Coronavirus UK latest 12pm – Boris Johnson ‘could introduce 10pm curfew on pubs’ and fears of Covid-19 in care homes
THE GOVERNMENT could introduce a 10pm curfew on pubs, bars and restaurants as part of its latest plan to keep coronavirus infections down.
The move stems from a concern that adherence to social distancing measures diminishes the more people consume alcohol.
Meanwhile, Oxford University has resumed its key clinical trial for a coronavirus vaccine – after it was halted when a volunteer suffered a suspected serious adverse reaction.
The Medicines Health Regulatory Authority (MHRA) today confirmed that it was safe to resume trials in a boost to the UK's efforts to secure a Covid-19 vaccine.
Yesterday, a former chief scientific adviser has warned the UK is “on the edge of losing control” of coronavirus – and said there is an “extremely strong argument” that home working should continue.
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INDIA'S TOTAL CORONAVIRUS CASELOAD REACHES 4.75MILLION – BUT RECOVERY RATE IS IMPROVING
India has registered a single-day spike of 94,372 new coronavirus cases, driving the country's overall tally to 4.75 million.
The Health Ministry on Sunday also reported 1,114 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking total fatalities up to 78,586.
Even as infections are growing faster in India than anywhere else in the world, the number of people recovering from the virus has also risen sharply.
The country's recovery rate stands at 77.77% and nearly 70,000 recoveries have been reported every day in the month of September, according to the Health Ministry.
The ministry attributed India's COVID-19 recovery pace to aggressive testing and prompt surveillance, but experts say India needs to test more due to its huge population.
IN PICTURES: ANTI-LOCKDOWN PROTESTERS RALLY IN MELBOURNE DESPITE STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS
JUSTICE SECRETARY HINTS AT ISSUE WITH YOUNG PEOPLE FORGETTING SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said there is an issue with young people forgetting the rules when asked if the Government could introduce curfews.
He told Sky's Sophy Ridge On Sunday: “I think that as you've seen we've been very prepared to move quickly where necessary and where the evidence poisons us.
“I think there's an issue about social occasions and social events and particularly young people getting together and enjoying themselves sometimes a bit too much and forgetting the importance of the rules.
“I think it would be idle of me to speculate as to what measures we might have to bring in as we approach the winter.”
AUSTRALIA: SCORES ARRESTED DURING ANTI-LOCKDOWN PROTESTS IN VICTORIA
Police in Australia's Victoria state arrested 74 people and fined 176 for breaching public health orders as scattered protests against a weeks-long coronavirus lockdown continued for a second straight day across Melbourne.
A riot squad marched through fruit and vegetable stalls at the city's landmark, the Queen Victoria market, before the scuffling with protesters erupted, with some people throwing fruit at the police, television footage showed.
Victoria Police said in a statement that there were between 200 and 250 people involved in the protests, but there were no immediately known injuries to the police.
“It was extremely disappointing to see people not just protesting but putting the lives of other Victorians at risk despite all the warnings,” the police said in an e-mailed statement.
The protests came after 14 people were arrested at small dispersed rallies on Saturday and as Victoria is set to ease its lockdown restrictions very slightly as of Monday, as the number of new daily coronavirus cases continued to fall in the country's hotspot.
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SHADOW NI SECRETARY PUTS PRESSURE ON GOVERNMENT FOR INCREASED COVID-19 TESTING
Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Louise Haigh placed additional pressure on the Government to ensure the coronavirus testing capacity needed is there.
Speaking on Sky's Ridge On Sunday, Ms Haigh said: “So it beggars belief really that when the Government has asked people to get out the house, go back to work, go back to school, that they haven't put in place that testing capacity in order to underpin it and to make it safe.
“That's what's really important now, not necessarily restrictions, although we have supported the Government's return to the rule of six, but in order to make sure we underpin a safe return to work and to slightly… towards normality, that we have that testing regime and track and trace that underpins it.”
Ms Haigh added: “We need to get that testing system in place in order to understand exactly what is happening with the virus and then all these measures need to be kept under review.
“We will support the Government in restrictions and in measures that they take as long as they are based on evidence and sound medical advice.”
INDONESIA REPORTS 3,636 NEW CASES AND A FURTHER 73 DEATHS
Indonesia on Sunday reported 3,636 new coronavirus infections and 73 new deaths, data from Health Ministry's website showed.
The latest report brought the total number of infections to 218,382 and deaths to 8,723, the highest number of deaths in Southeast Asia.
The country's capital Jakarta will reimpose stricter wide-scale restrictions starting on Monday to control spread of the virus in the mega city.
LABOUR URGES GOVERNMENT 'TO GET BREXIT DONE' AND TAKE CONTROL OF CORONAVIRUS
Shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Rachel Reeves urged the Government to “get Brexit done” and get control of coronavirus.
She told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show: “I think the simplicity of the rule of six is useful, but I think the Government need to keep under review whether children need to be included in that or whether we can do more to enable families to come together.
“But the most important thing for all families across our country is protecting ourselves against this deadly virus.
“It hasn't gone away, Government advisers are saying it is endemic in some communities, the Government should have used the summer to get a grip and get control.
“Our testing regime, our tracing regime are on the verge of collapse. The Government need to put all of its efforts into that, and that's why we're saying get Brexit done, get a deal and concentrate, please, on getting control of this virus.”
FRANCE: DAILY COVID CASES PASS 10,000 FOR FIRST TIME
France has had 10,561 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, health authorities said on Saturday, a new daily record as the number topped 10,000 for the first time.
The latest daily count, surpassing the previous record of 9,843 new infections reported on Thursday, highlights a resurgence of the disease in France.
US CONFIRMS 192,388 DEATHS FROM CORONAVIRUS, MORE THAN 6 MILLION CASES
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Saturday reported 6,427,058 cases of the new coronavirus – an increase of 46,045 cases from its previous count.
The number of deaths had risen by 1,035 to 192,388.
PM CONSIDERING INTRODUCING CURFEW ON PUBS AND RESTAURANTS – REPORTS
According to the Sunday Telegraph, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is believed to be considering introducing a 10pm or 11pm curfew on restaurants, bars and pubs if local measures are unable to bring the spread of the virus under control.
The move stems from a concern that adherence to social distancing measures diminishes the more people consume alcohol.
FRESH CONCERNS OVER RISE IN CORONAVIRUS CASES IN CARE HOMES
Concerns are growing over an increase in Covid-19 cases in care homes, prompting the Government to send an alert to care providers to highlight the rising rates and to call for action.
The letter, which was sent on Friday, urges care bosses to “take the necessary action to prevent and limit outbreaks”, pointing out that in the last three days there had been an increase in notifications of coronavirus cases in care homes.
At the moment it is the workforce that is most affected, but the letter says that “clearly” there is a risk that the virus will spread to residents and in some cases already has.
CZECH REPUBLIC SEES RECORD RISE IN CASES FOR THIRD DAY STRAIGHT
The Czech Republic reported its largest single-day increase in new coronavirus infections for a third straight day on Sunday, recording 1,541 cases, according to Health Ministry data.
It was the fifth day in a row with new infections above 1,000 as the country of 10.7 million sees a surge in cases that is among the fastest in the European Union. The government has tightened rules requiring face mask use but aims to avoid harsh lockdowns
CORONAVIRUS TESTING SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO THOSE WITHOUT SYMPTOMS, SAYS BLAIR
People without coronavirus symptoms should be tested for the disease, even if the results are not “fully accurate”, former prime minister Tony Blair has insisted.
Mr Blair said that as the “largest part” of those who contract Covid-19 do not display symptoms of the virus, it was “sensible” for testing to be made more widely available.
Back in June, the former Labour leader had called for a mass coronavirus testing regime to be adopted, arguing this could help keep the disease in check.
He has now called on the UK to ensure it is using all its available capacity for tests.
But with testing at the moment largely used to confirm if those with Covid-19 symptoms – such as a cough, fever or loss of sense of taste or smell – have the disease, the former prime minister said a broader testing strategy should be adopted.
CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH-ONS CANCELLED ACROSS SCOTLAND
Christmas light switch-ons have been cancelled by councils across Scotland as they pull the plug because of coronavirus.
The festivities have been axed in East Lothian, North and South Lanarkshire, Perth and Kinross, South Ayrshire, Renfrewshire and Highland council areas.
The popular Winter Festival in Perth will not go ahead, nor will Santa's grotto at the Summerlee Museum of Industrial Life in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire.
Ticket sales for Edinburgh's Hogmanay party were suspended in July but the event will go ahead in a reduced format. The city's Christmas market will also be scaled back.
Local authorities which have scrapped official switch-on events in places such as Ayr, Paisley and Inverness will still be providing Christmas lights.
TEEN FINED £10,000 FOR HOSTING 50 PERSON HOUSE PARTY
A teenager has been fined £10,000 for hosting a 50 person house party which got “out of hand”.
The 19-year-old was handed the hefty charge after police officers turned up to his gathering just days before the new “rule of six” comes into effect.
Officers claim the teen, from Lenton, Nottingham, which is close to the university, was given the chance to shut down Friday's party, before he was fined.
There are currently six students living at the property who did not wish to be named.
One resident from the house told the MailOnline: “It was meant to be a small gathering with mates and it got out of hand.
“We had invited 25 people and it was out in the garden and aimed to end at 11pm and we were trying to social distance but then people invited their mates and so on.
“It got out of hand and we are really sorry.”
TOWN IN GERMAN ALPS STEPS UP RESTRICTIONS AFTER INFECTIONS SPIKE 'MOST LIKELY CAUSED' BY US VISITOR
A town in the German Alps has stepped up coronavirus restrictions after a spike in infections that local authorities say was likely caused by a visitor from the United States.
The restrictions imposed in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on Friday include all restaurants to close at 10pm for the next week, while the number of people allowed to meet in public is now limited to five.
Local council spokesman Stephan Scharf told the DPA news agency the American woman is believed to have been at several locations in the town.
The council says the 26-year-old, who wasn't identified, arrived in Germany in late August or early September. It wasn't clear whether she brought the virus from the US or violated quarantine regulations.
Authorities say 23 people tested positive at the accommodation where she stayed.
PUNTERS 'ENJOY' ONE LAST DRINK BEFORE RULE OF SIX COMES INTO PLAY ON MONDAY
Boozy Brits ignored the warning that the UK is “losing control of Covid” as they hit the bars on the last Saturday before new lockdown rules come into effect.
Groups of friends crammed into pubs and restaurants to “go out in style” before the “rule of six” is enforced on Monday.
Daily infections today stood at 3,497 — double the 1,813 positive tests announced just a week ago and the highest Saturday rise since May.
Pictures show large groups of friends heading on nights out in Nottingham city centre – with huge queues outside the city's bars and pubs.
Police officers were on the streets to make sure the party-goers were under control.
Large groups of drinkers also gathered at seafront bars in Brighton to make the most of the September sunshine before heading out on the town.
One group of young men had hired a minibus to travel into the seaside resort from Guildford, Surrey with the aim of getting together for one last hurrah.
One of the men, Owain, 24, said: “This new rule means we’re not going be able to go out for ages together as a group. It might even be after Christmas before we see each other again so we wanted to go out in style.”
COVID CASE ACCELERATION COULD BE LINKED TO EAT OUT TO HELP OUT
A 'rapid acceleration' in coronavirus cases might be linked to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, a top academic has said.
More than 100million meals were claimed during the wildly popular initiative, which saw Brits enjoy 50 per cent off food and non-alcoholic drinks every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in August.
But now a new report by Oxford University public policy researcher Toby Phillips suggests Rishi Sunak's scheme may be behind the huge surge in new positive infections in the UK.
He also said it could have “encouraged extravagant levels of eating out” – as eateries had already almost recovered from lockdown when the scheme began.
Eat Out to Help Out was introduced in a bid to protect the jobs of the hospitality industry’s 1.8million employees.
But the new report, published in The Conversation, said the introduction of the scheme in early August caused restaurant attendance to soar to “near 2019 levels”.
It reads: “By the start of August, restaurant attendance had already bounced back to near 2019 levels.
“People were basically going out as normal – so the half-price discount scheme didn't encourage a 'return to normal'.
“It encouraged extravagant levels of eating out.”
MPS ALLOWED TO SPEAK FROM THE BALCONY FOR THE FIRST TIME
Commons’ bosses will allow MPs to speak from a balcony for the first time in more than thirty years, we can reveal.
A COVID-secure screen will be in place to stop enthusiastic orators from spitting on their MP colleagues below.
The move to open up the two galleries high above the Commons will allow around 25 extra MPs in the Chamber.
Leading figures involved in the talks include Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Leader of the Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Work is now being carried out allowing engineers to fix TV cameras and audio feeds from the galleries.
A source said: “In recent decades, no one has spoken from these galleries, there are vague recollections of it happening in the 1980s. But it will allow a few more MPs to get back into the chamber.”
WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE GIVING CASH TO STRUGGLING COVID FAMILIES
New quiz millionaire Donald Fear will treat himself to a motorhome — but he is giving most of his winnings to family members hard-hit by Covid.
Tonight viewers saw him become only the sixth contestant to scoop TV’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? jackpot in its 22-year history.
The father of four, 57, successfully answered 15 questions at breakneck speed, prompting host Jeremy Clarkson to say: “It’s like sitting next to the internet.”
Astonishingly, the history and politics teacher surged to the magic million with three lifelines intact. He only used the 50/50 option.
Donald trumped his geography teacher brother Davyth, who won £500,000 on the ITV quiz show last year.
Donald, of Telford, Shropshire, has now quit his job but insists he won’t be living the high life.
He said: “Someone did ask me, ‘Are you going to buy an Aston Martin?’ I said, ‘I could get into the thing but I couldn’t get out. Not with my build’.
GOVE INSISTS ON CHILDREN WILL REMAIN PART OF THE 'RULE OF SIX'
Michael Gove has sparked fury as he insists children will remain part of “rule of six” next week.
The Cabinet Office Minister said the rule would not be altered to exempt children in England amid pressure on the Tory backbenches.
Although Mr Gove acknowledged that “family life is important”, he reiterated the need for “restraint and self-discipline” in order to see a drop in infections.
Speaking with BBC Breakfast he said: “I entirely understand, family life is so important but the rule is there, the rule is clear and it commands public confidence.
“The key thing is if we maintain these rules, if we maintain a degree of restraint and self-discipline and co-operation, then we can keep the reinfection rate down, we can protect our
grandparents which is the single most important thing.
“And then we can ensure in due course that these restrictions can be relaxed and my hope like so many is that we can have a proper Christmas.”
The minister further urged people to act “in tune with” the rules this weekend ahead of Monday.
SCIENTISTS WARN VACCINE WON'T BE READY IN TIME FOR SECOND WAVE
A coronavirus vaccine won’t be ready in time for the second wave, the Government’s leading life sciences adviser has warned.
Sir John Bell, 68, who sits on the UK’s vaccine taskforce and is also Oxford University’s regius professor of medicine, has warned that while the majority of vaccines take around eight years to develop, experts have only been working on a Covid-19 one for “just eight months”.
The comments come after Oxford University restarted its key clinical trial for a coronavirus vaccine – after it was halted when a volunteer suffered a suspected serious adverse reaction.
The Medicines Health Regulatory Authority (MHRA) today confirmed that it was safe to resume trials in a boost to the UK's efforts to secure a Covid-19 vaccine.
Recently, the vaccine progressed to Phase 3 testing, which meant it was able to be trialled on large numbers of patients across different geographies.
By last week, around 30,000 people in the UK, the US, Brazil and South Africa had taken part, in a tie-up with pharma giant AstraZeneca.
With the testing now back on, a vaccine could possibly be ready by the end of the year.
But Sir John told The Daily Telegraph: “We’re not going to beat the second wave now.”
CLUBBER RESPONSIBILE FOR COVID SPIKE IN BOLTON FINED
A clubber who “sparked Covid spike in Bolton” after returning from Ibiza was “always having parties and people over”.
Layton Migas, 23, went to the Spanish island for his summer holidays, returning on August 20.
Under the Government rules, he should have quarantined for a two-week period at his home in the Lancashire town.
But instead the Covidiot left his home on several occasions to go to the shops, and even threw a house party attended by his pals.
Migas was fined £1,000 after Gtr Manchester Police learned of the breaches and tracked him down a few days later.
He confirmed he had been fined after spending six weeks in Ibiza before returning home.
NHS WORKERS ON FRONTLINE JOIN MASS PROTESTS
NHS workers who fought on the frontline against coronavirus have taken to the streets of Britain today to demand better pay.
Nurses and other medical staff are asking for a 15% rise in wages to reflect their contributions during the pandemic.
Hundreds of campaigners took to the streets of London, Bristol, Manchester and Brighton carrying placards reading “stop clapping, start paying” and “priceless yet penniless”.
Others were dressed in scrubs adorned with fake blood, and carried signs saying “blood on their hands” in reference to the health workers who died without PPE.
Londoners held a two-minute silence to mark the 640 NHS workers who lost their lives during the pandemic.
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