Cafes, Pubs, Restaurants and Bars Ordered to Close From Tonight
20th March 2020 | 17.14
Boris Johnson has announced that all cafes, pubs, clubs, restaurants, nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres to close from tonight and not open tomorrow. Businesses can still provide takeout services.
128 Confirmed Coronavirus Deaths in England
19th March 2020 | 17.15
NHS England has confirmed that there have been a further 29 deaths of people with confirmed coronavirus in England. The total number now stands at 128.
Boris Johnson Thank NHS Workers via Social Media
19th March 2020 | 17.07
“I want to say a huge thank you on behalf of the whole country to everyone working in our NHS, of every specialism and role, in our fight against the coronavirus pandemic. We’ve never needed you more than we do today.”
The Queen: "We are entering a period of great concern and uncertainty"
19th March 2020 | 16.45
“As Philip and I arrive at Windsor today, we know that many individuals and families across the United Kingdom, and around the world, are entering a period of great concern and uncertainty.
“We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them.
“At times such as these, I am reminded that our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal.
“We are enormously thankful for the expertise and commitment of our scientists, medical practitioners and emergency and public services; but now more than any time in our recent past, we all have a vitally important part to play as individuals – today and in the coming days, weeks and months.
“Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe. I am certain we are up to that challenge. You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.”
Church of England: Weddings Should be Limited to 2 Guests
19th March 2020 | 16.43
The Church of England has said that weddings during the coronavirus outbreak should be limited to just 5 people.
This number should include the marrying couple, the priest or vicar, and the witnesses.
Other guests in attendance should observe from a safe distance.
UK Schools to Close on Friday
18th March 2020 | 17.19
Schools in England to close on Friday afternoon, except for the children of key workers such as NHS staff, carers and police officers. Nurseries, independent schools and boarding schools should also close.
Exams due to take place in May and June to be postponed.
Schools across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also close.
Further 32 Coronavirus Related Deaths in UK
18th March 2020 | 17.05
A further 32 people with confirmed coronavirus have died in the UK. This brings the total number of deaths to 104. The virus has now infected more than 200,000 worldwide.
Boris Says "Supermarket Supply Chains will continue to work"
17th March 2020 | 08.55
Boris Johnson says he is confident that supermarket supply chains are working and will continue to work. People should have no reason to stockpile.
Cash Grants Available" says government
17th March 2020 | 17.44
Government to provide cash grants of up to £25,000 to smaller businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable value less than £51,000
17:29 – Government to provide cash grants of up to £25,000 to smaller businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable value less than £51,000
16:44 – The Department of Health confirms a further 14 people have died in England after being diagnosed with coronavirus.
The total number of deaths in England now stands at 69. The patients were aged between 93 and 45 years old. All had underlying health issues.
16:18 – Latest advice from NHS regarding ibuprofen for coronavirus patients
“Currently no strong evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus (COVID-19) worse”.
“But until we have more information, take paracetamol to treat the symptoms of coronavirus, unless your doctor has told you paracetamol is not suitable for you,” it adds.
“If you are already taking ibuprofen or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory on the advice of a doctor, do not stop taking it without checking first.”
15:47 – NHS England to suspend non-urgent surgery for 3 months
In a bid to make space in hospitals for coronavirus patients, NHS England is suspending non-urgent elective surgery for 3 months.
Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens said operations will be suspended from 15th April at the latest.
“In readiness for the likely influx of more coronavirus patients, we are going to be taking concerted action across the NHS… up to a third of the general and acute beds – perhaps 30,000 of those general and acute beds – for coronavirus patients.”
The number of confimed cases of Coronavirus in the UK currently stands at 1,950 – an increase of 407 in 24 hours. The NHS is priotitising testing for patients in intensive care so the actual estimated number of those with Coronavirus in the UK could be as high as 55,000.
