Daily Covid cases and deaths rise by 2% in a week

Britain today recorded a slight uptick in both coronavirus cases and deaths — despite scientists hailing separate data that suggested the second wave may be over.

Department of Health bosses posted 5,379 infections, which is up 1.6 per cent from last Tuesday. But cases have yet to take off amid a huge testing boost and warnings they would shoot up when schools reopened in England on March 8.

Another 112 victims were also added to the official toll, a week on-week rise of 1.8 per cent. Day-to-day figures fluctuate, however, and the overall trend is still heading downward thanks to tough lockdown restrictions and the UK’s successful vaccine roll-out, which has now seen 28.3million Britons jabbed.

Separate data from the Office for National Statistics today showed England and Wales suffered no excess deaths for the first time since August last week, after they dipped 4.4 per cent below the five-year average. Deaths were also below the levels expected in all regions except the East Midlands.

Professor Neil Ferguson — the Government adviser and Imperial College London epidemiologist whose grim modelling spooked ministers into the first lockdown a year ago today — said the ONS data showed ‘the second devastating wave of the pandemic is behind us’.

But Professor Chris Whitty warned today Britain will ‘definitely’ face a third surge. England’s chief medical officer told a conference of local government officials: ‘There will definitely be another surge at some point whether it’s before winter or next winter, we don’t know.’

It comes after Boris Johnson led tributes to the 126,000 Covid victims today and Brits stood for a minute’s silent to remember those who had their lives ‘tragically cut short’ on the anniversary of the first lockdown.

Striking an optimistic tone in a Downing Street press conference tonight on the anniversary of the first lockdown, the Prime Minister insisted that the UK is moving ‘step by step, jab by jab’ towards ‘reclaiming our freedoms’. He tried to reassure the public and restive Tory MPs that the ‘roadmap’ dates for easing restrictions are still on track, even though anxiety has been rising about vaccine supplies amid delays and a spat with the EU.

Department of Health bosses posted 5,379 infections, which is up 1.6 per cent from last Tuesday. Cases have remained steady over the past few days, but this has been put down to the number of tests being done almost doubling

Another 112 victims were also added to the official toll, a week on-week rise of 1.8 per cent. The overall trend for deaths is, however, still heading downwards

The number of Covid swabs carried out daily in the UK has more than doubled, as students and staff test themselves twice a week to ensure any outbreaks of the virus are quickly snuffed out

Vaccination figures also show another 329,897 first doses were administered today, taking the total to 28.3million. And a further 82,300 second doses were dished out, as the UK approaches its deadline for handing them out en masse

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said at a Downing Street press conference tonight that ‘at the right moment’ a permanent memorial to those who died from coronavirus will be built and the ‘whole period’ will be commemorated

It comes after separate data from the Office for National Statistics led experts to suggest the second wave was at an end, after it showed the number of fatalities from all causes (red bars) fell below the average expected (blue) last week

And as Boris Johnson took part in a minute’s silence for the victims of Covid-19 in the Cabinet room on the anniversary of the UK’s first lockdown to beat the virus. The Queen has also paid tribute to the more than 120,000 victims

Staff observe a minute’s silence outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow at midday today

Sombre Boris Johnson marks exactly a year since he plunged England into lockdown

Boris Johnson tonight insisted the UK is moving ‘step by step, jab by jab’ towards ‘reclaiming our freedoms’ as he marked the anniversary of the first lockdown.

At a Downing Street briefing, the PM tried to strike an optimistic note about the prospects for getting back to normal – despite paying tribute to those who have lost their lives.

He tried to reassure the public and restive Tory MPs that the ‘roadmap’ dates for easing restrictions are still on track, even though anxiety has been rising about vaccine supplies amid delays and a spat with the EU.

Mr Johnson, flanked by medical and science chiefs Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance, also expressed humility about what he would have done differently if he could repeat the last 12 months.

The premier suggested that if the government had been aware the extent to which Covid could be transmitted asymptomatically it would have taken another approach.

Meanwhile, Prof Whitty delivered a stark message that the disease was probably going to be with the human race forever, as the chances of eradicating it were near ‘zero’.

On the anniversary of the first lockdown:

Queen leads solemn salute to the 126,172 killed by the virus and the ‘grief and loss that continues to be felt by so many one’;
William lights a candle and Kate lays daffodils to remember victims on visit to Westminster Abbey;
New York Covid variant spotted in Britain ‘does not pose a threat’ because it doesn’t have jab-resistant mutations, infectious diseases expert says;
Ex-Cabinet minister David Davis says vaccine passports could be illegal and warns pubs, theatres and stadiums could run ‘straight into a court case’ if they were to use the ‘no jab, no entry’ rule;
As Matt Hancock confirms Covid jab will be made compulsory for care home staff;
While France and Germany back plans to halt exports of AstraZeneca jabs from the continent amid growing row over doses made in the Netherlands;
And AstraZeneca hits back at US health officials who accused it of providing ‘outdated information’.

Department of Health figures today showed 38 local authorities across the country now have an infection rate below 20 cases per 100,000 people.

Only one area — the Orkney islands — recorded no cases in the most recent week.

It was followed by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in Scotland (3.7 per 100,000), North Devon (7.2 per 100,000), and South Hams also in Devon (8 per 100,000).

On the other hand Barnsley had the country’s highest infection rate (196.1 per 100,000), while Corby had the second highest (189.7 per 100,000) and West Lothian had the third highest (178 per 100,000).

Separate figures from the ONS today suggested that Britain’s second wave may have come to an end after almost three months of gruelling lockdown measures.

There were 10,987 deaths in the week to March 12, which was a 4.4 per cent drop from the five-year average (11,498).

More than 200,000 pupils are self-isolating at home, figures reveal

More than nine in 10 pupils attended schools in England last week – but a growing number of children were self-isolating at home due to possible contact with Covid-19 cases, Government figures show.

Attendance in state schools last week was the highest it has been at any point during the pandemic, the Department for Education (DfE) analysis shows.

But the data suggests that 169,000 pupils were out of class and self-isolating on Thursday last week due to potential contact with a case of coronavirus.

The DfE estimates that approximately 2 per cent of all state school pupils on roll – up to 201,000 children – did not attend school for Covid-19 related reasons on March 18, up from 1 per cent on March 11.

This includes 127,000 pupils who have been self-isolating due to a potential contact with a Covid-19 case from inside the educational setting, and a further 42,000 pupils were self-isolating due to a possible contact outside of school.

Meanwhile, 21,000 pupils were absent because they suspected they had Covid-19, 7,000 were off after testing positive for Covid-19, and 4,000 were absent as their school was closed due to Covid-19 reasons.

Secondary schools in England were given flexibility to stagger the return of their pupils between March 8 and 12 as these students are being asked to take voluntary Covid-19 tests on site as part of their return.

Overall, attendance in state schools was 91 per cent on March 18, up from 89 per cent on March 11 – when some secondary schools were still phasing in the return of pupils due to the logistics of mass testing.

Deaths from all causes dipped below the five-year average last week, which statisticians use to estimate how many people would be expected to die in any given week.

They had predicted fatalities could fall below this level by Easter because the Covid outbreak was shrinking quickly thanks to shutdown measures and the smooth vaccine roll-out. Experts also said deaths were front-loaded because so many elderly and vulnerable people fell victim to the disease last spring.

Across England, all regions registered fewer deaths than expected except the East Midlands, which had 12 more fatalities than the 987 predicted.

Professor Ferguson, a top epidemiologist and No10 adviser at Imperial College London, said the figures were an encouraging sign that the UK had now exited the second wave.

‘But calling epidemics ‘waves’ can be misleading, in implying a phenomenon which has reached a natural end,’ he said. ‘That is not the case here. The rapid decline in deaths we’ve thankfully seen is entirely because of the lockdown and the rapid roll-out of vaccines.

‘So, while I’m optimistic that this we will be able to return to something more like normal in the next few months, we need to remain vigilant and cautious in the pace with which social distancing is relaxed – particularly given the threat still posed by new variants of the virus.’

Professor Kevin McConway, a statistician at the Open University, said it was ‘excellent’ to see deaths had fallen below the five-year average.

He said: ‘This fall in the total number of deaths is almost entirely because deaths involving Covid have fallen very considerably.’

‘Some of this will be from the continuing effects of lockdown… but a considerable proportion of the fall in deaths involving Covid-19 must be because of vaccinations.’

It comes as Professor Whitty warned today that Britain will ‘definitely’ face a third surge in the virus in the coming months, and that there will be ‘bumps along the road’ as the UK lifts social distancing rules and slowly returns to normality in the coming months.

His comments echoed that of fellow SAGE experts, who say a third coronavirus wave is inevitable and that allowing holidays to Europe this summer could lead to another lockdown.

Infections are surging in Europe now, which Boris Johnson said has always led to an increase in Britain, too, and vaccine shortages will hit the UK in April.

Deaths from all causes dipped below the five-year average last week for the first time since August amid plummeting Covid infections and surging vaccination rates

This graph also shows deaths dropping below the five-year average. There were 511 fewer fatalities than expected, marking a 4.4 per cent dip from the average

Professor Chris Whitty and Professor Neil Ferguson have both warned that coronavirus cases will surge in the UK later this year

Germany is one of several European countries facing tough new lockdown measures as cases spike amid a stalled vaccine roll-out that has left people unprotected

New York Covid variant spotted in Britain ‘does not pose a threat’, expert says

A new Covid variant spotted in Britain is not a threat because it does not appear to carry any vaccine-resistant mutations, an infectious diseases expert has said.

Samples of the New York B.1.526 variant taken from infected US patients were found to contain the troublesome E484K mutation, which can partially evade the immune system.

But MailOnline last night revealed the genetic change has not been identified in any of the three cases spotted in the UK.

Professor Wendy Barclay, an Imperial College London virologist and Government adviser, said this suggested it ‘did not pose much of a threat, at least compared to the Brazilian or South African lineages’.

Scientists tracking the constantly-evolving virus say the New York variant has been lurking in the UK for at least a month.

The strain is spreading quickly in New York, where it was responsible for roughly 27 per cent of infections by mid-February. For comparison, it was linked to around one in twenty positive cases in late January.

PHE told MailOnline it was ‘monitoring the situation closely’. The E484K mutation is also found on the Brazilian and South African variants.

But despite this, no changes have been made to No10’s lockdown-easing plans that could see social distancing laws lifted once and for all on June 21.

Mr Johnson has said Britain will have to accept the risk of a huge spike in infections, and likely hospital admissions and deaths, whenever the lockdown is lifted – but the only other option was to live with lockdown rules indefinitely.

Vaccines should soften the blow of the next major surge but other countries haven’t made as much progress, with the EU’s roll-out described as shambolic.

Professor Kamlesh Khunti, on SAGE, today urged Britons to forgo foreign holidays until next year, saying allowing people to travel abroad could lead to yet another total lockdown in the UK if the virus spread out of control again.

Summer holiday hopes were dealt another blow today as British Airways and easyJet cancelled more flights planned as far ahead as August. Downing St also announced it will fine people £5,000 for going on holiday when it isn’t allowed.

Speaking about the early days of the pandemic he told The Guardian : ‘We had people coming in from Spain and Italy and that increased the rates in the UK … We cannot allow that now. Does this risk another lockdown? Absolutely.’

And fellow SAGE member Professor Calum Semple said Britain could expect a third wave in July or August, even if it doesn’t loosen international travel rules.

‘At this point, Britain has got its act together,’ Professor Semple said on Sky News today.

‘The concern is, as this third wave is going on elsewhere, that will generate new variations. Even within Britain there is a likelihood of a third wave in potentially July and August time when we do unlock society.’

Boris Johnson today led Britain in mourning the victims of Covid during a minute’s silence to mark the anniversary of the first national lockdown.

The Prime Minister, who was almost killed by Covid-19 last year, paid a solemn tribute to the 126,172 dead in the Cabinet room of No10 at midday.

Flowers sent from Queen Elizabeth II to staff at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, which treated her husband Prince Philip earlier this month, on the anniversary of the first national lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus

MPs observe a minute’s silence in House of Commons during the National Day of Reflection at midday today

Britain faces ‘Covid decade’ with profound damage caused by the pandemic

Britain faces a ‘Covid decade’ with the ‘profound social damage’ caused by the pandemic set to dog the country.

A grim report urges a major policy overhaul to help the country recover from the impact of coronavirus on health, education and economic prospects.

The assessment from the British Academy – funded by the government but independent – was launched on the anniversary of the first lockdown.

It warns significant intervention will be needed to avoid more extreme inequality and ongoing misery for swathes of the population.

The report, The Covid decade: Understanding the long-term societal impacts of Covid-19, highlights a number of interconnected trends.

They include low and unstable levels of trust in the national government that undermine the ability to mobilise public behaviour.

It cautions that following a short-lived initial increase, faith the UK government and feelings of national unity are in decline.

Other worrying trends are widening geographic inequalities in health and wellbeing, local economic risk and resilience, and poverty and worsening social development, relationships and mental health.

The review suggests the impact of these will vary according to age, gender, race and ethnicity, and levels of social deprivation.

Ahead of fronting a Downing Street briefing tonight, he offered his ‘sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones.’

The Queen and also marked the occasion, releasing a rare statement honoring the victims of the pandemic, while Prince Charles summoned the nation to ‘remember the lives tragically cut short’.

The monarch said: ‘As we look forward to a brighter future together, today we pause to reflect on the grief and loss that continues to be felt by so many people and families, and pay tribute to the immeasurable service of those who have supported us all over the last year.’

She sent a bouquet of irises, tulips, mixed narcissi and ranunculus with the message to St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, where her husband Prince Philip had a heart operation earlier this month, from Windsor Castle.

Many hospitals, government buildings, schools and religious sites also observed the minute’s silence in commemoration.

And tonight Britons are being encouraged to stand on their doorsteps at 8pm and light candles as a ‘beacon of remembrance’ for those who have lost their lives.

Mr Johnson said: ‘Today, the anniversary of the first lockdown, is an opportunity to reflect on the past year – one of the most difficult in our country’s history.

‘We should also remember the great spirit shown by our nation over this past year. We have all played our part, whether it’s working on the front line as a nurse or carer, working on vaccine development and supply, helping to get that jab into arms, home schooling your children, or just by staying at home to prevent the spread of the virus.

‘It’s because of every person in this country that lives have been saved, our NHS was protected, and we have started on our cautious road to easing restrictions once and for all.’

Mr Johnson has warned a third wave of Covid-19 cases being seen in France and Italy could ‘wash up on our shores as well’ – but vowed to end lockdowns ‘once and for all’.

Charles, who also suffered from Covid-19 last year but later admitted he ‘got away with it quite lightly’, has also lent his support to the day of national reflection.

In a recorded message, the heir to the throne, who is a patron of end-of-life charity Marie Curie, said: ‘We have all been inspired by the resourcefulness we have witnessed, humbled by the dedication shown by so many, and moved, beyond words, by the sacrifices we have seen.

‘Whatever our faith or philosophy may be, let us take a moment together to remember those who have been lost, to give thanks for their lives, and to acknowledge the inexpressible pain of parting. In their memory, let us resolve to work for a future inspired by our highest values, that have been displayed so clearly by the people of this country through this most challenging of times.’

French Europe Minister Clement Beaune, a close ally of President Macron, directly threatened exports to the UK today, telling France Info radio: ‘AstraZeneca says ”I am experiencing delays”, we say ”mobilise your plants for us and if you don’t, we will block exports to the UK”.’

Britain makes enough of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the UK to be self-sufficient but jumped at the opportunity to buy extra stocks from a factory in the Netherlands, which has angered politicians in Europe, where deliveries of the AZ jab have been smaller than expected

Matt Hancock confirms jabs may be made compulsory for care home staff

Health Secretary Matt Hancock today confirmed the Government may make Covid vaccines compulsory for care home staff.

Ministers are concerned about low uptake rates among carers — NHS figures show just a third of workers have had the jabs in parts of London.

Mr Hancock admitted mandatory vaccination was ‘something we are looking at’ and claimed ‘many’ care homes have supported the proposal.

He scolded carers who have turned down their jab appointments, warning that they ‘have a duty of care not to pass on the disease’ to frail residents.

His comments came after a leaked paper submitted to the Covid Operations Cabinet committee showed Mr Hancock and Boris Johnson both had agreed to compulsory jabs for care staff.

Quizzed about it this morning, Mr Hancock told LBC: ‘On this one, no decision has been taken, but it is something that we are looking at.

‘Because people who are looking after elderly residents in care homes, who we know to be the most vulnerable to Covid, they have a duty of care not to pass on the disease and it is a reasonable question.’

He said ‘many’ care homes had asked for this to happen, adding: ‘There’s a legal change that’s required and, as you can see, I’m open to that, but no final decision has been taken.’

NHS England figures show, nationally, just 76 per cent of care home workers had their first dose of a Covid vaccine by March 14 — the most recent day local data is available for.

Germany and France waded into the EU Covid vaccine row today to back threats to block exports of the AstraZeneca jab to the UK.

Chancellor Angela Merkel came out in favour of an EU-first policy and the threat of a ban on exports to third countries like Britain that has been advocated by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen – her former defence minister.

A senior French minister also explicitly warned exports of the jab to Britain could be halted unless more were supplied to EU nations.

In a sign of how far Europe is behind the UK, Emmanuel Macron announced today that the age from which people can be vaccinated against Covid-19 virus would be lowered to 70 from 75 from Saturday.

He said that such a move would be discussed at a European summit at the end of this week, adding: ‘We want to avoid that AstraZeneca doses produced in Europe go to Britain when we are not receiving anything.’

The hardline approach of some EU states – which has been attacked as ‘vaccine nationalism – has created a schism in the block, as other countries including Ireland warning it would be disastrous.

Tensions are surging as world leaders argue over millions of doses of the Oxford jab that are reportedly being stored in a factory in the Netherlands.

Neither the EU nor UK has an obvious claim to the stockpile but both want a slice of it. Boris Johnson is allegedly considering an offer to split the stash with the EU to avoid a blockade.

Mrs Merkel this morning said: ‘I support Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. We have a problem with AstraZeneca.’

And one of her ministers also deepened the ongoing row with an attack on the Anglo-Swedish firm.

‘For us, it is very, very important that everyone lives up to their responsibilities,’ Europe minister Michael Roth said this morning.

‘Everyone has to stick to their commitments, this is clearly also true for companies that have promised the delivery of vaccine contingents.’

The row appears to be revolving around vaccine supplies being made at a factory in Leiden, Netherlands. Neither the UK nor EU is currently using the vaccine the plant is making but Britain has ruffled feathers by importing some to add to stocks being made in its own factories at a time when the EU claims AstraZeneca is under-delivering in Europe.

Although the UK is miles ahead in its vaccination programme, officials are still worried about the disruption an EU ban would cause. A source in Whitehall told The Times ‘we’re very worried about it’.