Matt Hancock‘s target of testing 100,000 people a day for coronavirus ‘could come back and bite him’, Downing Street sources have reportedly warned. The health secretary made the pledge on April 2 at a daily coronavirus press briefing, saying by May 1, Britain should be testing people at the rate of 100,000-a-day. Currently the British Government … Read more
Controversial guidance issued to NHS doctors and nurses fighting the coronavirus crisis on the frontline have advised them to reuse PPE. It said disposable gowns can be re-used and masks should not be binned between patients – but gloves and aprons should still be disposed of as usual. Medics attacked the guidance, arguing no healthcare … Read more
Millions of children are today taking part in online lessons as it emerged two thirds of youngsters are not receiving virtual tuition amid fears many are struggling to learn while schools remain shut during lockdown. The government backed Oak National Academy launched this morning for children across the UK, created by 40 teachers from some of … Read more
Schools will stay firmly shuttered ‘until June at the earliest’, according to education chiefs, as millions of children head online for virtual classes after their two-week Easter break. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has refused to set a date for when children could be allowed back into the classroom. But now education chiefs have revealed schools … Read more
Government furiously hits back at claims Boris ‘skipped’ Cobra meetings and ministers dragged their feet over coronavirus in lengthy 14-point rebuttal Number 10 accused the Sunday Times of ‘falsehoods’ and ‘errors’ after article Newspaper claimed government ‘just watched’ as death toll mounted in Wuhan Michael Gove went on Sunday morning TV and described article as … Read more
Boris Johnson was ‘driving’ the government’s coronavirus response despite ‘skipping’ five Cobra meetings at the start of the outbreak, Gavin Williamson insisted tonight. The Education Secretary defended the PM’s handling amid a mounting backlash at the slow action in gearing up to the looming crisis. Mr Johnson has been accused of taking a backseat role … Read more
Gavin Williamson tonight dismissed calls to spell out an ‘exit strategy’ from coronavirus lockdown – despite claims ministers want schools to reopen after May 11. The Education Secretary defied a growing clamour for clarity, insisting he could not ‘give a date’ for pupils to get back to the classroom. The comments came amid the first … Read more
A further 596 coronavirus deaths have been announced in the UK, marking the lowest daily rise for two weeks. The increase, which brings the total number of fatalities to 16,060, suggests the lockdown is helping to stem the spread of infection. It comes as ministers are drawing up a three-pronged exit strategy to ease restrictions … Read more
A further 482 coronavirus deaths have been announced in England, a substantial drop in the nation which has suffered the lion’s share of UK fatalities. Public Health Wales has announced another 41 deaths of people who tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed fatalities in Wales to 575. There have been a … Read more
Boris Johnson has come under renewed scrutiny for his lackluster coronavirus preparations after it was revealed he skipped five Cobra crisis meetings in the weeks leading up to Britain’s outbreak. The Prime Minister was accused of taking a backseat role in the early planning phase to shore up the country’s pandemic response, despite mounting concern … Read more