COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 30th April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 30th April 2021.

The UK added 2,381 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,416,623 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,072,576 tests yesterday.

The counter says 34,216,087 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 14,532,875 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,497 people were in hospital on Wednesday 28th, with 196 using a ventilator yesterday, 29th April.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 15 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,517 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 248,326 cases and 4,899 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 151,726,543 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,186,785. Already 129,047,164 people have recovered.

If you're aged 40 or over, or if you turn 40 before 1 July 2021, in England you can now book your COVID-19 vaccine.
Go to NHS dot UK to book at a larger centre, hopefully near you. If you cannot get to a larger centre, your GP should contact you (mine did not) about a more local appointment. (For anyone who saw my grumbling on Twitter last week, I have now booked an appointment at the centre down the road from me, as opposed to the previous best offers as far away as Sheffield).

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 28th / 29th April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 28th / 29th April 2021.

The UK added 2,445 cases today (higher than the last few days, but still lower than 2,729 this time last week) and now has reported a total of 4,414,242 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,360,719 tests yesterday.

The counter says 34,094,048 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 14,043,961 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,553 people were in hospital on Tuesday 27th (down from 1,915 a week earlier), with 208 using a ventilator yesterday, 28th April.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 22 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,502 losses of life in all settings.

According to ONS figures, up until Friday 16th April, 151,243 people had COVID listed as a cause on their death certificate.

Country / Losses of Life / Losses per 100,000 of the population:
Wales: 7,821 / 248.1 (roughly 1 in every 403)
Scotland: 10,039 / 183.8 (roughly 1 in every 544)
Northern Ireland: 2,941 / 155.3 (roughly 1 in every 645)
England: 129,394 / 229.9 (roughly 1 in every 435)

Rep. Of Ireland 248,326 (+469) cases and 4,899 (+3) losses of life.

There have now been a total of over one hundred and fifty million officially reported cases worldwide - 150,794,093. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,171,081. Already 128,239,456 people have recovered.

"India needs our support and solidarity.
I’m very grateful to France, Italy, Austria, Finland and Ireland for sending oxygen, medical equipment such as ventilators and COVID medication under our European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
We are in this together."
Ursula Von Der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
(Ireland is sending 395 ventilators and at least 1 oxygen generator.)

COVID UK Briefing 28th April 2021 with Matt Hancock

COVID UK Briefing 28th April 2021 with Matt Hancock

Cases: 4,411,797 (+2,166)
Losses of life: 127,480 (+29)
In hospital: 1,634
Using a ventilator: 227

A couple of important points have come out today:

Northern Ireland First Minister and DUP Leader Arlene Foster is going to step down.

The Electoral Commission are going to investigate Boris' £200,000 Downing Street flat refurbishment.

The EU have approved the Brexit trade deal.
(Ahhhh. Now it makes sense. "Stooge, your work here is done. Move aside...." [you know I'm right].)

Transport Minister Grant Shapps confirmed earlier today on Sky telly that the UK will use an app. as an International COVID Passport.
"In terms of vaccine certification, I can confirm we are working on an NHS application, actually it will be the NHS app that is used for people when they book appointments with the NHS and so on, to be able to show you've had a vaccine, or you've had testing."
(I'm presuming there will also be a paper version for people who do not use a smartphone. Hold onto your NHS COVID vaccination card.)

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 26th / 27th April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 26th / 27th April 2021.

The UK added 2,685 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,409,631 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,034,181 tests yesterday.

The counter says 33,843,580 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 13,201,811 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,608 people were in hospital on Sunday 25th (down from 1,973 a week earlier), with 227 using a ventilator yesterday, 26th April (down from 318 a week earlier).

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 17 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,451 losses of life in all settings.
Up until Friday 9th April, 151,243 people in the UK had COVID listed as a cause on their death certificate.

Rep. Of Ireland 247,489 (+420) cases and 4,884 (+10) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 148,988,111 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,140,683. Already 126,694,173 people have recovered.

"A quarter of UK adults have received 2 doses of a COVID vaccine, giving them maximum protection against the virus.
This is a huge achievement made possible by the tireless work of so many across our country.
Please keep coming forward to get vaccinated when you are called."
Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister. 

Public Health England and the University of Warwick have crunched some numbers regarding how many people we've saved so far by vaccinations:
"By the end of March 2021, it is estimated that 9,100 deaths were averted in individuals aged 80 years and older, 1,200 in individuals aged 70 to 79 and 100 in individuals aged 60 to 69 years giving a total of 10,400 deaths averted in individuals aged 60 years or older."
We've had another month on top of that now. Good stuff. 

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Oliver's Kitchen sell cookware that is elegant and simple, easy to clean and use, and which will hopefully encourage the whole family to cook and enjoy food together. They have sent me a bundle to review - and I am genuinely incredibly happy with them, so I'm delighted to say I'll be giving the same away to my readers too! 

Oliver's Kitchen are a family business, and family cooking is their thing. The first thing that struck me was how elegantly attractive their products are, with shiny metal surfaces, black rubber trim and classic style - and all very well designed. 

Packaging is great. Wherever possible Oliver's use recycled card, and it matches their simple, classic style. 

I'll start with the Chopping Board, because that's already in Sheffield with one of my uni kids who deserved a treat. A good chopping board is a friend for life, and Oliver's Kitchen's Organic Bamboo Chopping Board is definitely a great choice. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 24th / 25th April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 24th / 25th April 2021.

The UK added 1,712 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,404,882 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,111,876 tests yesterday. 

The counter says 33,666,638 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 12,587,116 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 11 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,428 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 246,204 (+461) cases and 4,872 (+5) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 147,604,837 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,118,971. Already 125,145,819 people have recovered.

"We stand side by side with India in the shared fight against COVID-19. Vital medical equipment is on its way from the UK to India to help stop the tragic loss of life from the virus and we’ll continue to work closely with the Indian government during this difficult time."
Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister.

The UK has now vaccinated over 50% of the entire population with at least 1 dose of a COVID vaccine. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 23rd April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 23rd April 2021.

The UK added 2,678 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,401,109 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,111,876 tests yesterday.

The counter says 33,388,637 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 11,623,671 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 40 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,385 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 245,310 cases and 4,866 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 145,866,982 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,091,795. Already 123,749,976 people have recovered.

Today's surge testing bingo winners are in a targeted area of Bordesley and Highgate, Birmingham, because of South African variant cases.

The UK Government data shows 32 people have died from the rare blood clotting condition in the UK - this works out at 1 in every million people vaccinated. Every single one is a tragedy for their families, and it is awful any of them were lost.
Hopefully now we are aware of the blood clotting condition, and can share best treatments, it will become far less likely people will lose their lives to it.
The UK has saved 100,000 - 150,000 lives by vaccinating so far.
Each and every number is a person. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 21st / 22nd April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 21st / 22nd April 2021.

The UK added 2,729 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,398,431 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,371,393 tests yesterday. (That's a higher number of positives, but a much higher number of tests, than we have been used to, so hopefully it's due to increased testing catching asymptomatic cases).

The counter says 33,257,651 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 11,192,601 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,915 people were in hospital on Tuesday 20th (down from 2,393 a week earlier), with 276 people using a ventilator yesterday, 21st April (down from 351 a week earlier).

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 18 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,345 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 244,695 cases and 4,856 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 145,015,191 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,078,535. Already 123,095,371 people have recovered.

UK Data briefing chart 22 April 2021

"This Earth Day, I’m proud to say science is back."
US President Joe Biden

After employing Ms Allegra Stratton on 150k a year, and doing up their new briefing room to the tune of £2.6m (flags must be super expensive), the UK Government have decided they don't want US style briefings, and have scrapped the plan.
Honestly the money these people waste is truly beyond belief. 2.6m for a slightly more fancy corridor is an absolute joke. I don't believe they can have even got 3 quotes on that... 

Ad | Our Review Of EnChroma Colour Enhancing Glasses for Colour Blind People

EnChroma specialise in colour enhancing glasses for people with colour vision deficiency. I have 3 colour blind sons, and first discovered EnChroma's glasses a few years ago. I'm delighted to say they are now selling in the UK, and asked if we wanted to work with them on a review, and because I am very happy to endorse the glasses, I also have an affiliate link and a 10% Discount Code ... 

If you know nothing about colour blindness, then a few years ago I wrote a post explaining what causes red-green colour vision deficiency, who it's likely to affect, and why my sons' colour blindness is my fault genetically (sorry boys). I also covered some of the early signs I spotted, and pretty much everything else you might want to know about having a child who is colour blind. 

Being colour blind is incredibly common. It affects around 1 in 12 men (8%) and one 1 in 200 women (0.5%). That’s about 350 million people in the world right now. 

EnChroma are very clear. Their glasses don't offer a cure, they offer a specific type of colour enhancement, which will not work for everyone. Unfortunately they don't create glasses for people with the much rarer blue colour vision deficiency, this is only for red/green colour blind people. Of those, around 9 out of 10 people will be able to see a far larger range of colour. The switch may be instant, and a real "wow" moment, or it may take a little while for the wearer to get used to the glasses. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update and UK Briefing 19th / 20th April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update and UK Briefing 19th / 20th April 2021.

The UK added 2,524 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,393,307 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,041,368 tests yesterday.

The counter says 33,032,120 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 10,425,790 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,973 people were in hospital on Sunday 18th, with 318 using a ventilator yesterday, 19th April.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 33 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,307 losses of life in all settings.

Up until Friday 9th April, 150,841 people in the UK had COVID listed as a cause on their death certificate.

Rep. Of Ireland 244,297 (+386) cases and 4,847 (+11) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 143,138,156 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,049,130. Already 121,551,001 people have recovered.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced details of further relaxation of restrictions. FROM MONDAY 26th April all parts of Scotland will move to Level 3:
- Hospitality venues such as cafés, pubs and restaurants can reopen, along with tourist accommodation.
- Non-essential retail outlets and close contact services such as beauty salons can also reopen, in addition to indoor attractions and public buildings such as galleries, museums and libraries.
- The remaining travel restrictions within Scotland will be lifted and travel within the UK will be permitted for any purpose.
- Shielding adults can return to the workplace, if they cannot work from home, while children who have been shielding can return to school
- Non-essential work inside people’s homes will be permitted, subject to mitigations
- Non-essential informal childcare will resume
- Driving lessons and tests can take place, while gyms and swimming pools can reopen for individual exercise
- The attendance limit for funerals and weddings (and related events such as receptions) will increase to 50
- Cafés, pubs and restaurants can resume full outdoor service, subject to local licensing, and serve food indoors without alcohol until 8pm
- Takeaways to resume normal service, with physical distancing and face masks in premises
It is expected that all of Scotland will move to Level 2 on Monday 17 May.
Rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) tests will be made available to anyone in Scotland and to those planning travel to the Scottish islands.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 17th / 18th April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 17th / 18th April 2021.

The UK added 1,882 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,387,820 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 988,311 tests yesterday.

The counter says 32,849,223 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 9,930,846 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated. (It's been announced this afternoon that we have now vaccinated over 10 million people with their 2nd dose.)

2,186 people were in hospital on Thursday 15th, with 332 using a ventilator on Friday 16th.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 10 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,270 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 243,508 (+270) cases and 4,836 (+1) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 141,804,907 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,029,133. Already 120,344,234 people have recovered.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 16th April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 16th April 2021.

The UK added 2,596 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,382,732 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 988,311 tests yesterday.

The counter says 32,574,221 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 8,931,547 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

2,281 people were in hospital on Wednesday 14th, with 329 using a ventilator yesterday, 15th April.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 34 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,225 losses of life in all settings.

The R range for England is 0.7 to 1.0 and the growth rate range for England is -6% to -1% per day as of 16 April 2021.(It's still going down on average.)

Rep. Of Ireland 242,402 cases and 4,820 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 140,216,387 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,005,636. Already 119,114,668 people have recovered.

Lots of Government updates and actions have been held on pause while the UK is officially mourning. We've had no UK COVID briefings, and public appearances have mainly been in regard to statements about the death of Prince Philip. It turns out that potentially more urgent information isn't being updated too though, including alerts for pharmacists on medicine safety, and SAGE reports and COVID updates. Everything will be back to normal from Sunday, but questions are being asked as to whether it was really necessary or wise to go to some of the extremes, especially during a pandemic.

April #TBCSmiles. 80 Months...

We're coming out of lockdown, our hospitals are back to more normal occupancy levels, the sun has been shining and it certainly feels a little easier from where I'm sitting. The pressure has lifted a bit, and everyone can take a bit of a breather. 

We might not have a bump-free path ahead, but I think we're all enjoying the respite, and it was definitely needed - as was Easter, a break and maybe a little chocolate...

Something else to make us smile are other people's smiles, and you haven't let us down. We had Easter and good weather, and it's great to see so many outdoor photos this month - barely anyone shared photos indoors. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 14th / 15th April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 14th / 15th April 2021.

The UK added 2,672 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,380,976 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,162,840 tests yesterday.

The counter says 32,444,439 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 8,513,864 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

2,393 people were in hospital on Tuesday 13th April, with 351 using a ventilator yesterday, 14th April.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 30 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,191 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 242,105 cases and 4,812 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 139,377,426 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,992,053. Already 118,500,382 people have recovered.

As no-one worldwide seems to call the rare blood clotting exactly the same name, I've referred to it mainly as "rare blood clotting", but it also goes by VITT, Cerebral Venous Thrombosis, CVT, CVST, and other names. They'll decide on a standard name eventually.

Northern Ireland have JUST confirmed relaxation of some restrictions from 23rd April. I've not written them up, but there is a summary in the images below! 

(Review Visit) Simulator Adventures, Manchester. Airbus A320 Flight Simulator Review - now with Hydraulics!

We had an epic time when we first visited Simulator Adventures in Manchester, so we were delighted to be invited back to try out their Airbus A320 Flight Simulator now that they've added the hydraulics. It felt like you were actually moving before, and this really does add another dimension of reality to the experience. 

Our visit was actually 6 months ago, but COVID has kept leisure activities off the menu for a while. Simulator Adventures is used for pilot training, so has been in use during lockdown, but pretty soon (May 17th) they can reopen to the public and let anyone have a go... and bookings are being taken now. 

These guys keep changing their waiting room seating, so it wouldn't surprise me if they've upgraded again, but you get into the mood for flying as soon as you arrive. 

There's no age 'limit', but you need to be around 4ft6 / 10 years old before you are tall enough to actually use the flight simulator, and it's not a place for little ones. This is grown up playtime. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 12th / 13th April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 12th / 13th April 2021.

The UK added 2,472 cases today and has now reported a total of 4,375,814 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 874,399 tests yesterday.

The counter says 32,250,481 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 7,857,396 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

2,537 people were in hospital on Sunday 11th, with 377 using a ventilator yesterday, 12th April.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 23 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,123 losses of life in all settings.

Up until Friday 2nd April, the ONS report that 150,419 people had COVID listed as a cause on their death certificate.

Rep. Of Ireland 241,684 (+354) cases and 4,803 (+18) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 137,730,943 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,964,848. Already 110,767,414 people have recovered.

The UK government has confirmed that ALL over 50's have now been offered a vaccine, which means they met the 15th April target 3 days early.
Phase 2 begins. People in England aged 45-49 are now invited to book their vaccination.
The NHS website crashed within minutes of that announcement this morning, but was back up and running swiftly. My partner and I are both 49, so that's us. (I hope I get a sticker!)

There is an urgent message for anyone living in Lambeth or Wandsworth. Over 70 cases and suspected cases of the South African variant have recently been detected, which means it has escaped into general community. They are asking EVERYONE aged 11+ who lives, works, studies or travels in those areas to arrange a PCR test immediately, whether you have symptoms or not. Door-to-door testing will be taking place.
PCR tests are the ones sent to a lab - so they can check which variant any positive results are. All evidence so far suggests the South African variant B1351 is much more robust against current vaccines. We really don't want it spreading if we can help it. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 10th / 11th April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 10th / 11th April 2021.

The UK added 1,730 cases today (DOWN from 2,297 last Sunday) and now has reported a total of 4,369,775 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 931,579 tests yesterday.

The counter says 32,121,353 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 7,466,540 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

2,862 people were in hospital on Thursday 8th, with 406 using a ventilator yesterday, 9th April.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 7 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days. This is lower than last Sunday's total of 10, and the first time we have lost so few people since September last year. We now have an official total of 127,087 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 240,945 (+302) cases and 4,785 (+2) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 136,426,846 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,945,571. Already 109,686,470 people have recovered.

Hot on the heels of Pfizer's 6 month results, we now have Moderna's - and their vaccine also shows excellent efficacy 6 months after immunisation. In the first 33 patients studied:
"Antibody activity remained high in all age groups at day 209."
(That's actually just under 7 months.)
Great news for the new technology mRNA vaccines. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 9th April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 9th April 2021.

The UK is now removing any cases who tested positive by Lateral Flow test, which was then confirmed by PCR test, as they were counted twice. In future any positive Lateral Flow test won't be included, just the confirmatory PCR. Because the numbers have some adjustments, I won't do a week on week comparison today, I'll do one on Sunday when it'll be more realistic.

The UK added 3,150 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,365,461 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 931,579 tests yesterday.

The counter says 31,903,366 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 6,541,174 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

3,005 people were in hospital on Wednesday 7th, with 421 using a ventilator yesterday, Thursday 8th.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 60 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,040 losses of life in all settings.

The UK ONS figures show that up until Friday 26th March, 149,968 people had COVID listed as a cause on their death certificate.

Rep. Of Ireland 240,192 (+469) cases and 4,769 (+32) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 134,914,658 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,920,789. Already 108,617,082 people have recovered.

The Queen's husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Phillip, has died aged 99. He had recently been unwell and spent a large amount of time in hospital, but had returned home, and Buckingham Palace have confirmed that he died peacefully in his sleep early this morning.
Whatever your views on The Royal Family, he was a husband, father and grandfather. He had some less favourable moments, but the Duke Of Edinburgh Award is a brilliant legacy that anyone could be proud of.

The UK will now enter an official period of Royal Mourning, which will last for 8 days, until the Prince's funeral. This mourning period would usually be extended to 30 days for the Queen and Royal Family.
Noteworthy for the country during a pandemic, while she is not dealing with matters of the state, the Queen cannot sign off any new laws. This may become important later.

The public are asked not to congregate or attend royal residences, and not to leave flowers at this time.

(Ad | Review) Backstories by Simon Van Der Velde Fictional Biographical Book Review

Backstories is a brand new book from Simon Van Der Velde, and he's sent me a copy for review. Subtitled "Intimate Stories About People You Think You Know", this is imagination and poetic licence, coupled with what we know to be factual biography, and intertwined with a bit of puzzle.

Definitely a book for the grown ups, Backstories is a collection of short stories, each detailing an event or time in a well-known person's life. The twist is that you aren't told who it is, although you get enough hints to work it out at some point before the end....

Each story is very well written, and paints a scene which is usually normal and everyday at first, leading into the actions and outcomes which have shaped a very important part of who that person is. Their backstory. The author takes known facts, and relates 'as it may have happened'.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 7th / 8th April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 7th / 8th April 2021.

We have new advice about the Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine today in the UK, so pay attention to that part.

The UK added 3,030 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,370321 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,034,088 tests yesterday.

The counter says 31,807,124 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 6,091,905 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

3,124 people were in hospital on Tuesday 6th, with 440 using a ventilator yesterday, Weds 7th April.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 53 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 126.980 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 239,723 (+398) cases and 4,737 (+5) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 134,092,613 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,906,902. Already 108,059,594 people have recovered.

The UK, and specifically Wales, has received the first of our 17 million dose order of the Moderna vaccine. Immunisation started yesterday, with a 24 year old female unpaid carer.  

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 5th / 6th April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 5th / 6th April 2021.

The UK added 2,379 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,364,529 positive cases of COVID-19.

The counter says 31,622,367 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 5,496,716 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 20 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 126,882 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 238,907 (+441) cases and 4,727 (+9) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 132,674,529 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,878,031. Already 106,955,639 people have recovered.

Twice weekly lateral flow testing is being offered to anyone in England from 9th April. You'll be able to collect them from some larger vaccination centres and some pharmacists, or order online, as well as obtaining testing through workplace or school testing as before.
(Nicola Sturgeon is also reported to be keen on doing the same with Scotland.)

UK Roadmap Update Briefing Monday 5th April 2021

UK Briefing Monday 5th April 2021 - Boris has leaked and hinted at lots of announcements, so we knew this was coming.

1. Domestic 'Safety Certification' for mass events is being debated and trials are being arranged (theatres, sports, cinemas, festivals etc with vaccination, testing or exemption).
2. International Travel 'Vaccine Passports' are being debated
3. Twice weekly Lateral Flow testing is now being offered to any UK adults.
4. When they reopen, hospitality and leisure will require every adult to sign in.
5. Roadmap progress update

Vaccination 1st Dose: 31,581,623
Vaccination 2nd Dose: 5,432,126
Cases: 4,362,150 (+2,762)
Losses Of Life: 126,862 (+26)

Today's UK Briefing was with Boris, Chris and Patrick, and it had a big build up, so it was clearly important. The new 1 million quid briefing corridor is looking resplendent - although on the telly the carpet is a bit more purple than it is blue. (Just saying.)

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update Easter weekend 2nd / 3rd / 4th April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update Easter weekend 2nd / 3rd / 4th April 2021.

Some data isn't updated because of the Easter weekend. Some data reported is incomplete.

The UK added 2,297 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,359,388 positive cases of COVID-19.

The counter says 31,523,010 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 5,381,745 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

3,536 people were in hospital on Thursday April 1st, with 517 using a ventilator.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 10 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 126,836 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 237,695 cases and 4,715 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 131,652,423 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,862,872. Already 106,022,299 people have recovered.

"The arrival of Easter brings with it new hope.
And, this year more than ever, it brings the promise of brighter days ahead for us all.
So stay safe, keep following the rules, and have a very happy Easter."
Easter message there from Boris.
He also filmed a longer version where he thanked religious leaders, venues and congregations for everything they've done over the past year, holding their communities together and fighting disinformation, and supporting the sick, vulnerable and bereaved.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 31st March and 1st April 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 31st March and 1st April 2021.

The UK added 4,479 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,350,266 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,266,685 tests yesterday.

The counter says 31,147,444 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 4,513,458 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

3,957 people were in hospital on Tuesday 30th March, with 547 using a ventilator yesterday, 31st March.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 51 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 126,764 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 236,600 (+746) cases and 4,705 (+18) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 129,853,409 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,833,034. Already 104,659,703 people have recovered.

No April Fools below - it's after lunchtime for goodness sake. Also I'm pretty certain Facebook wouldn't like it...

“Our position has not changed. According to the current scientific knowledge, there is no evidence that would support restricting the use of this vaccine in any population."
Director of the European Medicines Agency, Emer Cooke, talking about the Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine yesterday.

“Much of the messaging around COVID-19 has been about the risk of death, and I think that’s created a perception that if you recover from infection, you’re fine.
We need to rethink this."
Dr Zoe Hyde, Epidemiologist and biostatistician