COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 28th May 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 28th May 2021.

The UK added 4,182 cases today (UP from 2,829 a week earlier) and now has reported a total of 4,477,705 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 959,007 tests yesterday.

The counter says 38,871,200 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 24,478,052 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated. (This is 73.8% and 46.5% of the adult population respectively. You lot are doing an amazing job.)

889 people were in hospital on Wednesday 26th (DOWN from 913 a week earlier) with 120 using a ventilator yesterday, 27th May (DOWN from 123 a week earlier).

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 127,768 official losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 260,299 cases and 4,941 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 169,938,197 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,531,425. Already 151,768,645 people have recovered.

"The R range for England is 1.0 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is 0% to +3% per day as of 28 May 2021"

Nicola Sturgeon today announced that Glasgow will stay in Level 3 restrictions. She hopes to be able to bring it down to level 2 with the rest of Scotland on June 5th.

Today's Surge Testing Bingo Winners are in Lancashire (yeeeay, terrific!). Most specifically Burnley, Pendle, Hyndburn and Rossendale.
Please be polite to the Test & Trace volunteer, and don't forget to register your PCR COVID test online or on the phone BEFORE you put it in the box and post it. (Take photos of the numbers with your phone when you open it, and you'll have them then, just in case.)

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

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

The UK added 3,542 cases today (UP from 2,874 a week earlier) and now has reported a total of 4,473,677 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,132,061 tests yesterday.

The counter says 38,614,683 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 24,043,956 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

916 people were in hospital on Tuesday 25th (UP from 894 a week earlier), with 125 using a ventilator yesterday, 26th May (slightly UP on 122 a week earlier).

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 127,758 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 260,299 (+436) cases and 4,941 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 169,271,099 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,515,786. Already 150,949,234 people have recovered.

Blogger isn't uploading pictures at the moment, so sadly you'll have to just put up with adverts, or go and take a look at my Facebook page for the Govt slides/Dominic's scribbling until the situation resolves... 

(Ad|Review) Trapped: Family Exit Room Games Giveaway from Golden Bear Toys UK (age 8-99+)

To celebrate the launch of their 3 brand new Trapped Exit Room Games, Golden Bear Toys have offered one of my readers all 3 as a giveaway prize. These are family-friendly, suitable for children from around age 8 or older, and can be played by 2-6 players - so they're ideal for household games night, or a get together with friends or family.

You'll also be one of the very first people to play, as the games are only out this week (Thursday 27th May)....

The 3 games the winner will receive are:

The Zoo - Easy level, ideal for beginners or families with children approx 8yrs-12yrs+
Mission To Mars - Medium difficulty, best for families with kids 12-15+ or adults - word is that this one is particularly funny.
Flight 927 - Hard difficulty, ideal for families with older teens or for grown ups (it nearly beat us!).

Each game pack contains everything you'll need except paper and a pen if you want to make notes....and your living room. You use the resources inside to transform your room, and then follow the clues to solve the puzzle - and then make your escape within the hour! 

The games are loads of fun, and everyone has their own talents at puzzle-solving, so with a wide variety of different clues, there is something for everyone to get their teeth into. You are under time pressure, which adds extra excitement, but thankfully there are also hints if you are stuck (which we were!).

Trapped escape room games are an excellent way to spend an hour or two together, you really do work as a team together, and there's a great sense of pride when you solve a clue! 

You can find my full Trapped Exit Room Game Pack review here - we played through the HARD Flight 927 scenario, and we did escape - in the end...

Trapped Exit Room Game Packs are available to pre-order or buy from games stockists, including online on Amazon (affiliate link), rrp £12.99, currently many reduced to £9.99.

To enter the giveaway to win The Zoo, Mission To Mars and Flight 927, please use the Gleam form below.

You can use a social media log in, and I only look at any of your details if you are drawn randomly as the winner - and then only to contact you about your prize. Once admin of the giveaway is completed, the form is deleted. For a link to help if you are new to Gleam, and to see my current UK giveaways, please go to my giveaways page. 

No entry is mandatory, but each extra task completed will earn you additional entries into the draw at the end. The giveaway will end at midnight Sunday 20th June 2021 and is open to UK entrants only. Full terms and conditions are at the bottom of the gleam form.

Trapped Exit Room Games Giveaway (age 8+) with Golden Bear Toys

We were sent our copies of the 3 Trapped Escape Room Games for review. Amazon links are affiliate, which will earn me a few pence if you buy through my link, but won't cost you any more. It helps keep the website running. 

(Ad|review) Trapped: Family Escape Room Game Packs Review from Golden Bear Toys (age 8+)

I love a puzzle game, so 'escape adventures' or 'exit room games' are right up my street. Golden Bear Toys have just added 3 new titles to their range of family friendly escape room game packs, which everyone from around 8+ can join in with together.

We were sent the 3 new games to try - The Zoo (Easy), Mission To Mars (Medium), and Flight 927 (Hard). All of the games are suitable for 2-6 players, and we played with 4 people. 2 adults, plus our 11 and 12 year olds.

 
Everything for the game is packaged neatly in a single envelope style box. It's actually a very small pack. It's light, and handy for taking with you for a visit or overnight stay. When you open it, there is a lot inside, and most of it is NOT to be looked at, or even revealed until the right moment in the game. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 24th / 25th May 2021

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

The UK added 2,493 cases today (UP from 2,412 the same time last week) and now has reported a total of 4,467,310 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 946,830 tests yesterday.

The counter says 38,192,417 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 23,228,511 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

978 people were in hospital on Sunday 23rd, (this is UP on 932 a week earlier) with 121 using a ventilator yesterday, Monday 24th (this is slightly DOWN on 125 a week earlier).

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 127,739 losses of life in all settings.

Up until Friday 14th May, 152,068 people had COVID written as a cause on their death certificate.

Rep. Of Ireland 259,050 cases and 4,941 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 168,285,383 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,493,078. Already 149,743,997 people have recovered.

Bolton is not doing any better. In the last week 33 people have been admitted to Bolton Royal hospital with COVID, the week before that figure was 13. (I have no idea which of these people are vaccinated.)
Royal Bolton hospital have asked that people attend A&E ONLY IF NECESSARY, and they are focussing on discharging patients in case of a surge in admissions.
Cases in Bolton are currently running at 451 per 100,000 people in the 7 days to 20th May (around 80 times the England average). 

Today's surge testing bingo winners are in North East Hampshire. Congratulations to the Hart District, Rushmoor Borough and Surrey border. You win a doorstep visit from a Test & Trace representative bearing gifts. Remember: Mouth first, nose second.  

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 22nd / 23rd May 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 22nd / 23rd May 2021

The UK added 2,235 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,462,538 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 982,099 tests yesterday.

The counter says 37,943,681 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 22,643,417 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 5 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,721 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 258,267 cases and 4,941 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 167,360,571 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,475,049. Already 148,377,406 people have recovered.

"60 million vaccine doses have been given to adults across the UK.
Jab by jab this life-saving programme, unparalleled in our history, is getting us back to the things we love. Thank you to everyone who has made this happen.
Please get both your vaccines when it's your turn."
Boris Johnson, UK PM 

People in England aged 32 and 33 can now book your COVID vaccinations. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 21st May 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 21st May 2021

The UK added 2,829 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,457,923 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 982,099 tests yesterday.

The counter says 37,518,614 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 21,659,783 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

913 people were in hospital on Weds 19th, with 123 people using a ventilator yesterday, 20th May.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 9 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,710 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 257,362 cases and 4,941 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 166,224,701 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,451,442. Already 147,028,461 people have recovered.

"The R range for England is 0.9 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is -2% to +1% per day as of 21 May 2021."

Nicola Sturgeon has announced that Moray can move down to Level 2 restrictions from tonight, but case numbers are too high in Glasgow, so people there will remain in Level 3 restrictions for at least another week. Sorry guys.

Added to surge testing for Variants of Concern in England:
Bedford Borough Council (Kingsbrook, Cauldwell and Queens Park areas and the village of Wixams)

As of yesterday's figures, the UK has now detected 3,424 cases of B1617.2,  the variant first identified in India, strain no.2.

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

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

The UK added 2,874 cases today (UP slightly from 2,657 a week earlier) and now has reported a total of 4,455,221 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,180,660 tests yesterday.

The counter says 37,250,363 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 21,239,471 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

894 people were in hospital on Tuesday 18th (DOWN from 1,098 a week earlier), with 122 using a ventilator yesterday, Wednesday 19th May (DOWN from 136 a week earlier).

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, making a total of 127,701 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 257,362 (+469) cases and 4,941 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 165,953,677 reported cases worldwide. The official number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,438,682. Already over 145,124,456 people have recovered.

The EU have decided they will reopen the borders to visitors who are fully vaccinated with an EU authorised vaccine. Visitors from countries with "good epidemiological situations", (e.g. Australia, New Zealand, Singapore etc), will not have to be vaccinated.
Remember individual countries may still decide on stronger border controls, and the situation can change at any time without warning.

UK (England) COVID Briefing 19th May 2021 with Matt Hancock

UK (England) COVID Briefing 19th May 2021 with Matt Hancock

Cases: 4,452,527 (+2,696)
Losses of life: 127,694 (+3)
In hospital: 939
Using a ventilator: 124
First dose: 36,985,505
Second dose: 20,870,453

7 out of every 10 UK adults have now received at least 1 dose of a COVID vaccine.
Almost 4 in every 10 have had 2 doses.

The UK is monitoring it's wastewater anyway, so monitoring for COVID isn't a biggie. They have seen signs that the Indian variant is spreading into other areas, so surge testing and vaccination will begin in:
Bedford, Burnley, Kirklees, Leicester, North Tyneside, Hounslow, Glasgow and Moray (in addition to Bolton and Blackburn).
Nuneaton was also added to the usual surge testing on Tuesday.

Today's UK (England) Briefing was led by Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, with Prof Jonathan Van-Tam, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England and Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency.

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

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

We have a revision to case data today, to remove people added twice because of a lateral flow test and a PCR lab test, so 4,776 cases were removed from the total.

The UK added 2,412 cases today and the total is now 4,450,392 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 967,162 tests yesterday.

The counter says 36,811,405 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 20,564,452 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

932 people were in hospital on Sunday 16th, with 125 using a ventilator yesterday, 17th May.

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, making a total of 127,691 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 256,390 (+358) cases and 4,941 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 164,660,382 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,411,800. Already 143,584,699 people have recovered.

"Over the next 6 weeks, the United States of America will send 80 million doses overseas. That represents 13% of the vaccines produced by the United States by the end of June. This will be more vaccines than any country has actually shared to date."
Joe Biden, US President. (How very refreshing...)
This includes 20 million doses of vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, and 60 million AstraZeneca doses.

If you’re in England and aged 36 or over, or if you turn 36 before 1 July 2021, you can now book your COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 15th / 16th May 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 15th / 16th May 2021.

The UK added 1,926 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,450,777 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 982,881 tests yesterday.

The counter says 36,573,354 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 20,103,658 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 4 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,679 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 254,870 cases and 4,941 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 163,546,079 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,389,699. Already 141,960,475 people have recovered.

Over 20m UK adults are now fully vaccinated. The entire UK population, including children, is around 68m people.

"In Bolton, where we've seen a number of people in hospital with this new Indian variant, the vast majority of them have been eligible for a jab, but not taken the jab.
So if you're eligible for the jab, if you're over the age of 38, please come forward."
Matt Hancock on Sky News today.
He also said a final decision on whether to reopen further to Step 4 of the roadmap will be taken on 14th June. 

May 2021 81 Months #TBCSmiles

It's Mental Health Awareness Week. Never in my life has everyone been so aware of mental health. We're in the middle of a pandemic - we all know exactly what it means. We even know we have to check on our own mental health... at least I hope we do. 

Over the past 15 months we've had more than enough reminders of just how important mental health is. We stayed home, missed out, delayed and deferred to try to protect our own physical health, but it has cost us all. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update and Indian Variant B1617.2 Briefing with Boris 14th May 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update and Indian Variant B1617.2 Briefing with Boris 14th May 2021.

The UK added 2,193 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,446,824 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 982,881 tests yesterday.

The counter says 36,115,955 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 19,319,010 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,060 people were in hospital on 12th May, with 129 people using a ventilator yesterday, 13th May.

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 127,668 losses of life in all settings.

Up until Friday 30th April 151,765 people had COVID listed as a cause on their death certificate.

Rep. Of Ireland 254,870 (+420) cases and 4,941 (+4 ) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 162,235,671 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,364,278. Already 140,092,589 people have recovered.

Scottish restrictions are due to change, and because of the number of cases in Glasgow City, and the fact they are driven by Indian Variant B1617.2, both Moray and Glasgow City will stay at Level 3 for at least another week. Sorry guys.

Welsh restrictions are going to change, and First Minister Mark Drakeford has stated very clearly that he doesn't want people going on holiday abroad, even though it'll be allowed.

“We are monitoring the situation very carefully and will not hesitate to take further action if necessary.
It is imperative we all continue to be vigilant, and if you live in one of the 15 areas where we’ve introduced surge testing, make sure you get a free PCR test."
Matt Hancock, UK Minister for Health, this morning.

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

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

The UK added 2,657 cases today (UP slightly from 2,613 a week earlier) and now has reported a total of 4,444,631 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,184,941 tests yesterday.

The counter says 35,906,671 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 18,890,969 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,098 people were in hospital on Tuesday 11th (DOWN from 1,289 a week earlier), with 136 people using a ventilator yesterday, 12th May (DOWN from 182 a week earlier).

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 127,651 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 254,013 cases and 4,937 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 161,566,990 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,352,364. Already 139,420,287 people have recovered.

From today people in England aged 38 and 39 can book their jabs. You should get a text soon. Remember - you don't have to click a link in a text, just go to the NHS dot org and follow the coronavirus link, or go to your doctor's website and you may be able to book a smaller centre closer to home. 

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

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

The UK added 2,474 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,439,691 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 955,467 tests yesterday.

The counter says 35,587,384 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 18,088,385 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,108 people were in hospital on Sunday 9th May, with 143 people using a ventilator.

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 127,629 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 253,189 cases and 4,921 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 160,083,826 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,324,958. Already 137,821,105 people have recovered.

Nicola Sturgeon has announced that most of Scotland (excluding Moray) will be moving to Level 2. I covered what changes that'll make yesterday, so I won't repeat myself.

The World Health Organisation have reclassified the Indian Variant B1617.2 as a "Variant of Global Concern" as there is now evidence it is more transmissible,  or catchy. This is the 4th Variant of Global Concern, alongside the UK/Kent B117, the South African B1351 and the Brazilian P1. 

COVID UK briefing with Boris Monday 10th May 2021

COVID UK briefing with Boris Monday 10th May 2021

UK Cases: 4,437,217 (+2,357)
Losses of Life: 127,609 (+4 - all over 3 days ago in Wales)

"The four UK Chief Medical Officers have agreed that the UK Alert Level should move from Level 4 to Level 3.
It is very important that we all continue to follow the guidance closely and everyone gets both doses of the vaccine when offered."
Boris Johnson, UK PM.
It's a bit of a silly chart, but after all of the times they pretended the UK position was better than it was, it is nice to see them changing something and it actually looking a little cautious. Remember folks - they do not want to go backwards, and nor do we. Slow and steady wins this race.

From 17th May:
The rules for entering England change depending on where you have travelled from outside the UK. There will be different rules to follow if you’re entering Scotland, entering Wales or entering Northern Ireland.
You are strongly discouraged from all unnecessary travel to red or amber list countries or territories, for example for leisure purposes.
People who live in England who have had a full vaccine course (2 doses), will be able to demonstrate their COVID-19 vaccination status for outbound international travel to countries where this is recognised.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 8th / 9th May 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 8th / 9th May 2021.

The UK added 1,770 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,434,860 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,067,566 tests yesterday.

The counter says 35,371,669 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 17,669,379 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 2 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,605 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 252,809 (+506) cases and 4,921 (+2) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 158,760,290 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,302,449. Already 136,261,730 people have recovered.

"The coronavirus has caused much death and suffering, affecting the lives of all, especially those of the most vulnerable. I ask you not to forget those who are most vulnerable. #VaxLive #AVaccineforthePoor"
Pope Francis

2 out of 3 UK adults have now received at least 1 dose of a vaccine.
1 out of 3 UK adults is fully vaccinated with both doses.

I had my jab yesterday, as did my partner. Neither of us cried, which surprised me, because it's a really emotional thing isn't it? There was a real air of nervous excitement and 'shared hopes'. We did however walk all the way home (in the pouring rain) grinning like winners. 

Ad| Redesigning A Bedroom As Your Child Grows Up

When I started this blog my children were young. Well, kind of. They were at least all children, and the little 2 weren't even at school yet. More than 8 years has passed, and my youngest is now 11 and starting high school in a few months. They all grew up. 

With 7 children in total, and 5 years of people to and fro at work, uni and college, we've had a lot of bedroom swaps over the years. Now that we only have the youngest two children at home full time we're a lot more settled, and really I want to create bedrooms for them that are relaxing and calm, but have plenty of their own more mature and still very unique personalities. 

As most of us can't afford a whole makeover and new furniture, here are some of my tips to help the bedroom grow up, without breaking the bank... 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update and UK COVID Briefing 7th May 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update and UK COVID Briefing 7th May 2021.

The UK added 2,490 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,431,043 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,067,566 tests yesterday.

The counter says 35,069,641 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 16,764,720 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,231 people were in hospital on 5th May, with 163 people using a ventilator yesterday, 6th May.

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 127,598 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 251,904 (+430) cases and 4,921 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 157,283,915 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,277,583. Already 134,604,833 people have recovered.

2/3 of adults in the UK have now had at least 1 dose of a COVID vaccine. Nice one everyone. Mine's tomorrow.

Today's surge testing roulette wheel has landed on parts of London, and Bolton BL3. Congratulations, you win a doorstep visit from Test & Trace, and a free PCR test (yes, they are all free).

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

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

The UK added 2,613 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,428,553 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,214,619 tests yesterday.

The counter says 34,934,171 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 16,291,719 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,289 people were in hospital on Tuesday 4th May (and Alistair McLellan of the HSJ has just said that today we have less than 1,000 COVID positive patients in English hospitals for the first time since 17th September 2020). 182 people were using a ventilator yesterday, 5th May.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 13 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,583 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 251,087 cases and 4,915 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 156,439,818 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,263,783. Already 133,822,156 people have recovered.

The UK are not employing any surge testing against Indian variants, despite saying that they were. The three B1617 strains are "variants under investigation" (VUI) as opposed to "variants of concern" (VOC) and only qualify for a bit of extra contact testing.
Dr Christina Pagel, director of the Clinical Operational Research at University College London, and member of indieSAGE, is among those pointing out this is a weeny bit more casual than we'd like.
"Do we have definitive evidence that B1617.2 is more transmissible? No
But honestly I think canaries are chirping - we know it's in the community (from Sanger) and we should act to contain right now while numbers manageable."
It looks like community transmission may already be responsible for around 25% of Indian variant no.2 cases in the UK - according to the data from the Sangar Institute. We simply haven't managed to contain it yet.  

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 3rd / 4th May 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 3rd / 4th May 2021.

The UK added 1,946 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,423,796 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,069,724 tests yesterday.

The counter says 34,667,904 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 15,630,007 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 4 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,543 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 250,290 cases and 4,906 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 154,676,421 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,233,394. Already 132,137,421 people have recovered.

"More cases of COVID19 have been reported globally in the past two weeks than during the first six months of the pandemic.
India and Brazil account for more than half of last week’s COVID19 cases, but there are many other countries all over the world that face a very fragile situation."
DrTedros, head of WHO.

In the next step of the UK roadmap (no earlier than May 17th), restrictions on the numbers of mourners at funerals will be lifted.
The venue will still have to follow COVID safety guidelines, so won't be able to fill any indoor space to capacity, but many services will be able to accommodate more than 30 people, and obviously we have the outdoors.
I'm truly sorry to everyone for whom this has come too late. Please ensure you do take the time to properly mourn, and say goodbye. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 1st / 2nd May 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 1st / 2nd May 2021.

The UK added 1,671 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,420,201 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,072,576 tests yesterday.

The counter says 34,505,380 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 15,329,617 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,451 people were in hospital on Thursday 29th April, with 185 people using a ventilator on Friday 30th April.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 14 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,538 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 249,838 (+401) cases and 4,906 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 153,341,770 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,212,745. Already 130,640,571 people have recovered.

In Wales:
From Monday 3 May, gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools can open. Children and adults can take part in indoor organised activities. Your household can choose one other household to meet indoors, becoming an extended household. 

Several times now the public have asked questions at the UK/English COVID briefings, and the Government have clearly listened and acted in response. Last week someone asked about Care Home residents being allowed out more often, they made incredibly sensible, science-based points, and voila.... In England:
"From Tuesday 4 May, residents will be able to leave their care homes to visit a friend or family member’s garden, or go on walks in places such as parks, public gardens and beaches. They will not have to self-isolate when they return.
Residents must be accompanied by either a care worker, or nominated visitor, and follow the government guidelines of washing hands regularly, keeping social distance, and remaining outside, in line with step 2 of the roadmap.
The changes come as the data shows cases continuing to fall, meaning it is now much safer for care home residents, who are among the most vulnerable to COVID-19, to leave their homes. Keeping visits outdoors will ensure any risk is minimised as much as possible."