Today Oxford University began human trials of a vaccine
Today Oxford University began human trials of a vaccine. They are confident it will work, having had success in recent years fighting ebola and SARS.
Tomorrow all front line staff and their families will be able to book a test for covid-19. How quickly the tests will be completed is yet to be seen. The government also announced the NHS would soon roll out a system of track and trace.
We have to hope that with the introduction of these measures we will be told what plans the government has to bring the lockdown to an end.
After four weeks in lockdown, the Government has decided to extend it for a further three
After four weeks in lockdown, the Government has decided to extend it for a further 3. Dominic Raab, the stand in Prime Minister, explained that although reported cases of covid-19 seemed to be plateauing, it would be irresponsible to relax the restrictions at this time.
The UK is on course to be the worst affected country in Europe.
The PM Boris Johnson is on the road to recovery. He was discharged from hospital today. He will be recuperating at Chequers for a period of time before resuming his duties.
Meanwhile, the number of covid-19 related deaths in the UK today passed 10,000. The UK is on course to be the worst affected country in Europe.
After 3 weeks in lockdown, a lethargy has set in. The same routine each day, walk the dog, potter around the house, an afternoon nap. There are a few small jobs I could do, but I just don't have the energy, and come the end of the day I'm exhausted.
Today saw the death of 980 people with covid in the UK, the worst day yet. However, there are reports that the number of hospital admissions is beginning to plateau.
There is continued debate about when the lockdown should end. The worry is that the economic downturn resulting from the lockdown may have greater human consequences, and could result in more deaths, than caused by the virus itself. Lionel Shriver writing in the Spectator this week makes the point that last year 600,000 people died in the UK, 58 million worldwide. The deaths associated with the coronavirus are tiny by comparison.
The true awfulness of this pandemic is beginning to sink in.
It is apparently one hundred days since China submitted the first report of a covid-19 case to the World Health Organisation. How the world has changed since. As we approach the end of the third week of lock down, there is no prospect the restrictions will end anytime soon. There is some suggestions that no significant decisions will be made until Boris Johnson is well enough to lead the country again.
I went into the local Co-Op earlier to pick up provisions. For the first time since the crisis began I had a real sense of dread. There was no control over numbers entering the store and inside people were just milling about as normal. They were all getting too close for my liking, and I could not get out quick enough.
A friend's mum died over the weekend. She was being cared for at a care home, and whilst frail, she was otherwise well. However, it seems she contracted the virus, presumably from one of the carers, and succumbed very quickly. Because she had the virus she was on her own, her family was not allowed to be with her at the end. Now the family does not know where the body is. There will not be a funeral. Her body will be cremated. In due course the family will be told when and where they can collect her ashes. I can't imagine how my friend is coping at the moment.
The true awfulness of this pandemic is beginning to sink in.
Now is not the time for politicians to be considering career opportunities
The coronavirus contributed to the deaths of 938 people in the UK today, the total now stands at 7,097. Meanwhile, Boris remains in hospital although he is apparently improving. However, with Boris out of action there is talk of a power vacuum. With no designated deputy, we now have the spectacle of senior members of the Government posturing for position.
Are there not more important matters for them to be dealing with at this moment? Would their time not be better spent working to provide our front line staff with the equipment they need and developing a strategy to get the country out of the lockdown?
Now is not the time for politicians to be considering career opportunities.
The Prime Minister was taken into Intensive Care yesterday
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, was taken into Intensive Care yesterday evening. His condition has deteriorated, and he is now on oxygen.
We have to hope he makes a rapid recovery. In the midst of the crisis, the country needs strong leadership. The political uncertainty that will be caused by Boris's absence is one complication the country can do without.
They don't seem to understand they also have a responsibility to society
Following the tragic death last week of the police officer in Berkshire, I read an article suggesting that what happened arose because there is a complete lack of deference towards those in authority. Whether we're talking about the police, teachers or politicians, it seems to be acceptable to be rude and uncivil, if not outright aggressive.
I don't know whether the problem is a lack of deference or if recent generations have grown up not understanding the meaning of respect for others. It seems to me that children are being brought up to think their rights and desires are paramount, that nothing and no one should be allowed to stand between them and what they want. They don't seem to understand they also have a responsibility to society as a whole to act in a way that does not harm others, that sometimes their wants are not the most important consideration.
Maybe if they understood that, there would be fewer examples of young children causing mayhem on inner city estates, fewer problems with knife crime and respect of the authority of the police.
The Brexit saga rumbles on. Parliament has been unable to reach a decision. Theresa May has resigned. The Tories are now fighting a leadership contest that won't be resolved until the end of the summer. Meanwhile, some MPs are trying to pass legislation that would make “no deal” illegal. And all the while, Corbyn is trying to engineer a general election.
The EU have agreed to a flexible extension, a flextension, until 31st October. My first thought was one of resignation, wondering when this whole sorry process will be concluded. On reflection though, perhaps 6 months is what is needed. As the old adage goes, divorce in haste, repent at your leisure. A 6 month pause will provide time for all concerned to take a deep breath, take stock of the situation, and decide how best to proceed.