UPDATED DAILY : UK CORONAVIRUS - UPDATED 29/10/22

Boris Johnson calls Matt Hancock hopeless in texts revealed by Dominic Cummings -

Dominic Cummings has published expletive-laden messages, apparently from Boris Johnson, in which the PM calls the health secretary "hopeless".

It is the latest salvo in a bitter war of words between Mr Cummings, the PM's former top aide, and Matt Hancock over the handling of the pandemic.

Downing Street did not deny the authenticity of the messages.

But the PM's official spokesman insisted Mr Johnson has full confidence in the health secretary.

In a 7,000-word blog, Mr Cummings accused Mr Hancock of trying to rewrite history during a select committee hearing last week which was examining how the government has managed various aspects of the crisis.

He also took aim at Mr Johnson, claiming he had "lied about failures" during the government's initial response to the pandemic.

"If No 10 is prepared to lie so deeply and widely about such vital issues of life and death last year, it cannot be trusted now either on Covid or any other crucial issue of war and peace," Mr Cummings wrote.

It may be coincidence but I was at a venue last week where Matt Hancock was to pay a visit (not related to my own purpose for being there) but he failed to show and hasn't been seen too much since then...

Cummings, a man more odious than most, seems to have opened a can of worms of late and there is more to come...

Boris may yet be undone by his former advisor and all because the real governmental puppet master, the now Mrs Johnson, took a dislike...

They say none so bitter as a woman scorned; unless, of course, it's a man with ambition who has had his legs (proverbially) and power taken from him...

He's causing chaos, I wouldn't be surprised if he has a sudden unexpected accident.

I agree with you Allan, the governments figures are shocking. They tell us nothing of substance and are just there to promote fear.

My solution:

If you are scared by way of catching the virus/ submitting to the virus or knowing somebody who once upon a time had the virus.......please, please, please, do not leave your house.

If, on the other hand, you understand there is a miniscule risk of catching this virus, and a massively smaller risk of dying from this virus.......just get outside and party.
,
I'll re-emphasise......if you are scared stay at home........if you are not, party like it's 1999......

People are scared only need to see the response to how well WG have handled corvid ? They say done great but it's not them that's done great its fact we have one of the best integrated health systems in the world that was able to use their knowledge and expertise to deliver vaccine at an incredible rate despite lack of funding for many years....... this extension is probably only ghing boris can do? but not optimistic that drakeford will follow suit in lifting as much restrictions as boris and drakeford will use scare tactics to endorse his philosophy on the people.

I don't think many people who have been vaccinated are scared anymore?

Drakeford is loving the power, he will keep some things restricted for years if he can!

I agree with you Allan, the governments figures are shocking. They tell us nothing of substance and are just there to promote fear.

My solution:

If you are scared by way of catching the virus/ submitting to the virus or knowing somebody who once upon a time had the virus.......please, please, please, do not leave your house.

If, on the other hand, you understand there is a miniscule risk of catching this virus, and a massively smaller risk of dying from this virus.......just get outside and party.
,
I'll re-emphasise......if you are scared stay at home........if you are not, party like it's 1999......

People are scared only need to see the response to how well WG have handled corvid ? They say done great but it's not them that's done great its fact we have one of the best integrated health systems in the world that was able to use their knowledge and expertise to deliver vaccine at an incredible rate despite lack of funding for many years....... this extension is probably only ghing boris can do? but not optimistic that drakeford will follow suit in lifting as much restrictions as boris and drakeford will use scare tactics to endorse his philosophy on the people.

I don't think many people who have been vaccinated are scared anymore?

Drakeford is loving the power, he will keep some things restricted for years if he can!

Well whatever he planned for this Friday is off until end july! so weddings and funeral restrictions probably wont change when was expected to be eased..... we've had delta variant for a month or so they tell you how many infections there are "488" but no other details like deaths or hospital or ICU admissions because they are extremely low? icu 1 patient hospitals 120? Deaths very few as we know couple a week.... economic with truth springs to mind .

UPDATED: FRIDAY 17TH JUNE 2021

UK

1st dose of Vaccination 42,216,654 MILLION

80.1% 1st Vaccination




2nd dose of Vaccination 30,675,207 MILLION

58.2% 2nd Vaccination

No further people have died with coronavirus in Wales, Public Health Wales said on Thursday.

It reported 140 new cases, bringing the total to 214,382 since the pandemic began.

Of the new cases 21 were reported in Flintshire, 15 in Denbighshire, 14 in Conwy and 12 in Cardiff.

A total of 2,225,499 people have received a first dose of a vaccination in Wales, and 1,454,066 have received both doses.

The number of people who have died with the virus in Wales remains at 5,572.

The case rate is 22.5 infections per 100,000 people, a small rise from 22.2 reported on Wednesday.

Positive tests are running at an average of 101 per day, compared to 56 in the previous week.

No further people have died with coronavirus in Wales, Public Health Wales said on Thursday.

It reported 140 new cases, bringing the total to 214,382 since the pandemic began.

Of the new cases 21 were reported in Flintshire, 15 in Denbighshire, 14 in Conwy and 12 in Cardiff.

A total of 2,225,499 people have received a first dose of a vaccination in Wales, and 1,454,066 have received both doses.

The number of people who have died with the virus in Wales remains at 5,572.

The case rate is 22.5 infections per 100,000 people, a small rise from 22.2 reported on Wednesday.

Positive tests are running at an average of 101 per day, compared to 56 in the previous week.

Still very low, 12 cases in Cardiff is miniscule!

No further people have died with coronavirus in Wales, Public Health Wales said on Thursday.

It reported 140 new cases, bringing the total to 214,382 since the pandemic began.

Of the new cases 21 were reported in Flintshire, 15 in Denbighshire, 14 in Conwy and 12 in Cardiff.

A total of 2,225,499 people have received a first dose of a vaccination in Wales, and 1,454,066 have received both doses.

The number of people who have died with the virus in Wales remains at 5,572.

The case rate is 22.5 infections per 100,000 people, a small rise from 22.2 reported on Wednesday.

Positive tests are running at an average of 101 per day, compared to 56 in the previous week.

Still very low, 12 cases in Cardiff is miniscule!

Data shows that one dose of either vaccine cuts the chances of catching covid or being admitted to hospital by 75% a watershed moment says nhs chief..... so what's the panic over delta variant considering the amount of people vaccinated with at least one dose?

Bit of perspective in may 333 people died of covid in England but 3780 died of ischaemic heart disease and 3711 of dementia/alzheimers disease....... covid is now 24th reason for deaths in England

Covid: Wales at start of third wave, warns first minister -

A third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic is already under way leaving Wales facing a "serious public health situation", the first minister said.

Mark Drakeford said Wales may be two or three weeks behind England and Scotland in rising case numbers.

He confirmed his decision to pause making major relaxations to coronavirus rules for four weeks.

Officials plan to offer a further 500,000 jabs during that time, which will largely be second doses.

There had been a "sustained, week-on-week increase" in the rate of Covid-19 in Wales, Mr Drakeford said, with the Delta variant originally found in India "taking hold".

Mr Drakeford said there was a "particularly sharp rise" in people aged under 25.

Covid: Wales at start of third wave, warns first minister -

A third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic is already under way leaving Wales facing a "serious public health situation", the first minister said.

Mark Drakeford said Wales may be two or three weeks behind England and Scotland in rising case numbers.

He confirmed his decision to pause making major relaxations to coronavirus rules for four weeks.

Officials plan to offer a further 500,000 jabs during that time, which will largely be second doses.

There had been a "sustained, week-on-week increase" in the rate of Covid-19 in Wales, Mr Drakeford said, with the Delta variant originally found in a "taking hold".

Mr Drakeford said there was a "particularly sharp rise" in people aged under 25.

How many of these cases either died or were admitted to hospital for more the 24 hours.......please wake up people, you are not stupid......look at the facts and question your governors.

P.S. You are all vaccinated so are super safe.....no worries. Do you think YOUR Government is working for you????

Shows how absurd the way WG counts covid they say that there are 55 in 100k under 25s in tenby with covid? Now considering there is only 120k people living whole of pembrokeshire how do they reach that figure? Obviously found 1 infection they then did mass testing found couple more infections then they multiplied those numbers to get an equation of 55 in 100k easy to manipulate figures to scare the populas now 1200 pupils and staff off school isolated until 28th June at least.

Shows how absurd the way WG counts covid they say that there are 55 in 100k under 25s in tenby with covid? Now considering there is only 120k people living whole of pembrokeshire how do they reach that figure? Obviously found 1 infection they then did mass testing found couple more infections then they multiplied those numbers to get an equation of 55 in 100k easy to manipulate figures to scare the populas now 1200 pupils and staff off school isolated until 28th June at least.

its gone on now for 15 months... whats tenbys population 6k/8k ? which means 3/4 cases

England will possibly lift the restrictions on 5th july instead of 19th if enough people get vaccinated? 700k went for jab yesterday walk up centres.....professor of vaccinology says uk is not at 3rd wave levels and is unlikely to be as infections levelling out! No deaths in Wales despite continuing infections
so what's the panic over? The deaths which are extremely minimal or fact people are getting infected which is not a surprise to Joe public but is to WG judging by responses...

England will possibly lift the restrictions on 5th july instead of 19th if enough people get vaccinated? 700k went for jab yesterday walk up centres.....professor of vaccinology says uk is not at 3rd wave levels and is unlikely to be as infections levelling out! No deaths in Wales despite continuing infections
so what's the panic over? The deaths which are extremely minimal or fact people are getting infected which is not a surprise to Joe public but is to WG judging by responses...

You and I both know Allan that the only reason england will forward it to 5th July is because of the growing resentment, discontent and pressure Joe Public is putting on Tory MP's. A lot of "ordinary" people are writing to there MP's complaining and essentially saying we have had enough.

Unfortunately for my home country there has been a recent election. Dippmeister knows he can do what he wants.

England will possibly lift the restrictions on 5th july instead of 19th if enough people get vaccinated? 700k went for jab yesterday walk up centres.....professor of vaccinology says uk is not at 3rd wave levels and is unlikely to be as infections levelling out! No deaths in Wales despite continuing infections
so what's the panic over? The deaths which are extremely minimal or fact people are getting infected which is not a surprise to Joe public but is to WG judging by responses...

You and I both know Allan that the only reason england will forward it to 5th July is because of the growing resentment, discontent and pressure Joe Public is putting on Tory MP's. A lot of "ordinary" people are writing to there MP's complaining and essentially saying we have had enough.

Unfortunately for my home country there has been a recent election. Dippmeister knows he can do what he wants.

Agree about WG have said they've been in power to long and now act with impunity same with Cardiff council... what is wrong is way drakeford spouts about looking at evidence well I've put up the figures and they dont match his assertions on covid ....... may be getting rise in infections but that's it no extra deaths or ICU admissions hospital admissions gone up but no one says that they will be unmanageable or excessive.... people are getting fed up of restrictions partly because they dont make sense and people can see politicians are being selective with what they tell us.

Covid: Music & comedy venue changes in Wales lockdown easing -

Covid capacity rules in music and comedy venues have been slightly relaxed in another minor easing of Wales' lockdown restrictions.

The number of guests attending wedding receptions and wakes has also changed in Wales on Monday, allowing venues to host as many people as they can safely.

Wales' first minister said he will pause major relaxations for four weeks due to the start of a third Covid wave.

Rules for music and comedy venues are now "in line" with hospitality venues.

So, like pubs and restaurants, the changes mean groups of six people from six households can attend music and comedy venues in Wales.

Now numbers allowed into each venue will be based on its size instead of being limited to 30 as businesses must follow strict Covid guidelines, like having one-way systems and appropriate ventilation.

UPDATED: MONDAY 21ST JUNE 2021

UK

1st dose of Vaccination 43,127,763 MILLION

81.9% 1st Vaccination




2nd dose of Vaccination 31,448,915 MILLION

59.7% 2nd Vaccination



New cases 10,633


New deaths 8


Total deaths 127,981

Euro 2020: England's Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount to self-isolate after Gilmour Covid-19 test -

England's Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount are doubts for Tuesday's game with the Czech Republic as they self-isolate as a precaution after coming into close contact with Scotland's Billy Gilmour.

The pair were seen interacting with Chelsea team-mate Gilmour after Friday's draw with Scotland at Wembley.

Gilmour has since tested positive for Covid-19 and will miss Scotland's final group game against Croatia on Tuesday.

"I can't say it isn't disruptive," said England boss Gareth Southgate.

Speaking on Monday evening about whether the pair would be available for Tuesday's game at Wembley, he told BBC Radio 5 live: "You would have to say at this moment in time they are a big doubt for tomorrow.

"The worst-case scenario would be that the two boys would be out for 10 days from the game last Friday."

England will possibly lift the restrictions on 5th july instead of 19th if enough people get vaccinated? 700k went for jab yesterday walk up centres.....professor of vaccinology says uk is not at 3rd wave levels and is unlikely to be as infections levelling out! No deaths in Wales despite continuing infections
so what's the panic over? The deaths which are extremely minimal or fact people are getting infected which is not a surprise to Joe public but is to WG judging by responses...

You and I both know Allan that the only reason england will forward it to 5th July is because of the growing resentment, discontent and pressure Joe Public is putting on Tory MP's. A lot of "ordinary" people are writing to there MP's complaining and essentially saying we have had enough.

Unfortunately for my home country there has been a recent election. Dippmeister knows he can do what he wants.

Before the pandemic most people didn't know who he was, now he's on Andrew Marr and BBC Breakfast and gets to chat with Boris, I don't think he's in any rush to step out of the limelight!

England will possibly lift the restrictions on 5th july instead of 19th if enough people get vaccinated? 700k went for jab yesterday walk up centres.....professor of vaccinology says uk is not at 3rd wave levels and is unlikely to be as infections levelling out! No deaths in Wales despite continuing infections
so what's the panic over? The deaths which are extremely minimal or fact people are getting infected which is not a surprise to Joe public but is to WG judging by responses...

You and I both know Allan that the only reason england will forward it to 5th July is because of the growing resentment, discontent and pressure Joe Public is putting on Tory MP's. A lot of "ordinary" people are writing to there MP's complaining and essentially saying we have had enough.

Unfortunately for my home country there has been a recent election. Dippmeister knows he can do what he wants.

Before the pandemic most people didn't know who he was, now he's on Andrew Marr and BBC Breakfast and gets to chat with Boris, I don't think he's in any rush to step out of the limelight!

Saud this well before covid labour been in power to long on both WG and cardiff they are doing things with impunity as know no challenge to them.... only need to look at todays news regarding rds to see this. Reason why boris is looking to change date is because the science supports what we all ready knew that vaccinated people one or two doses reduces hospitalization and more importantly deaths by 75 to 90% but dont expect drakeford to do this as he still wants social distancing until 2022 ... one thing that strikes me is people are slowly becoming less strict with distancing ect although in buildings they are utilising hand scrubs and masks without a 2nd thought (I get around a lot so observe things) restrictions are coming to an end but be prepared for the need to be double vaccinated to be able to do things in enclosed areas like footy travel ect people may not like it but it's only way to start getting back to normal ...

England will possibly lift the restrictions on 5th july instead of 19th if enough people get vaccinated? 700k went for jab yesterday walk up centres.....professor of vaccinology says uk is not at 3rd wave levels and is unlikely to be as infections levelling out! No deaths in Wales despite continuing infections
so what's the panic over? The deaths which are extremely minimal or fact people are getting infected which is not a surprise to Joe public but is to WG judging by responses...

You and I both know Allan that the only reason england will forward it to 5th July is because of the growing resentment, discontent and pressure Joe Public is putting on Tory MP's. A lot of "ordinary" people are writing to there MP's complaining and essentially saying we have had enough.

Unfortunately for my home country there has been a recent election. Dippmeister knows he can do what he wants.

Before the pandemic most people didn't know who he was, now he's on Andrew Marr and BBC Breakfast and gets to chat with Boris, I don't think he's in any rush to step out of the limelight!

Saud this well before covid labour been in power to long on both WG and cardiff they are doing things with impunity as know no challenge to them.... only need to look at todays news regarding rds to see this. Reason why boris is looking to change date is because the science supports what we all ready knew that vaccinated people one or two doses reduces hospitalization and more importantly deaths by 75 to 90% but dont expect drakeford to do this as he still wants social distancing until 2022 ... one thing that strikes me is people are slowly becoming less strict with distancing ect although in buildings they are utilising hand scrubs and masks without a 2nd thought (I get around a lot so observe things) restrictions are coming to an end but be prepared for the need to be double vaccinated to be able to do things in enclosed areas like footy travel ect people may not like it but it's only way to start getting back to normal ...

It makes sense follow the science, lower the restrictions for the people offering the lowest risk.

I think the only reason they've stalled up to now is because, youngsters haven't had the opportunity which is slightly unfair, but soon they will have all had the opportunity and then they can crack on starting with travel pretty soon!

England will possibly lift the restrictions on 5th july instead of 19th if enough people get vaccinated? 700k went for jab yesterday walk up centres.....professor of vaccinology says uk is not at 3rd wave levels and is unlikely to be as infections levelling out! No deaths in Wales despite continuing infections
so what's the panic over? The deaths which are extremely minimal or fact people are getting infected which is not a surprise to Joe public but is to WG judging by responses...

You and I both know Allan that the only reason england will forward it to 5th July is because of the growing resentment, discontent and pressure Joe Public is putting on Tory MP's. A lot of "ordinary" people are writing to there MP's complaining and essentially saying we have had enough.

Unfortunately for my home country there has been a recent election. Dippmeister knows he can do what he wants.

Before the pandemic most people didn't know who he was, now he's on Andrew Marr and BBC Breakfast and gets to chat with Boris, I don't think he's in any rush to step out of the limelight!

Saud this well before covid labour been in power to long on both WG and cardiff they are doing things with impunity as know no challenge to them.... only need to look at todays news regarding rds to see this. Reason why boris is looking to change date is because the science supports what we all ready knew that vaccinated people one or two doses reduces hospitalization and more importantly deaths by 75 to 90% but dont expect drakeford to do this as he still wants social distancing until 2022 ... one thing that strikes me is people are slowly becoming less strict with distancing ect although in buildings they are utilising hand scrubs and masks without a 2nd thought (I get around a lot so observe things) restrictions are coming to an end but be prepared for the need to be double vaccinated to be able to do things in enclosed areas like footy travel ect people may not like it but it's only way to start getting back to normal ...

It makes sense follow the science, lower the restrictions for the people offering the lowest risk.

I think the only reason they've stalled up to now is because, youngsters haven't had the opportunity which is slightly unfair, but soon they will have all had the opportunity and then they can crack on starting with travel pretty soon!

Was alright at beginning following the science but now they use the science when it suits them but when it doesn't theres no mention of it as cannot justify their actions..... my concern now is yes lift restrictions this time at end July at latest but come winter period they are already saying some kind lockdown maybe nessasary based on infections not on data of admissions or deaths as they are clearly ignoring this data now? But hopefully their doom and gloom forecast is not right

Digital passport available in days says drakeford but unlike England it will not be available on a mobile fone app? Instead you access it through internet??? Makes sense to drakeford but not to anyone else

Covid-19: Aim for double-jabbed arrivals to avoid quarantine - Hancock

Ministers are "working on" plans for quarantine-free travel from amber list countries for people who are fully vaccinated, Matt Hancock has said.

He said the plans for England had not been "clinically advised yet".

But the health secretary said the government was looking at plans to allow the vaccine to "bring back" some freedoms.

Currently travellers arriving from countries on the red or amber travel lists have to isolate for 10 days.

Asked on Sky News if the measure could be in place as soon as August, Mr Hancock said: "We'll get there when it's safe to do so."

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss told BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine she would not speculate about what was going to happen in terms of travel, but said the government was looking at what it could do to "ease up requirements where it makes sense".

She said: "We're not ready to make an announcement yet, but fundamentally what we need to do is - while keeping people safe - making sure we're freeing up the rules as much as we can."

Updated: Wednesday 23rd June 2021


Big jump today in UK daily cases.

10,000 Monday
11,000 Tuesday
16,000 today - from a lower number of tests too

2% Positivity rate - so climbing

Updated: Wednesday 23rd June 2021


Big jump today in UK daily cases.

10,000 Monday
11,000 Tuesday
16,000 today - from a lower number of tests too

2% Positivity rate - so climbing

In Uganda I hear of colleagues and their family members passing away everyday.

Hospitals are full. There isn't enough oxygen.

Just yesterday a friend of a friend (from the US) passed away of COVID having just given birth leaving her Ugandan husband with a toddler and a newborn baby.

My colleague, Ismael, lost his father yesterday.

All India/Delta variant.

Very depressing here.

Covid: UK's foreign travel 'traffic light' lists due to be reviewed -

The UK's rules on foreign travel are set to be reviewed later, after industry bosses united in a desperate plea for the green list to be widened.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is facing MPs this morning, with an update on the traffic light system expected in the afternoon.

Travel bosses are calling for an exemption to quarantine for fully-vaccinated people from amber countries.

Currently, people travelling from the UK to Greece, Spain and Portugal are not required to quarantine. Those going to Italy have to self-isolate for five days then take a test, while fully-vaccinated UK visitors to France can enter without quarantining.

By contrast, when returning to the UK from most holiday hotspots on the amber list, travellers have to self-isolate for 10 days, as well as pay for tests.

Covid: Balearics and Malta added to UK's green travel list -

Spain's Balearic Islands, Madeira, Malta and Barbados are among the places being added to the UK's green travel list, the transport secretary has said.

People entering the UK from 16 places will not have to quarantine from 04:00 on 30 June, Grant Shapps confirmed.

He also said the government intended to drop quarantine for fully vaccinated people returning from amber list countries "later in the summer".

Six destinations have also been added to the government's red list.

The travel industry welcomed the additions to the green list, but urged the government to go further.

The destinations added to the green list from 04:00 BST on 30 June are:

Europe: The Balearic Islands (which include Ibiza, Menorca, Majorca and Formentera), Malta and Madeira
Caribbean: Antigua, Barbados, Barbuda, Dominica and Grenada

UK overseas territories: Anguilla and Montserrat, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Pitcairn, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

The places added to the red lists for the same time are:

Dominican Republic, Eritrea, Haiti, Mongolia, Tunisia and Uganda.

UPDATED: FRIDAY 25TH JUNE 2021

UK

1st dose of Vaccination 43,656,327 MILLION

82.9% 1st Vaccination




2nd dose of Vaccination 31,908,103 MILLION

60.6% 2nd Vaccination

Hospital A&E depts being over run with children! One hospital in Leicester had 300 children in one day with patents believing they have covid when in fact was normal every day illnesses associated with babies... the picture is repeated throughout the country with a 72% rise in parents taking youngsters to A&E when paracetamol or brufen would alleviate symptoms..