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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Agency staff were spreading Covid-19 between care homes, PHE found in April Exclusive: results of unpublished study were only shared with care home providers last weekCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageTemporary care workers transmitted Covid-19 between care homes as cases surged, according to an unpublished government study which used genome tracking to investigate outbreaks.In evidence that raises further questions about ministers’ claims to have “thrown a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