UK coronavirus live: Edinburgh festivals cancelled; government under pressure to boost NHS testing
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The Prince of Wales has made his first appearance since coming out of self-isolation, following his coronavirus diagnosis, to record a video message in support of Age UK in response to the health crisis.
Charles, who is patron of Age UK, said in the footage posted on royal social media accounts: “Having recently gone through the process of contracting this coronavirus – luckily with relatively mild symptoms – I now find myself on the other side of the illness, but still in no less a state of social distance and general isolation.”
Following the cancellation of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, its director Nick Barley has said said the decision to cancel the event in August had not been “taken lightly”, writes my colleague Luke Harding.
“The safety of our authors, audiences, supporters, staff and suppliers, and also that of the people who live and work in our wonderful city, is of paramount importance,” Barley said, adding: “It probably doesn’t come as too much of a surprise given the extraordinary challenges we are all facing and will likely face for some time to come.”
Barley said the festival planned to hold a series of “online events” this summer instead. It was currently unclear what “form it might take”. The hope was to offer “a place where writers can share their stories, perspectives and ideas with others is what we do,” Barley said, adding: “We will be exploring the options available to us to help writers continue to connect with readers”.
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