Boris Johnson admitted to hospital

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been admitted to hospital for tests, ten days after testing positive for coronavirus.

While the Queen was addressing the nation in a television broadcast last night, Boris Johnson (55) was on his way to hospital, where he remains this morning.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will chair this morning’s Coronavirus update cabinet meeting in Downing Street.

A statement issued by 10 Downing Street last night said: “On the advice of his doctor, the Prime Minister has tonight been admitted to hospital for tests.

“This is a precautionary step, as the Prime Minister continues to have persistent symptoms of coronavirus ten days after testing positive for the virus.

“The Prime Minister thanks NHS staff for all of their incredible hard work and urges the public to continue to follow the Government’s advice to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

Coronavirus Crisis: The Queen addresses the nation

I am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly challenging time.

A time of disruption in the life of our country: a disruption that has brought grief to some, financial difficulties to many, and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all.

I want to thank everyone on the NHS frontline, as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles, who selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all.

I am sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times.

I also want to thank those of you who are staying at home, thereby helping to protect the vulnerable and sparing many families the pain already felt by those who have lost loved ones.

Together we are tackling this disease, and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it.

I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge.

And those who come after us will say the Britons of this generation were as strong as any.

That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterise this country.

The pride in who we are is not a part of our past, it defines our present and our future.

The moments when the United Kingdom has come together to applaud its care and essential workers will be remembered as an expression of our national spirit; and its symbol will be the rainbows drawn by children.

Across the Commonwealth and around the world, we have seen heart-warming stories of people coming together to help others, be it through delivering food parcels and medicines, checking on neighbours, or converting businesses to help the relief effort.

And though self-isolating may at times be hard, many people of all faiths, and of none, are discovering that it presents an opportunity to slow down, pause and reflect, in prayer or meditation.

It reminds me of the very first broadcast I made, in 1940, helped by my sister.

We, as children, spoke from here at Windsor to children who had been evacuated from their homes and sent away for their own safety.

Today, once again, many will feel a painful sense of separation from their loved ones. But now, as then, we know, deep down, that it is the right thing to do.

While we have faced challenges before, this one is different.

This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavour, using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal.

We will succeed – and that success will belong to every one of us.

We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.

But for now, I send my thanks and warmest good wishes to you all.

Sir Patrick Stewart & Miranda Hart – the dream lockdown buddies!

Who would you go into lockdown with? And who’s your nightmare house guest? The results are in!

As Britain goes through lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic, the people have named their favourite buddies with whom they’d like to go into isolation with.

The “Desert Island Discs of the Lockdown” carried out by bored home workers from Office Provider Offices.co.uk found that we prefer to be entertained while we’re in isolation, with actors and comedians topping the list.

The poll found that that Sir Patrick “Jean-Luc Picard” Stewart and comedy actress Miranda Hart are the top two people with whom we want to be cooped up with.

“This is a very stressful time for everybody, and the thought of staying home for three weeks doesn’t exactly appeal to many people,” says spokesperson Jonathan Ratcliffe. “So, we might as well make the best of it!”

Dream partners and nightmare cellmates

Offices.co.uk asked 1,100 staff and home workers which living male and female celebrity they’d most like to spend time in isolation with, and we received answers from across the worlds of stage, screen and politics.

“Not that many from politics, truth be told,” says Jonathan. “Can’t imagine why!”

We’ve also listed our favourite reasons why some of these celebs have been chosen.

Male Celebrities:

Sir Patrick Stewart (“He’s calm, he’s clever, and he makes a very fine cup of Earl Grey.”)
Joe Wicks (“I’m just in love with him that’s why.”)
Keanu Reeves (“Come on, I’m an adult single woman, I don’t need to explain”)
Jamie Oliver (“Somebody’s got to do the cooking, and it might as well be him”)
Michael McIntyre

Female Celebrities:

Miranda Hart (“Literally the funniest person on the planet. What’s not to love about Miranda?”)
Carol Vorderman (“The kids are off school, and somebody’s got to teach them maths”)
Scarlett Moffatt
Gemma Collins
Stacey Solomon (“Fun to be with and very, very organised. Yes please Stacey”)

We also asked for people they’d most like NOT to be cooped up with for three weeks, and the choices were pretty much a landslide:

Boris Johnson (“He’s got a country to run, and I don’t speak Latin”)
Brian Blessed (”Shusssssh!!!”)
Mrs Brown
Katie Hopkins (“Just no”)
Gordon Ramsay (“Somebody’s got to do the cooking, and there’s no way I’m letting him into my kitchen”)

“Honestly, can you imagine three weeks in a small flat with Brian Blessed?” asks Jonathan, “GORDON’S ALIVE would get very annoying after the first hour, we’d imagine”

“And the neighbours will be banging on the walls.”

Offices.co.uk recons that people are looking for somebody who is great company, with the added bonus of a skill they can bring to a locked-down household.

“Whether it’s entertaining the troops, helping with home schooling, or turning up the heat in the kitchen, people are looking for somebody who is ideal company,” says spokesperson Jonathan Ratcliffe.

That’s why people have gone for Sir Patrick Stewart, currently enjoying a spell in the public eye with his new series Star Trek: Picard.

“He seems affable company, well read, and a gentle soul. He’d be a terrific house guest.”

On the other hand, people really can’t be living with nightmare company.

“What you don’t want, it seems, is somebody who turns out to be more of a cell mate!”

Bringing Britons home

The government increases efforts to bring home travellers stranded abroad by coronavirus (COVID-19) with extra flights and 10 more airlines joining its scheme.

charter flights from Bolivia, Ecuador, Philippines and India to bring back thousands of Britons
10 new airlines join government’s scheme to get more British travellers back to the UK
FCO extends advice against travelling overseas for an indefinite period

The government is ‘ramping up’ efforts to bring home thousands of travellers stranded overseas by coronavirus with a new package of extra flights and 10 additional airlines joining its scheme to keep commercial routes open and get British people back to the UK.

From next week the government will start to bring stranded British travellers back from India with flights from Delhi, Goa and Mumbai. Passengers interested in these flights from India are advised to check the travel advice for India which we will be updating when booking for these flights opens.

The number of airlines signed up to the Government’s scheme to get Britons home now stands at 14 after 10 new airlines, including British Airways, Norwegian, TUI and Ryanair, joined Virgin Atlantic, Titan, easyJet, and Jet2 who signed up earlier this week.

Since Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced on Monday (30 March) that the government had reached an agreement with airlines, more than 1,450 British travellers have flown home on specially chartered flights.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “Travellers are facing an unprecedented challenge on a global scale, and I know people are understandably desperate to get back to their homes and loved ones.

“We are committed to supporting Britons getting home either through commercial routes we have helped keep open or through specially chartered flights. With more airlines signing up it should mean more flights available but also a fairer deal for travellers by providing more flexibility over tickets and costs.

Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps said: “We continue to work with airlines round the clock to reunite British citizens with their families and loved ones.

“With more airlines pledging support, this huge operation becomes a little easier, speeding up the process and helping ensure a greater number of people return home quickly and safely.”

Where it is possible to get back to the UK on commercial routes by any carrier, the FCO continues to encourage all British nationals to take such opportunities.

The Department for Transport is working closely with airlines to bring those with pre-booked tickets home, either with the airline they booked with or on alternative routes where available.

This includes airlines allowing passengers to change tickets between carriers, where permissible, and offering them the latest information and advice as the situation changes.

the 14 airlines that have signed up to the FCO plan are: Air Tanker, Blue Islands, British Airways, Eastern Airways, easyJet, Jet2.com, Jota Aviation, Loganair, Norwegian, Ryanair, Titan Airways, TUI, Virgin and Wizz
where commercial flights are available, we strongly urge all British travellers to take those opportunities

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises all British travellers to return to the UK now. Read our latest coronavirus travel advice.

City says Thank You!

There’s been a great response from the people of Edinburgh to help the city get through the current coronavirus pandemic.

Edinburgh Partnership thanks the public and voluntary organisations for all their help so far pulling the city through this pandemic
People asked to ‘Think Local and Act Local’ and be good neighbours, where they can
To keep essential services running and look after vulnerable people Council constantly monitoring how it deploys its staff

We’d like to thank everyone who has been in touch with the voluntary and public sector to offer their skills and time. We know that many of you are keen to also ‘do your bit’ to contribute to this effort and we would like to thank those of you who are trying to find ways to help your communities.

Your kindness and generosity in these difficult times are a reflection of all that is best about the city we share and the people who call it home.

We need everyone to look out for each other now more than ever and being a good neighbour and taking care of those who need help in your building, street or immediate community is going to help get us through – Volunteer Edinburgh has advice and information on how you can help.

If you are part of an existing or newly formed community group please contact EVOC who have developed a directory and are connecting the amazing community responses across the city. EVOC is working hard to connect supply and demand of food at a very local and community level.

EVOC is asking people to complete this basic form or email info@evoc.org.uk for more information.

Council Leader, Adam McVey, said: “The voluntary sector is doing an amazing job pulling everyone together and making sure people can help out appropriately following government guidelines. If you are able to help others then please ‘Think Local and Act Local’.

“Where you can, offer support to your wider family, your friends and your neighbours to help ensure that they can receive the essential supplies and medicine that they may need.

“Volunteer Edinburgh has a range of information and guidance on how to be a good neighbour safely. At the moment the best thing that most people can do is still to stay at home, limit social contact and follow NHS guidelines. This really is the most important contribution that can be made to the safety and resilience of the city.”

Depute Leader, Cammy Day, said: “To keep essential services running and support those who are vulnerable, we’re constantly monitoring how we deploy our own staff as well. We’re working to identify where our services need help and at the moment we’re relying on our own internal capacity to meet those needs.

“We’ll be monitoring this over the weeks ahead and will work with Volunteer Edinburgh if we think we need the wider community to help us. In the meantime staying safe at home is the best thing people can do. If you can offer more then it really is a matter of thinking local and acting local.

“I want to make sure the local community organisations have a key contact to make sure we have a joined up approach and would urge people to make connect via the EVOC.”

Ella Simpson, Chief Officer of EVOC, said: “I am incredibly proud to be part of the voluntary sector in Edinburgh. They know their communities so well and have been absolutely amazing in their responses to Covid-19.

“As we continue to respond it is vital that we all work together – volunteers, voluntary sector and statutory agencies – to support the most vulnerable people in our communities.”

Paul Wilson, Chief Officer of Volunteer Edinburgh, said: “People’s response to the pandemic has been overwhelming. In every street in Edinburgh people are helping each other, looking out for their neighbours and supporting the vulnerable and those in self isolation.

“Never before has it been more important to give your time, if you are able to, be a good neighbour and look out for each other. More than any other city in Scotland Edinburgh has always been a city of volunteers, of people who helped and I am very proud to live here.

“Please everyone be safe, think and act locally, continue to support your community in the weeks to come and most of all be kind.”

North Edinburgh’s voluntary sector has rallied to the cause with community organisations pulling out all the stops to ensure the area’s most vulnerable residents get food and essential supplies.

Now three weeks into operation there’s a co-ordinated effort to pool community resources and expertise to get supplies to people in Muirhouse,Drylaw Telford, West Pilton, Granton and Royston Wardieburn.

Do you, or someone you know, need food, supplies or other support during this hugely difficult time?

An information sheet with key telephone contact numbers is currently being produced and should be available over the next day or two, but in the meatime please email me at northedinburghnews@gmail.com and I will pass on your details to the relevant area organisers.

Remember the key advice: STAY HOME UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY

Smokers at greater risk of severe respiratory disease from COVID-19

Emerging evidence from China shows smokers with COVID-19 are 14 times more likely to develop severe respiratory disease.

If you smoke, you are not only putting yourself at greater risk of developing severe disease from the COVID-19 virus, but those around you exposed to second hand smoke, including children, are also put at increased risk.

Smoking tobacco is known to damage the lungs and airways causing a range of severe respiratory problems. The evidence clearly shows COVID-19 virus attacks the respiratory system, which explains why smokers are at greater risk. A small but highly impactful survey from China finds that smokers with COVID-19 are 14 times more likely to develop severe disease.

In addition, the repetitive hand to mouth movement provides an easy route of entry for the virus, putting smokers at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.

Professor John Newton, Director of Health Improvement at Public Health England said: “In light of this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, there has never been a more important time to stop smoking. Not only for your own health but to protect those around you.

“It will also help alleviate the huge pressures on the NHS.

“It is never too late to quit, no matter your age.”

Once smokefree, there are very real health benefits with the body continuing to repair the longer you stay smokefree.

The more immediate benefits include:

after 48 hours carbon monoxide is eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris
after 72 hours breathing becomes easier as bronchial tubes begin to relax
after 2 to 12 weeks blood circulation improves, making physical activity like walking and running easier

To help reduce your risk of contracting the virus and developing severe disease from coronavirus, you can use the smokefree app to access advice and support on how you can best stop smoking. Search ‘Smokefree’.

Follow the Smokefree Action Coalition #quitforcovid campaign on Twitter.

People with tinnitus urged to protect their mental health as coronavirus takes its toll

With 57,000+ people in Edinburgh thought to experience tinnitus, a leading charity has urged anyone experiencing heightened or new symptoms as a result of the stress and anxiety of the coronavirus situation to seek online or virtual support to protect their mental health.

The call comes from the British Tinnitus Association charity (BTA) which, earlier this year, revealed the huge mental health impact that tinnitus can have on some individuals – with one in seven people with the condition having had suicidal thoughts at some point.

Studies have found that stress often makes tinnitus worse and, for many people, loneliness can also be a factor. With mental health charities reporting an increase in anxiety, the UK lockdown causing a natural increase in social isolation and common support services such as GPs less available in locally and across the country, the BTA says that now is a challenging time for people with tinnitus, as it is for many others too.

They are urging individuals who are struggling with tinnitus and people who are experiencing symptoms for the first time to seek support and for health services to signpost appropriately so that people know how to access free support.

While there is no cure for tinnitus – and 110,000 people recently signed a petition calling for more funding to be made available for research to find one – there are several strategies that can be helpful in learning to manage the condition.

David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the British Tinnitus Association, said: “There is naturally a huge amount of news and online discussion about coronavirus right now and we know that this is presenting our society with a significant mental health challenge.

“For people with tinnitus, the increased stress of this can worsen their condition which, in turn, increases anxiety further – creating a vicious cycle.

“With coronavirus also forcing a huge reduction in the level of support available through our community health infrastructure, it’s so important that we work together across the voluntary, independent and professional sector to signpost people to appropriate support.”

To improve support for people with tinnitus at this challenging time, the BTA is introducing new online resources to support those missing out on appointments, available via www.tinnitus.org.uk.

It will also continue to offer its free helpline service on 0800 018 0527, web chat on its website and further support through email at helpline@tinnitus.org.uk.

For more information on managing tinnitus at this difficult time, see the British Tinnitus Association’s article: Covid-19 guidance for people with tinnitus.

CAMRA welcomes confirmation in law on pub deliveries and takeaways

The emergency Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill passed by the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday confirms that pubs can sell alcohol and food to take-away or for home delivery, where it is safe to do so.

The legislation clarifies that pubs across the country can continue to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises, as well as take-away or home delivery of food if this was previously provided on the premises.

Any pubs continuing to offer take-away or delivery services must adhere to the Scottish Government’s safe social distancing guidance, as well as complying with all other standard health and safety requirements.

This includes making sure that there is a distance of at least two metres between staff and any customers collecting items, and control of queues outside the premises consistent with social distancing advice.

CAMRA Director for Scotland Sarah Crawford said: “The fact that this emergency legislation puts it beyond doubt that pubs can sell alcohol for consumption off the premises, and offer food for takeaway or delivery where the pub previously offered food, will be welcome news for pubs who are still looking to offer services throughout the COVID-19 restriction.

“This will need to be done safely and in line with strict social distancing measures, but it does mean that communities who want to continue to support their local can do so. This will be especially important in our rural communities, where the local pub may be the only accessible business in the area.

“CAMRA is continuing to call on the UK and Scottish Governments to make sure that pubs of all types and sizes receive the support they need to get through the coronavirus crisis, so they can keep paying staff and are able to re-open and thrive once this is over.”

I’ll drink to that …

Early release to protect NHS from coronavirus risk in prisons

Risk-assessed prisoners who are within two months of their release date will be released from jail, as part of the national plan to protect the NHS and save lives.

Plan to protect the NHS from further pressure
Measures will also benefit brave prison staff
Selected low-risk offenders, within weeks of their release dates, will be electronically tagged and temporarily released on licence in stages
Offenders can be recalled at the first sign of concern
Violent and sexual offenders and those of security concern will not be considered

This action being taken is necessary to avoid thousands of prisoners becoming infected, overwhelming local NHS services. This is due to the close proximity between prisoners, who often share cells.

Prisoners who pass the stringent criteria for release will be subject to strict conditions, and will be electronically monitored, including with GPS tags, to enforce the requirement to stay at home.

They can be immediately recalled to prison for breaching these conditions or committing further offences. The releases will be phased over time but can start from next week.

Public protection is paramount. No high-risk offenders, including those convicted of violent or sexual offences, anyone of national security concern or a danger to children, will be considered for release, nor any prisoners who have not served at least half their custodial term. Additionally, no offender convicted of COVID-19 related offences, including coughing at emergency workers or stealing personal protective equipment, will be eligible.

No prisoner would be released if they have symptoms of coronavirus or without housing and health support being in place.

In addition, the Ministry of Justice is working to identify publicly owned sites that could be used to house temporary prison accommodation to ease pressure on the permanent estate, further separate prisoners and reduce the spread of the virus.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Robert Buckland QC MP said: “This Government is committed to ensuring that justice is served to those who break the law – but this is an unprecedented situation because if Coronavirus takes hold in our prisons, the NHS could be overwhelmed and more lives put at risk.

“All prisoners will face a tough risk assessment and must comply with strict conditions, including an electronic tag, while they are closely monitored. Those that do not will be recalled to prison.”

Some 88 prisoners and 15 staff have so far tested positive for COVID-19.

Prison staff have continued to ensure the effective running of our jails despite around 26% being absent or self-isolating.

To further protect them and reduce pressure on prisons, the Ministry of Justice is already:

Shielding vulnerable prisoners through social distancing measures
Re-deploying staff, where appropriate, from headquarters into operational roles
Working with the judiciary to expedite sentencing hearings for those on remand to reduce the numbers being held in custody.

Prisons are moving towards single-cell accommodation as much as possible across the estate – to limit the spread of infection and the number of deaths. This follows public health advice that prisons present a unique environment where rapid outbreaks of the virus could place a significant strain on local NHS services.

Strong, further action now will strike the right balance between protecting the public and managing the risk of an escalating situation in prisons.

Steps are being taken to expand the use of electronic monitoring to facilitate the safe release of more low-risk prisoners who were due to leave jail in the next two months regardless.

This means those nearing the end of their sentences will be released in stages on temporary licence – allowing prisons to continue to safely manage vulnerable but higher-risk offenders within the estate.

Statutory Instruments to allow these releases to take place will be laid on Monday and the move aligns us with countries such as France, the United States, Australia, Germany, and Canada who have also sanctioned the early release of prisoners.

France has announced the release of some 5,000 prisoners, while in the US state of California alone, 3,500 are being granted early release.

The Prison Service has already taken decisive action to ensure prisons are complying with social distancing rules and provided alternative means for prisoners to keep in touch with their families after cancelling family visits.

Additionally, the Justice Secretary Robert Buckland granted temporary release of pregnant women in custody, while movements between jails have been limited in all but exceptional cases.

All actions have been informed by the advice of experts from Public Health England and will be kept under constant review.

PARKS: Respect the guidance

Edinburgh’s Council Leaders have urged the public to follow social distancing guidance when spending time in our parks.

While parks are still open for local people to use for exercise, Adam McVey and Cammy Day have called for residents to follow the national instructions for social distancing, stay local, limit outings to once a day for exercise and adhere to the restrictions in our own parks and greenspaces:

One outing for exercise per day – walk, run or cycle, alone or with members of your household
Stay local – don’t get in a car to drive to other areas
Stay at least 2m away from other people but do call a friendly greeting or wave.
Avoid touching surfaces and use gloves or hand gel if you need to open gates
Don’t stop to eat or drink
Keep dogs on a lead or under close control and don’t let them approach other people
Take your litter and dog poo bags home with you

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We all need to play our part in controlling the spread of coronavirus and we can do that by sticking to the measures put in place by the Government.

“It‘s so important right now for both our physical health and mental wellbeing that we stay active and spend some time outdoors once a day. We’re the greenest city in the UK and we’ve got 144 parks across the Capital that can accommodate lots of people walking, running, cycling or playing without being within two metres of others.

“Our playparks and outdoor gym equipment might be off limits for now, but our grass and woodlands are still open for a walk or run. We just ask that you be sensible and considerate of others, follow the rules and exercise close to your home. Please don’t travel elsewhere to access the outdoors. We know it’s not easy but it’s the right thing to do and the best way for us to control the spread of the virus.

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “We’re all adapting to significant changes in our day-to-day lives, and it will take time to adjust to this new norm. We must all make sure that we get out into nature for some fresh air, even if it’s just to clear our heads for 30 minutes from the stresses of isolation.

“If you live close to a park or woodland, the open space is still available to you, but please do not allow children to play on equipment and please observe social distancing protocols.

“I understand the frustrations you will feel, especially when trying to keep young people entertained in these extraordinary times, but everyone must play by the rules. Of course, it is a minority who are not following the guidance, but right now the damage that can be done by a few is huge.

“Everyone’s help and understanding is essential at this challenging time. It is only by us all working together, following Government and Public Health advice, that we can defeat this, save lives and protect the NHS.”

Several service changes have been implemented by the Council to help limit the impact of the coronavirus outbreak in Edinburgh. These include the suspension of pay and display parking charges, closure of culture venues and establishing Local Critical Resilience Centres.

Further information on services, support and how to report any concerns can be found on the Council website. If you’re experiencing an emergency or critical situation, please call 0131 200 2000