News- UK

How renewable energy could power Britain's economic recovery Harnessing power from sun, wind and sea could spur UK’s post-pandemic economy while tackling climate crisis, say expertsIs the Covid-19 crisis the catalyst for greening the world’s airlines?Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageIn the first months of 2020 Britain relied on renewable energy like never before. The power generated by clean energy projects eclipsed fossil fuels for the first time ever, making up almost half the electricity used to keep the lights on.As the UK emerges from the financial maelstrom of the coronavirus pandemic, analysts, economists and environmentalists argue that the renewable energy industry could – and should – play a greater role, powering a gree...

Agency staff were spreading Covid-19 between care homes, PHE found in April Exclusive: results of unpublished study were only shared with care home providers last weekCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageTemporary care workers transmitted Covid-19 between care homes as cases surged, according to an unpublished government study which used genome tracking to investigate outbreaks.In evidence that raises further questions about ministers’ claims to have “thrown a protective ring around care homes”, it emerged that agency workers – often employed on zero-hours contracts – unwittingly spread the infection as the pandemic grew, according to the study by Public Health England (PHE). Continue reading... Go to Source

First human trial results raise hopes for coronavirus vaccine Eight initial volunteers in US produced an antibody response from Moderna’s RNA vaccineCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe first results from human trials of a vaccine against Covid-19 have given a glimmer of hope after a US firm’s study produced positive results in a group of eight volunteers.These results – which come a day after the UK government revealed a deal to secure 30m doses of a rival Oxford University vaccine, should it be successful – showed that each of the participants produced an antibody response on a par with that seen in people who have had the disease. And they suggest that the vaccine is safe for use in humans. Continue reading... Go to Source

Trump claims to have been taking hydroxychloroquine despite FDA warnings – live FDA has warned against using the drug without medical supervisionInterview with whistleblower Rick Bright angers presidentLockdown protests may have spread virus, cellphone data suggestsCoronavirus – latest global updatesGet a fresh perspective on America – sign up to our First Thing newsletter 12.27am BSTRepublican senator Lindsay Graham announced that the judiciary committee would debate and vote on whether to subpoena documents and testimony from Obama-era officials, related to the FBI’s investigation into Russian election interference. Graham would subpoena testimony from witnesses including James Comey, Andrew McCabe, James Clapper, John Brennan, and Sally Yates. The Senate judiciary c...

Italy begins reopening bars and cafes as rate of deaths and new infections falls again – as it happened Southern European countries ease lockdowns; South Africa reports highest daily increase; global infections pass 4.7 million. This blog is now closedFollow the latest global coronavirus blog here for live news 12.28am BSTWe’ve launched a new blog at the link below – head there for the latest: Related: Coronavirus live news: WHO promises independent review into global response as US deaths pass 90,000 12.16am BSTThe UK government is coming under pressure to provide back-to-work support for young people amid evidence that the under-25s have been hardest hit by the Covid-19 economic fallout.In a report published on Tuesday ahead of unemployment figures expected to show the f...

London care homes report possible fresh Covid-19 outbreaks Residents also testing positive more than 30 days after showing first symptomsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageDoctors have reported possible fresh outbreaks of Covid-19 in care and nursing homes in west London, two months after the area was a hotspot in the first days of the coronavirus crisis.“Just when we thought there might be light at the end of the tunnel, two new or worsening care home outbreaks over the past 48 hours,” said Dr Anna Down, clinical lead at a GP practice with 1,000 residents on its books in 15 privately run nursing homes. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus US live: Trump attacks Obama and the media as death toll nears 90,000 Moderna’s vaccine showed promising results in first human safety testsInterview with whistleblower Rick Bright angers presidentLockdown protests may have spread virus, cellphone data suggestsCoronavirus – latest global updatesGet a fresh perspective on America – sign up to our First Thing newsletter 6.51pm BSTHealth and human services secretary Alex Azar lashed out against Peter Navarro this morning, after the White House trade adviser critcized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for its handling of the pandemic.Wow. Alex Azar characterizes comments that his White House colleague Peter Navarro made criticizing the CDC as "inaccurate and inappropriate." pic.twitter.com/l2uN1o8q...

Face visors may protect wearer but not other people against Covid-19 Public health experts not convinced of plastic shields’ benefits for general usersCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageFace visors and shields could protect workers who have close contact with others against infection from Covid-19, but may not prevent the wearer spreading the virus, experts have said.Linda Bauld, professor of public health at the University of Edinburgh, said research was needed into the alternative forms of face protection before they could be recommended for general use. Continue reading... Go to Source

'I can taste the flavour much more': Italians rediscover eating out After two months of coronavirus lockdown, Italy takes cautious steps towards normalityCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageFor some, being able to frequent Italy’s bars and restaurants on Monday after more than two months of lockdown was akin to ending a strict dietary regime.“I can taste the fullness of the flavour much more,” said Sandro Urbani as he drank a glass of white Sangiovanni wine outside Caffè Barrique in the Umbrian town of Orvieto. “It’s as if I’ve been on a diet over the past few months and all of a sudden I can eat a slice of salami.” Continue reading... Go to Source

Is it safe to go back to school in England? The scientific advice so far Michael Gove says children will be safe at school, but as coronavirus pandemic continues experts urge caution Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe Department for Education recently released an overview of advice it received from Public Health England, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) and its subgroup the Children’s Task and Finish Working Group – although specific evidence from these latter groups has yet to be published. Continue reading... Go to Source

UK coronavirus tests advised for people who lose taste or smell Anosmia is third symptom - in addition to cough and fever - justifying a test under revised guidanceCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coveragePeople who experience a loss of smell or taste are being advised to get tested for Covid-19, in a change of guidance from the UK government that experts say is well overdue, warning that thousands of cases have already been missed.Anosmia – the medical term for loss of smell – is now the third symptom of the coronavirus infection that will justify a test, in addition to a persistent cough and high temperature. The four chief medical officers of the UK have said that people with loss of smell or loss of taste should now self-isolate or get tested, ev...

Coronavirus live news: Italy begins reopening bars and cafes as Spain also eases restrictions Southern European countries ease lockdowns; South Africa reports highest daily increase; global infections pass 4.7 millionIndia extends lockdownUK coronavirus updates - liveAustralia coronavirus updates – liveCoronavirus latest: at a glanceSee all our coronavirus coverage 12.55pm BSTThe coronavirus pandemic should serve as a “wake-up call” to the world which must be more united in responding to the crisis, the UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has said.Guterres said Covid-19 was the “greatest challenge of our age” and had demonstrated the world’s fragility, as nations went their own way in tackling the pandemic, Reuters reports. He added that the crisis ...

Half a million access UK suicide prevention training amid Covid-19 warnings Surge in participants during lockdown as NHS group warns of virus’s ‘mental health legacy’Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageMore than half a million people have been given suicide prevention training in the last three weeks by a UK charity which is warning about the potential impact of Covid-19 on the nation’s mental health.The Zero Suicide Alliance, a collaboration of NHS trusts, charities, businesses and individuals, revealed that 503,000 people had completed its online course, which aims to spot the signs that a person needs help, during lockdown. Continue reading... Go to Source

Ryanair chief accuses UK of mismanaging coronavirus crisis Michael O’Leary halves passenger forecasts as crisis costs it €40m in lost profitsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe chief executive of Ryanair has accused the UK government of mismanaging the Covid-19 crisis, as the airline halved its passenger forecast for this year and revealed it had tapped Britain’s corporate loan programme.Michael O’Leary described the UK’s planned introduction of a 14-day quarantine period for travellers arriving from abroad as “idiotic and unimplementable”. Continue reading... Go to Source

Pandemic funerals: inside a mortuary during coronavirus – video The funeral industry has had to adapt to new regulations around death care during the pandemic at the same time as dealing with an increase in work. Poppy’s Funerals in south London is one provider that believes that public health concerns should not impact upon its ability to carry out its role with humanity and respect. The Guardian spent the day inside its mortuary to see how the firm and its staff have adapted to the new challenges they faceIf you’ve been affected by bereavement during the pandemic, guidance and advice can be found here With thanks to Jeanne Rathbone and familyContinue reading... Go to Source

UK contact-tracing applicants wrongly told hiring paused in latest 'misstep' Michael Gove says 17,000 tracers recruited and scheme will be ready to launch by month’s endCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageMinisters have been accused of “misstep after misstep” after applicants to become contact tracers for the NHS were told recruitment was on hold while the government considered an alternative app.After struggles with sourcing personal protective equipment and building up sufficient testing capacity, track, trace and isolate is the latest major challenge for the government. Continue reading... Go to Source

Firms slash entry-level jobs by almost quarter owing to coronavirus Report reflects concerns that pandemic will hit job prospects of young people hardestCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageSchool leavers and graduates hoping to enter the labour market in Britain this year will struggle to find employment as firms slash entry-level jobs by nearly a quarter owing to the coronavirus crisis, a report warns.All types of entry-level roles have been reduced this year by 23%, said the Institute of Student Employers (ISE), with the “volatile” jobs market forecast to shrink further as 15% of employers expect to scale back recruitment further in 2021. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus live news: record daily cases in South Africa as India extends lockdown Daily death tolls fall in UK, Spain and Italy; Qatar makes masks mandatory on pain of prison; global infections pass 4.7 million. Follow the latest updatesCovid-19 cases in Brazil surpass Italy South Africa reports highest daily increase in casesAustralia coronavirus updates – liveCoronavirus latest: at a glanceSee all our coronavirus coverage 12.50am BSTThe coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating the existing vulnerabilities of the world’s refugees and internally displaced people, according to a report.Research from the University of Birmingham has revealed that many undocumented migrants were anxious about seeking medical help – fearful of being reported to immigration authorities and be...

Up to 20% of hospital patients in England got coronavirus while in for another illness Exclusive: Some infections were passed on by hospital staff who were unaware they had Covid-19 Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageUp to a fifth of patients with Covid-19 in several hospitals contracted the disease over the course of the pandemic while already being treated there for another illness, NHS bosses have told senior doctors and nurses.Some of the infections were passed on by hospital staff who were unaware they had the virus and were displaying no symptoms, while patients with coronavirus were responsible for the others. Continue reading... Go to Source

Labour to plan green economic rescue from coronavirus crisis Exclusive: Ed Miliband calls for creation of ‘zero-carbon army’ for eco-friendly industriesIs Covid-19 crisis the catalyst for the greening of world’s airlines?Labour is drawing up ambitious proposals to rescue the post-coronavirus economy with a radical green recovery plan focused on helping young people who lose their jobs by retraining them in green industries.Seeking to seize the initiative on the country’s future direction once the pandemic abates, Ed Miliband, the shadow business secretary, has called for the plans to include creating a “zero-carbon army of young people” doing work such as planting trees, insulating buildings and working on green technologies. Continue reading... Go...

Coronavirus live news: Spain records lowest death toll in two months as Italy prepares to open shops and salons Barack Obama attacks Trump’s virus response; Russia sees 9,709 new confirmed cases in past 24 hours; China reports five new Covid-19 casesSpain reports fewer than 100 deaths for first time in two monthsCovid-19 cases in Brazil surpass ItalyUS and UK ‘lead push against global patent pool for Covid-19 drugs’Coronavirus latest developments: at a glanceSee all our coronavirus coverage 6.43pm BSTFrance’s total number of coronavirus deaths recorded in hospitals and nursing homes has risen to 28,108 from 27,625 on Saturday. The number of people in hospitals has fallen to 19,361, compared to 19,432 the previous day. The number of people in ICU is 2,087, compare...

UK wrong to rule out global coronavirus comparisons, experts say Exclusive: academics’ data on excess deaths shows peak in England was higher than Italy’sCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageGovernment ministers are wrong to say that the impact of coronavirus on health in the UK cannot yet be compared with other countries, according to leading academics whose data shows the peak of deaths in England was higher than that in Italy.International comparison charts were shown at the Downing Street daily briefing until England’s death rate from Covid-19 hit a trajectory set to take it above other European nations. Ministers have said comparisons are not accurate because countries collect their data in different ways. Continue reading... Go to ...

Doctors raise hopes of blood test for children with coronavirus-linked syndrome UK researchers believe blood markers may help them identify those most at riskCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageDoctors have identified a group of blood compounds that may help to reveal which children are most at risk of developing a rare but life-threatening immune reaction to coronavirus.The new syndrome emerged last month after hospitals in London admitted a number of children to intensive care units with symptoms that resembled toxic shock mixed with an inflammatory disorder known as Kawasaki disease. Continue reading... Go to Source

Michael Gove tells councils to 'look to their responsibilities' and open schools Minister asks local authorities refusing to allow pupils back on 1 June to ‘think again’Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageMichael Gove has told local authorities refusing to reopen their schools on 1 June to “look to their responsibilities”, saying: “If you really care about children, you’ll want them in schools.”Appearing on the BBC’s The Andrew Marr Show, the Cabinet Office minister said: “We are confident that children and teachers will be safe.” Continue reading... Go to Source

Europe plans a summer staycation after coronavirus lockdowns While France, Italy and Spain stay cautious and look for domestic tourists, Greece hopes to capitalise on its handling of the crisis by opening its doors in JulyCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageAs the UK prepares for a glut of bookings if the government allows staycations this summer, other European countries are also moving to save their tourism industries, which represent around 10% of GDP Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus live news: Spain records lowest death toll in two months; Obama attacks Trump's virus response Russia sees 9,709 new confirmed cases in past 24 hours; China reports five new Covid-19 cases; boy in France dies of Kawasaki-like diseaseSpain reports fewer than 100 deaths for first time in two monthsBarack Obama attacks Trump handling of pandemicUK coronavirus – live updatesCoronavirus latest developments: at a glanceSee all our coronavirus coverage 12.45pm BSTMadagascar has reported the first death of a patient suffering from the novel coronavirus, nearly two months after the virus was first detected in the country.The Indian ocean island, which has reported 304 cases, hit the headlines last month over a home-grown herbal concoction, a tonic drink derived from artemisia -...

'I miss people terribly': the growing pain of older people's isolation Many older people are in lockdown alone, and some of them feel they are wasting valuable timeCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverage“I don’t think I’ll be able to keep doing this for much longer, I won’t be able to stand it,” said Mary Fletcher, 81, who is in her ninth week of lockdown in her flat in London. “I’m starting to feel that having Covid-19 might be preferable to isolation. Next week I think I’m going to break it and see my family. I’m now prepared to take that risk.”Many older people in the UK are in lockdown alone. Being apart from family and friends, and often unable to leave the house because they are “shielding...

Who'd be a health secretary? Five former incumbents on the toughest gig in politics With Matt Hancock under fire, former health secretaries discuss their highs and lows, how they dealt with pandemics – and what the future holdsSee all our coronavirus coverageOne effect of the unprecedented socioeconomic impact of Covid-19 has been to catapult the secretary of state for health and social care to the forefront of British politics. For the long month of April, with the prime minister either in intensive care with the disease or recuperating in isolation, there was no one with a more prominent government profile than Matt Hancock.It was, to say the least, an unusual predicament for a health secretary. Since the controversy around the target of 100,000 daily coronavirus tests and Boris...

Revolt over easing of lockdown spreads as poll slump hits PM Manchester mayor unleashes fury at Johnson plan, while public approval for government strategy plummets• Coronavirus – latest updates• See all our coronavirus coverageBoris Johnson was hit by a growing revolt over his strategy for easing the Covid-19 lockdown last night as council leaders across the north of England joined unions in vowing to resist plans to reopen schools on 1 June. Related: Are we all in this together? It doesn't look like it from the regions Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus live news: Italy announces staggered end of lockdown Russia records highest daily fatalities; German football gets back under way; French child dies of Kawasaki disease. Follow the latest updatesUS House narrowly approves $3 trillion Covid-19 response billTrump unveils ‘warp-speed’ effort to create vaccine by year’s endBrazil loses second health minister in less than a monthAustralia coronavirus updates – liveCoronavirus latest: at a glance 12.21am BSTBrazil confirmed 14,919 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, as well as 816 related deaths, according to data from the country’s health ministry.Brazil has now registered 233,142 confirmed coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic, the fifth highest in the world, and 15,633 deaths. 12.17am BS...