Boris Johnson is returning to a dilemma because grim data on the disease means it's too soon to relax restrictions.
It quotes Prof John Edmunds, a member of the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, who says the number of new Covid-19 cases is still too high and would overwhelm a testing and tracing system.
Another expert, Prof Paul Hunter, warns that infections need to be down to a few hundred a day - which could take months.
The Sunday Times focuses on opposing advice from Tory grandees who, it says, are putting concerted pressure on the prime minister to relax the lockdown.
The paper says there's been a backlash since Downing Street briefed last week that Mr Johnson would not be rushing to lift restrictions after nearly losing his own life to the virus.
It quotes six Conservative donors and three cabinet ministers who voice concerns about damage to the economy and the strain on the public as the lockdown continues with no end in sight.
The Sunday Mirror leads with what it says is a "blistering letter to mealy-mouthed ministers" from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who argues that the public deserve "an adult conversation" about what comes next. "Stop treating us like children", demands the front-page headline.
Lockdown measures were introduced in the UK on 23 March
According to the Mail on Sunday, scientists have hailed an immunity test developed at Oxford as a game-changer that could allow life to start to return to normal by June - by establishing who has had the disease already.
The paper says ministers have ordered the production of up to 50 million of the tests, which can detect antibodies in a pinprick of blood in 20 minutes.
But the Mail cautions that the strategy flies in the face of advice from the World Health Organization, which says there's no evidence that someone with antibodies is protected from a second infection.
The Sunday Telegraph reports that the government is working on a plan to quarantine all passengers arriving at British ports and airports for 14 days to stop the transmission of the virus from overseas.
There would be large fines for those who fail to remain at the address given to the authorities as their place of isolation.
The Telegraph says the scheme mirrors controls in force in Singapore and could be introduced here as early as next month.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-the-papers-52428781
"Boris bounces back to get UK moving" is the front page headline of the Daily Mail, which pictures the prime minister smiling as he returns to Downing Street.
But the papers leave him in no doubt about the challenges he's facing.
In its editorial, the Mail says it isn't plausible that the "grinding lockdown can prevail much longer", while many papers warn the cabinet is split between those concerned about the economy and others worried about an upsurge of infections which could overwhelm the NHS.
There are growing doubts about the public mood too - with the i's political editor, Nigel Morris, saying the early approval of the government's handling of the crisis appears to be ebbing away.
The Daily Telegraph suggests Mr Johnson is "increasingly bullish" about modifying the restrictions - possibly as early as this week. According to the Times, advisers have been appointed to help ministers draw up guidance for different sectors, so companies can get back to work.
It suggests the rules could mean restricting numbers in gyms and barring shoppers from trying on clothes before they buy them.
The Financial Times believes one of the thorniest dilemmas is the question of when to re-open schools.
It highlights research suggesting that two-thirds of British children have not taken part in online learning since the lockdown began and it argues that plans for the safe return to formal education need to be made now.
One possible solution, it believes, is to split school pupils into groups which are kept apart.
The pictures of queues outside DIY stores, sunbathers on the beach, and cyclists bunched together on Wimbledon Common have led to questions about the lockdown rules - according to the Sun.
Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation - which represents rank and file officers, tells the paper the government needs to issue clearer guidance.
He asks: "Why is it OK to queue with hundreds outside a B&Q but not to sit on a blanket in a park well away from other people? It makes no sense whatsoever to my colleagues, and I doubt whether it makes any sense to the public."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-the-papers-52436167