COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 29/30 August 2020.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 29/30 August 2020.

The UK added 1,715 cases today and now has reported a total of 334,467 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 186,500 tests yesterday. Yes, that is high. It is the highest daily figure since May, but we are now testing all-comers, and not just those who become ill enough for hospital. Always remember that. 764 people were in hospital on Thursday 27th, with 60 using a ventilator on Friday 28th. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another person who has tested positive to COVID-19 with 28 days. We now very sadly have a total of 41,499 officially reported losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 28,760 (+40) cases and 1,777 losses of life.

The world passed an unwanted milestone this weekend, and there have now been more than 25 million cases of COVID reported worldwide. That's 1 in every 309 people worldwide - and that's only those who were tested. There have now been a total of 25,310,664 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 848,846. Already 17,633,488 people have recovered.

All passengers who flew onboard a TUI flight from Zakynthos, Greece to Cardiff on 25 August must quarantine after “at least 7 positive #COVID19 cases from three different groups of passengers” were identified by Public Health Wales. Message there courtesy of Alex Macheras. 

Greece is currently on the UK's travel corridor list and no checks are required on arrival. 

UK Education Secretary Gavin Williamson released a letter to parents today, ahead of most English schools reopening next week. He published his letter on Facebook - this is how lowbrow we've gone now. 

The letter says that they understand some parents are nervous:

"An extensive study by the British Medical Journal this week said that the risk of severe illness due to Covid for children was ‘vanishingly small’ and the chance of them being admitted to hospital because of the virus was ‘tiny’. 

In fact, it is generally accepted that there is a far greater risk to children’s health and wellbeing if they don’t go to school. The chief medical officers said in their joint statement: ‘Very few, if any, children or teenagers will come to long-term harm from COVID-19 due solely to attending school. This has to be set against a certainty of long-term harm to many children and young people from not attending school.’:

I'd personally say that it's very carefully worded and doesn't mention risk to any adult, nor does it consider the mental health of any children who find that risk too great to bear. 

It goes on to explain about preventative measures, e.g. pupils will be in groups, how important it is to get pupils back, and thanks school staff:

"If a child is not in school, they stand to lose far more than just a few months of learning. It could well put a huge dent in their future life chances. Education is a birthright, so let’s make sure we get all children back - back to learning, back to playing and back to being kids again."

Fingers crossed and a good week to everyone who starts or goes back to in-person education next week. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 28 August 2020.

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 28 August 2020.

The UK added 1,276 cases today and now has reported a total of 331,644 positive cases of COVID-19. 754 people were in hospital on Wednesday 26th (down 87 from the same time last week), with 71 using a ventilator yesterday (down 5 from the same time time last week). 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 9 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 41,486 officially reported losses of life in all settings, within 28 days of a positive COVID test. 

Rep. Of Ireland 28,578 (+127) cases and 1,777 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 24,782,024 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 838,468. Already 17,201,592 people have recovered.

Hope you aren't on a break in the Czech Republic, Jamaica or Switzerland. They'll be removed from the exempt list for arrivals from 4am tomorrow (Saturday 29 August), meaning you will have to quarantine on return to the UK.

Changes to local English restrictions announced today - these come into force on Wednesday 2nd September:
- Positive progress means 2 households can mix again in areas including Bolton, Stockport, Trafford, Hyndburn and Burnley, also parts of Bradford excluding Bradford city and Keighley town, parts of Calderdale excluding Halifax,  and parts of Kirklees excluding Dewsbury and Batley.
- Some improvements in Leicester, with current restrictions remaining in place for a further 2 weeks as cases remain high

In Ireland, extra restrictions remain in place in Kildare. 

UK Schools will have to report to Government every day to inform them of school and pupil status. This includes whether they are open, how many pupils have COVID, and if they have any students self-isolating, or living in lockdown areas with restrictions on school attendance. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 26/27 August 2020.

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 26/27 August 2020.

The UK added 1,522 cases today (highest figure since June 9th) and now has reported a total of 330,368 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 186,500 tests yesterday. 767 people were in hospital on Tuesday 25th, with 64 using a ventilator yesterday. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 12 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days. We now very sadly have a total of 41,477 officially reported losses of life in all settings, within 28 days of a positive test..

Rep. Of Ireland 28,363 cases and 1,777 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 24,477,849 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 832,462. Already 16,976,141 people have recovered.

Scotland did indeed on Tuesday make face coverings compulsory for senior school pupils aged 11+, for transport,  corridors and communal areas where social distancing isn't possible, as did Northern Ireland. 

A couple of hours after I posted on Tuesday,  Boris announced that England are also following the new World Health Organisation advice, and English school pupils and staff IN AREAS WITH EXTRA RESTRICTIONS will have to wear masks, and they will be optional (as opposed to not allowed) anywhere else. This only applies to higher/secondary pupils age 11+, and doesn't apply during most classes, but whenever distancing isn't possible  - when moving through corridors, on the school bus etc. the same as Scotland. 
Personally, my son insisted on a mask to look around his new high school, so he's much happier with this ruling. We live in North Manchester, we are already under extra restrictions and cases have still gone up in our area for the last 3 weeks - the science definitely supports it. I worry for the future mental health of anyone who feels they could have passed on COVID to someone who later dies or suffers long term. It isn't their fault, and putting a child in that position is especially cruel.  

Local Authorities and individual schools will make decisions on whether students in Wales will wear masks. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 24/25 August 2020.

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 24/25 August 2020.

"The COVID-19 dashboard is currently experiencing technical difficulties" So some data is missing... 

1,184 new positive cases have been recorded on Tuesday 25 August, giving a total of 327,798.

16 new deaths have been reported across the UK, giving a total loss of life of 41,449 people within 28 days of a positive COVID test.

Rep. Of Ireland 28,116 cases and 1,777 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 23,918,261 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 819,430. Already 16,443,235 people have recovered.

The majority of Northern Ireland's children went back to school yesterday, and with case numbers creeping upwards, although levelling off hopefully, it wasn't with as much confidence as they'd like. Best of luck to you guys. 

Press are full of the fact that care home residents and some disabled people in the UK were placed under blanket DNR (do not resuscitate) orders heading towards the height of our peak. This isn't new news, and lists such as this always exist for use in extreme emergency situations, but blanket choices about who gets treatment, in the event that hospitals became overwhelmed, are in many cases morally reprehensible. I understand why they did it, to prevent hospital staff and doctors having to make those decisions on the spot, but it wasn't well done. As soon as it became public, people with decades of potentially healthy, productive and quality life left began campaigning for changes, on the basis they personally shouldn't be on that list. Amendments have been made. The list no doubt will always exist. 

Jenny Harries was on Sky telly yesterday talking about school reopening. She was very clear:
"Overall the risk to the child themselves is very, very small."
Phew, that's all right then. Thank heavens we don't allow any adults into schools, eh.
She suggested that risk of your child catching seasonal flu or dying in a road traffic accident is "probably higher" than the current risk of COVID19.
I agree. Right now, that is probably true for most UK areas - fingers crossed we stay that way, and if that balance swings, your local authority should act.

Boris released his latest video on Monday, and that was about school re-opening too:
"It's absolutely vital that pupils get back into school in September. It's vital for their education. It's vital for their welfare. It's vital for their physical and, indeed, their mental wellbeing. So let's make sure that all kids, all pupils, get back to school at the beginning of September.
So I think parents are genuinely still a bit worried about their... their children contracting coronavirus, and all I can say is the risks are very, very, very small that they'll even get it, but the risk that they'll errr, suffer from it badly are very, very, very, very, very small indeed."
He goes on to mention that most schools have been open and staff have been working all along (nice of him to notice), safety and availability of transport to school, and the "huge collective act of will that we've all shown to get this disease down".
I've just saved you 3 minutes better spent (very - to the power of 5). Science so far is on his side - unless numbers go up too much, then it swings. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News weekend update 22/23 August 2020.

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News weekend update 22/23 August 2020.

The UK added 1,041 cases today and now has reported a total of 325,642 positive cases of COVID-19. Tests completed has not been updated since Thursday. 834 people were in hospital on Thursday 20th (DOWN 96 since a week earlier), with 72 using a ventilator on Friday 21st (DOWN 1 since a week earlier). 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 6 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days of their positive test. We now very sadly have an official total of 41,429 losses of life in all settings.

England 281,457 / 36,786
Northern Ireland 6,647 / 559
Scotland 19,811 / 2,492
Wales 17,727 / 1,592

Rep. Of Ireland 27,969 (+61) cases and 1,777 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 23,470,124 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 810,253. Already 15,991,612 people have recovered.

"No country can just ride this out until we have a COVID19 vaccine.
A vaccine will be a vital tool, and we hope that we will have one as soon as possible.
But there’s no guarantee that we will, and even if we do have a vaccine, it won’t end the pandemic on its own."
Dr Tedros, head of the WHO. 

The UK government have extended the ban on evictions by 4 more weeks, and imposed a 6 month notice period - so renters can't be evicted until March 2021. There will be a lot of people feel the pressure suddenly lift at that news, and no doubt some landlords won't be so happy.  

Some of the European countries which had really suppressed COVID-19 are seeing outbreaks and rising numbers. On Saturday Italy reported over 1,000 new daily cases for the first time since 12th May. We knew this was likely, and it shouldn't let us lose hope, but we are beginning to see just how long it may take to be rid of COVID-19. Maybe all of the technology in the world can't make a disease outbreak any shorter than it was ever going to be, but we can at least keep the number of people we lose right down. 

Professor Chris Whitty has released a statement about children and schools. He says that the government has to balance risks, but getting children back to in-person learning is clearly their key priority.
"The risk of a child coming to significant long term harm from COVID solely due to school is very low. The risk of harm to many children if they don't go to school is high."
While as a blanket statement I totally agree, I'd add the caveat that this simply isn't going to be the truth for every child, or in every location UK-wide at all times. Remember everyone who becomes ill costs their local authority money and time, so they will have every reason to close schools at very short notice whenever they see necessary.  

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 21st August 2020.

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 21st August 2020.

The UK added 1,033 cases today and now has reported a total of 323,313 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 190,434 tests yesterday. 841 people were in hospital on Wednesday 19th, with 76 using a ventilator on Thursday 20th. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 2 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days. We now very sadly have an official total of 41,405 losses of life in all settings.

(I'll be honest, although a far better measure than 'ever tested positive', actually a significant number of people spend 4 or more weeks in hospital if they become incredibly ill with COVID, so I await the 'within 60 days of a test', which they've promised.)

Rep. Of Ireland 27,755 (+79) cases and 1,776 losses of life. 

There have now been a total of 23,008,899 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 799,627. Already 15,627,244 people have recovered.

"Hardship is always an opportunity to learn, to grow and to change. COVID19 is a once-in-a-century health crisis. But it also gives us a once-in-a-century opportunity to shape the world our children will inherit" Dr Tedros, WHO. 

Currently in England we have additional measures in many places, including, but not limited to:
- A ban on indoor gatherings of more than 2 households across parts of Lancashire, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire
- A ban on gatherings in private gardens or homes across parts of Lancashire, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire (except for support bubbles).
- Oldham, Blackburn and parts of Pendle have additional measures preventing inessential use of public transport, and from midnight on Saturday, local residents in these 3 areas should not socialise with anyone from outside their household. No restaurant walk-ins, pre-book only. Weddings and funerals limited to maximum 20 people.
- Birmingham added to this week’s watch list as an ‘area of enhanced support’, with increased testing
- Slough added as an ‘area of concern’
- Northampton becomes an ‘area of intervention’. All employees of the Greencore Factory (where 300 people have tested positive) and their households will be required to isolate at home for 2 weeks. The factory will close voluntarily from today for 2 weeks.
- The rules on social gatherings introduced 3 weeks ago will be lifted in Wigan, Rossendale and some areas of Blackburn with Darwen, and these areas will align with the rest of England from Wednesday 26 August.
-  Bedford is being removed from extra restrictions following a drop in cases

Time School: We Will Remember Them (age 7+) Children's Book Review (Sent by Hashtag Press).

Time School: We Will Remember Them is a story book full of adventure for younger independent readers. Written by Nikki Young, we were sent a copy to review by publisher Hashtag Press. 

This is a really lovely book, with a great story that will make readers think, and maybe understand. Suitable for independent readers aged around 7+ (but with better understanding for 9+), Time School tells the story of  first year Secondary School pupils Jess, and her best friends Nadia, Tomma and Ash. One morning, without warning, take a train journey that doesn't lead where they expected... 

The main story starts with a power cut, and everyone starting their day late, and in a rush. When Jess arrives at the station for her train to school, she finds friends Tommo, Nadia and Ash are also racing to catch it. They all leap onto the last carriage, and it's a while before they realise something isn't quite right. 

Arriving at school, they discover they have travelled 100 years into the past, just at the end of World War One. Adventures ensue, not least the fact that they have to work out how to get home, and it's a great story. It's very clever, and has a few unexpected twists, as well as immersing the reader into 1918. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 19/20 August 2020.

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 19/20 August 2020.

The UK added 1,182 cases today and now has reported a total of 322,280 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 190,434 tests yesterday. 867 people were in hospital on Tuesday 18th, down 85 from Tuesday last week. 70 patients were using a ventilator yesterday, down 10 from Wednesday last week. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 6 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days. We now very sadly have an official total of 41,403 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 27,547 cases and 1,775 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 22,728,247 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have officially lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 793,810. Already 15,407,162 people have recovered.

GCSE results were released today, and students got either moderated grades or teacher assessment, whichever was higher. MUCH fairer. Remember if you didn't get the grades you hoped for, there are still a million different paths open to you. 

BTEC students' results were announced as delayed late last night. Hopefully they will have spotted the teeny weeny disaster which has already occurred with several hundred thousand Scottish and A level students, and won't repeat it (we can but hope). I have my fingers crossed for all of you. 

Excitingly some Gmail and other Google services temporarily broke worldwide this morning, meaning many students waiting for exam results had to either turn up in person or wait it out. So mean! 

The UK Government have a threshold of 20 cases per 100,000 of the population in order that any country be excluded from our quarantine regulations and added to the travel corridor list. Austria, Trinidad & Tobago and Croatia have gone over the 20 cases (Croatia registered 27.4 cases per 100,000 this week) and they will be removed from the 'safe' travel corridor list at 4am on Saturday morning (22nd August). Portugal will be added to the list at that time, so good news for anyone with a Lisbon trip booked...

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 17/18 August 2020.

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 17/18 August 2020.

The UK added 1,089 cases today and now has reported a total of 320,286 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 169,276 tests yesterday. 896 people were in hospital on Sunday 16th, with 73 people using a ventilator yesterday. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 12 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days. We now very sadly have a total of 41,381 officially reported losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 27,313 cases and 1,774 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 22,153,380 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 779,677. Already 14,881,168 people have recovered.

The latest ONS (Office for National Statistics) report shows that for the 8th consecutive week, the number of people who died in England and Wales was slightly below the 5 year average. Coronavirus stole months and weeks from many people who were already ill, elderly or vulnerable.
"Looking at the year-to-date (using the most up-to-date data we have available), the number of deaths up to 7 August was 389,008, which is 52,737 more than the five-year average. Of the deaths registered by 7 August, 51,879 mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, 13.3% of all deaths in England and Wales."
Worryingly, the number of people who are losing their lives at home is still far higher than the average - you aren't going to hospital quickly enough! - especially women and people over 70. If you have a medical emergency, please ring 999 as you usually would.
"The year-to-date analysis shows that, of deaths involving the coronavirus (COVID-19) up to Week 32 (week ending 7 August 2020), 63.4% (32,906 deaths) occurred in hospital, with the remainder occurring in care homes (15,375 deaths), private homes (2,443 deaths), hospices (738 deaths), other communal establishments (220 deaths) and elsewhere (197 deaths)."

English and Welsh A Level results gave us a frantic few days there. First it was algorithms deciding your future, then confirmation they can be appealed based on mock results, and on Monday afternoon an apology and an acceptance of public opinion:
"We understand this has been a distressing time for students, who were awarded exam results last week for exams they never took. The pandemic has created circumstances no one could have ever imagined or wished for. We want to now take steps to remove as much stress and uncertainty for young people as possible - and to free up heads and teachers to work towards the important task of getting all schools open in two weeks.
After reflection, we have decided that the best way to do this is to award grades on the basis of what teachers submitted. The switch to centre assessment grades will apply to both AS and A levels and to the GCSE results which students will receive later this week."
(There is reliable word that they are about to make the same announcement for BTech and vocational students, if they haven't already.)
This won't help many students who have already been told they've lost their place at uni, but would now qualify. I'm so sorry for any young person, wherever you live or whichever educational establishment you went to, who is a victim of this debacle. 

GCSE Results in Northern Ireland: "After consulting CCEA & having listened to the concerns of principals, teachers, parents & young people, I have decided that all GCSE students on Thursday will now receive the grades submitted by their school." Common sense from Peter Weir, NI Minister for Education. Wales have followed suit. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 15/16th August 2020.

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 15/16th August 2020.

The UK added 1,040 cases today and now has reported a total of 318,414 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 182,987 tests yesterday. 930 people were in hospital on Thursday 13th, with 73 using a ventilator on Friday 14th. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 5 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days. We now very sadly have a total of 41,366 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 27,257 (+66) cases and 1,774 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 21,722,688 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 770,948. Already 14,463,224 people have recovered.

The Sunday Torygraph are exclusively reporting that Public Health England will be scrapped and replaced, as soon as next month. Matt Hancock is planning to merge all things COVID-related from PHE with NHS Test and Trace, to create the National Institute for Health Protection. Obviously until the government officially announce it to us, rather than drip feed information to their preferred press, probably best to mark it 'likely'.

#TBCSmiles 2,192 Days... 72 Months.... 6 Years...

 COVID-19 has filled my life for the past 7 months. I'm not even sure how much time normal people spend thinking about it, what experience most people have, because I'm so involved in grabbing new information and reporting it. It's my special interest, and I'd be fascinated anyway, so writing about it was a natural reaction. 

In fact, I'm at relative peace with the whole COVID thing. So much so that a reader of my COVID posts, and also a friend, asked if she could send me a personalised bracelet  (£1 from every sale goes to MIND) because she had the perfect word for me. She chose CALM. I suppose I am. Mostly*. 

I've always been well aware we are just animals living on a bit of rock, and as powerful as we think we are, nature will always be bigger than all of us. I guess that helps, but it's the fact we are pre-disastered that probably really makes the difference.  

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 14th August 2020.

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 14th August 2020.

The UK added 1,441 cases today (this is high, and partly due to Northampton, see below) and now has reported a total of 316,367 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 169,857 tests yesterday. 925 people were in hospital on Wednesday 12th, with 75 using a ventilator yesterday (this is thankfully going back down after a little rise). 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we reported the loss of another 11 people within 28 days of a positive COVID test. We now very sadly have an official confirmed total of 41,358 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 26,995 (+66) cases and 1,774 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 21,183,445 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 759,524. Already 13,990,158 people have recovered.

Big sorry to anyone currently in France and hoping to go back to on-site work next week. France has been added to the UK's 14 day quarantine list. The same applies to anyone in The Netherlands, Malta, Turks and Caicos, or Aruba. (Actually I'm so not sorry if you are in Aruba. Come on, it's well worth it.) This is going to cause absolute havoc over the next few hours, but you had to be aware it was always your own risk. You have to return by 4am Saturday morning to escape the restriction. I can't imagine it'll be much fun at French airports or ports tonight... 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 12 / 13 August 2020.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 12 / 13 August 2020.

"The data for deaths in England have been updated to include deaths within 28 days of the first laboratory-confirmed test. The 60–day measure will be added to the dashboard in due course." UK Gov.
(As a result of website faffing, information today is late and incomplete.)

The UK officially added 1,009 cases today and now has reported a total of 313,798 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 116,311 tests yesterday. 952 people were in hospital on Tuesday 11th, with 80 patients using a ventilator yesterday. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we reported the loss of 18 people with 28 days of a positive COVID test result. We now very sadly have a total of 41,347 losses of life in all settings within 28 days of their test.

Rep. Of Ireland 26,929 (+91) cases and 1,774 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 20,949,851 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 750,014. Already 13,806,485 people have recovered.

Welsh, Northern Irish and English A Level students have their results - I hope yours were as you hoped. After the disaster in Scotland earned an apology and the right to take teacher assessed grades or moderated grades, in a late night move on Tuesday, Gavin Williamson announced a "triple lock" for English students. Students can accept moderated teacher assessed grades, mock exam results or retake in Autumn. You also have the right to appeal.... 

Remember school grades only measure a tiny part of who you are. When academic results seem a disaster, it can very often send you heading off in a different direction that suits you better anyway. This year has been an especially hard one, even if you didn't pass your exams, you definitely aren't a failure. 

3 Book Reviews for Reading Together or Younger Independent Readers. (Sent by Matador)

I'm sent a lot of books for review, and I'm ridiculously behind with Young Fiction because, as you may have seen, the Coronavirus is taking up my time. I took a break today and had a look at 3 recent releases which are ideal for reading together, or for children aged around 6+ to read alone. 

The 3 fully illustrated picture story books are all self-published and sent to me by Matador for review - and they are all really good, with bold illustrations, modern style and lots to talk about... 

There's No Place Like... Written by Greta Mitchell and Illustrated by Alice Haskell.

This is a lovely little tale about a big robot which space-loving youngsters might recognise. The Curiosity Rover is sent on a mission to Mars. He is lonely out there and although he is busy doing science, he really wants to find the Opportunity Rover, so that he has a friend.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 10 / 11 August 2020.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 10 / 11 August 2020.

Message on the UK Govt. site - "Owing to technical difficulties, the data will not be updated until 12 August 2020", but they have now released some figures - Losses of life +102 total 46,628. Cases +1,148 total 312,789

The UK added 816 cases yesterday, so the total of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 stands at 311,641. 1,067 people were in hospital last Thursday 6th, with 67 using a ventilator on Friday 7th August. 

Yesterday we reported the loss of another 21 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have an official total of 46,526 UK losses of life in all settings. 

Rep. Of Ireland 26,801 (+33) cases and 1,773 (+1) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 20,382,146 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 741,689. Already 13,280,375 people have recovered.

"There are two essential elements to addressing the #COVID19 pandemic effectively: Leaders must step up to take action and citizens need to embrace new measures." Dr Tedros, WHO. 

ONS figures released today show the number of people with COVID listed as a cause on the death certificate, in England and Wales only, from the beginning of the year until the end of July, was 51,710. Of these, 49,122 people were lost in England, and 2,513 in Wales. 

Nicola Sturgeon has apologised about Scottish student's exam results, saying the government "did not get this right". Teacher assessments for students in the poorest areas were over twice as likely to be downgraded by moderators, than students in the wealthiest areas.
They announced this afternoon that original teacher assessments will stand. Well done to everyone who NOW has the result they worked so hard for. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 8th /9th August 2020.

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 8th /9th August 2020.

The UK added 1,062 cases today and now has reported a total of 310,825 positive cases of COVID-19. That is the highest daily total since June 26th. 

We completed 165,176 tests yesterday. 1,067 people were in hospital on Thursday 6th, with 67 using a ventilator on Friday 7th.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we reported the loss of another 8 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 46,574 losses of life in all settings.

England 268,312 / 41,948
Northern Ireland - Not given today (I don't think it's sinister, I think it's just a day off.)
Scotland 18,998 / 2,491
Wales 17,451 / 1,579

Rep. Of Ireland 26,712 (+68) cases and 1,772 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 19,919,745 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 731,727. Already 12,801,438 people have recovered.

The African continent has now reported over 1 million cases
The United States of America has now reported over 5 million cases.
Brazil has now reported that over 100,000 people have succumbed to COVID
By tonight there will be over 20 million cases of COVID reported worldwide.
Almost 13 million people have been reported as recovered.  

Even now, after almost 8 months, COVID has not managed to infiltrate the entire globe. Okay, at least 2 of these countries and territories are maybe not entirely truthful, but I believe most of them when they officially say they have never had a single case:  Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, North Korea, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 7th August 2020.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 7th August 2020.

The UK added 871 cases today and now has reported a total of 309,005 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 185,980 tests yesterday. 1,101 people were in hospital on Wednesday 5th, with 69 using a ventilator.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we announced the loss of another 98 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. Please bear in mind that they often add historical data on a Friday, so 50 of these people at least succumbed earlier this year. We now very sadly have a total of 46,511 officially reported losses of life in all settings.

England 266,645 / 41,886

Northern Ireland 6,064 / 556

Scotland 18,890 / 2,491

Wales 17,406 / 1,578

Rep. Of Ireland 26,372 cases and 1,768 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 19,395,730 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 720,242. Already 12,453,855 people have recovered.

World Mask Week starts today. I've no idea who thought that one up, but it does mean there will be lots of promotions and possibly discounts etc. It's a rare one this - most of the world is actually required to wear masks or face coverings by law, so it's a genuine world event - even if most people won't realise it's happening. 

As part of #WorldMaskWeek, the World Health Organisation have launched the #WearAMask challenge - which seems to basically involve posting a photo of yourself in a mask. Obviously the cooler the better. So for today, if you make or sell face coverings, or if you bought an especially awesome one - feel free to drop a photo (and a link to your etsy or other online shop) in the comments below the post on my Facebook page. 

The UK Government have made it clear they aren't happy with people wearing face visors, or masks with valves (including N95 type), and you shouldn't wear surgical grade masks as that causes shortages for medical and care staff. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 5th/6th August 2020.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 5th/6th August 2020.

The UK added 950 cases today and now has reported a total of 308,134 positive cases of COVID-19 (yes, that is going back up unfortunately). We completed 174,519 tests yesterday. 1,118 people were in hospital on Tuesday 4th August, with 73 patients using a ventilator yesterday. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 49 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 46,413 losses of life in all settings, which is an increase of 203 from 2 days ago.

England 265,849 / 41,795

Northern Ireland 6,049 / 556

Scotland 18,847 / 2,491

Wales 17,389 / 1,571

Rep. Of Ireland 26,303 cases and 1,763 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 19,115,474 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 713,895. Already 12,258,906 people have recovered.

"Today, more than 18.5 million cases of #COVID19 have been reported to WHO and 700,000 lives have been lost.

No country has been spared. Low, middle and high-income countries have all been hit hard. The Americas remain the current epicentre of the virus and have been particularly hit hard. 

Just three countries have reported over half of all COVID19 cases."

Dr Tedros, head of WHO. 

Ex-SAGE member Sir Neil Ferguson has said he believes if we reopen all education then the R number / reproductive rate could increase by as much as 0.5. 

Chris Whitty also warned us that we can't reopen everything, and we have probably reached the limits of what can be opened without risking a dangerous rise in cases. 

It's a play off. If they want to reopen schools, colleges and universities for in-person teaching in September, they'll have to close something else. Bear in mind that from August 1st, shielded people and many others returned to work, so we have already increased opening over where we were when Chris Whitty made those comments. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 3 / 4 August 2020.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update  3 / 4 August 2020.

The UK added 670 cases today and now has reported a total of 306,293 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 158,666 tests yesterday. 1,230 people were in hospital last Thursday 30th, with 86 using a ventilator on Friday 31st.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm the day before yesterday, we lost another 9 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 46,210 losses of life in all settings. Remember these numbers (see below), they are not being updated today.  

England 263,602 / 41,598

Northern Ireland 5,988 / 556

Scotland 18,694 / 2,491

Wales 17,339 / 1,565

Rep. Of Ireland 26,208 cases and 1,763 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 18,548,386 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 699,835. Already 11,765,798 people have been officially reported recovered. The true figure is far greater. 

"On Friday the Emergency Committee on #COVID19 met & reviewed the current pandemic. It was a sobering moment coming 6 months on from when the Committee advised, & I agreed, that the outbreak constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

At the time, 30 January, there were fewer than 100 cases and no deaths outside of China. 

When the Committee met three months ago, 3 million cases of COVID19 had been reported to WHO, and more than 200,000 deaths.

Since then, the number of COVID19 cases has increased more than fivefold to 17.5 million, and the number of deaths has more than tripled, to 680,000."

Dr Tedros, Head of the World Health Organisation on Saturday. 

The UK Government have finally got around to sorting out the broken Public Health England data. They were asked for an urgent review on July 17th. Until now, if you had EVER tested positive, then PHE added you to the coronavirus losses, even if you were hit by a car. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) use what it says on your death certificate, so are much more reliable. Daily data on deaths in England will be paused until they sort it out. 

Conservation Crisis Strategy Board Game Giveaway (Age 7+) With Tunza Games.

We've just reviewed Conservation Crisis, which was sent to us by Tunza Games, and I'm pleased to say they've offered one of my readers a copy for themselves. Easy to play and suitable for 2-4 players or teams aged around 7+, there's a lot of strategy involved, so competitive adults will enjoy this as much as younger players. 

This is a clever family board game which makes you really think about some of the real problems facing communities and conservationists, all while playing a game. 

Manage your wildlife reserve and save as many animals as possible, while keeping the local community and the donors happy, and the reserve maintained. It's actually incredibly easy to play, and with a bit of luck a new young player can do just as well as a competitive adult, so it's a great one for different age groups to play together. You can find my full Conservation Crisis game review here. 

Conservation Crisis Family Board Game Review (age 7+) Sent by Tunza Games

Our latest game review has been sent to us by a smaller independent company, who are the kind of people I like to support because you can find some hidden gems. Conservation Crisis is an easy to play board game where you take the role of head of a wildlife conservation. Suitable for 2-4 players aged 7+ or teams, you have to work to save your species, and it really does make you think...

Inside the box is everything you need and it's entirely plastic-free and incredibly Earth-friendly. Main playing board, 4 x wildlife reserve boards, instruction booklet, wooden playing pieces, press out cardboard tokens. Event cards, bribe cards, community meeting cards and money. It will only take a minute to pop out the tokens before first play, after that there's no set up time needed. 

Each player (or team) chooses an animal to work to protect, and is given their first funding. Each time you go around the board, you have to spend all of your funding in order to get any more. You can pick which route you take, and that decides what you spend cash on - research, vets, livelihood schemes for ex-poachers, rangers, fences, education etc. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News weekend update 1st /2nd August 2020.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News weekend update 1st /2nd August 2020.

The UK added 744 cases today and now has reported a total of 304,695 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 162,088 tests yesterday. 1,230 people were in hospital on Thursday 30th July, with 86 using a ventilator on Friday 31st. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 8 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 46,201 losses of life in all settings.

England 262,746 / 41,589

Northern Ireland 5,948 / 556

Scotland 18,676 / 2.491

Wales 17,315 / 1,565

Rep. Of Ireland 26,162 (+53) cases and 1,763 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 18,136,195 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 690,806. Already 11,406,201 people have recovered.

A new case of COVID-19 is reported to the World Health Organisation on average every 3 seconds, and a higher number of cases are being reported each day. 

While a vast swathe of Europe has hopefully passed it's peak (and we are in the suppression stage, catching clusters and with the ability to test even asymptomatic people), the Americas, Africa and Asia are still on a rise towards the height of their epidemic. On Saturday Mexico overtook the UK as the country which has lost the third largest number of people, behind Brazil and the USA. This is far from over. 

There are some reports that the UK 's shielded category could be expanded to include a large amount of over 50's in future. Not because you're old,  but because you have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID. 

Naturally this doesn't come directly from government, it was "leaked" to press. Which is getting boring now. There must be a running tap to a couple of news outlets because they announce something new every Sunday, days before we get any official word. It may be to test public reaction, but it's highly unprofessional and implies our government can't keep anything secret.